Loading map...

1950 Map of Upper Red Rock Lake

Name: 1950 Topographic Map of Upper Red Rock Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1964
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1964

About this map

Centennial Valley and the high peaks of the Centennial Mountains dominate this 1950 survey, showcasing a landscape defined by the Continental Divide and the waters of Upper Red Rock Lake. The area serves as a critical junction of ranching and conservation, with the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge protecting the marshes of Swan Lake while several family-run operations like the Hanson Ranch and Cook Sheep Ranch dot the valley floor.

Transport and recreation in this remote corner of Beaverhead County are centered around high-altitude crossings and lakefront destinations. The Selby Resort on the shores of Elk Lake suggests the era's growing interest in alpine tourism, while multiple mountain passes, including Red Rock Pass and Snowshoe Pass, facilitate movement between Montana and Idaho. The map reveals a complex network of ranching outposts such as Alaska Basin and Holt Ranch, linked by light-duty roads and the Red Rock River.