1956 Map of Valsetz

About this map

The timber town of Valsetz and the surrounding Coast Range peaks define this mid-century survey of the Lincoln and Polk County border. As of 1956, the landscape is a network of active and former logging infrastructure, including the logging community at Western Camp and several specialized outposts like Boulder Camp and Camp Russell. The rugged terrain is punctuated by high-elevation fire watch points, including the Fanno Peak Lookout and Condenser Peak Lookout. The drainage of the Siletz River and Valsetz Lake provides the focal point for local operations, while the presence of the Lost Railroad Grade and Old Railroad Grade near Black Rock highlights the shifting transportation methods of the timber industry as rails gave way to truck roads. From the deep canyons of Gorge Canyon to the heights of Laurel Mtn, the map documents a working forest during the peak of the post-war timber boom.