2020 Map of Willis Buttes

About this map

Willis Buttes and a series of prominent high points dominate this McCone County landscape, where the high plains break into complex coulees and divides. The drainage pattern is defined by Shade Cr and its northern and southern prongs, which are managed by a network of upland water catchments including Jays Reservoir, Goose Island Reservoir, and Hell Gate Reservoir. These scattered reservoirs and springs, such as Horsford Spring and Alecs Springs, suggest a ranching economy reliant on carefully distributed water sources across the semi-arid terrain. Named landmarks like Bald Butte, Teton Butte, and Vanderhoof Hill provide essential orientation markers, while the Bonin Divide in the southwest marks the separation of local watersheds. Transportation is limited to remote corridors like Maxwell Hill Rd and Shade Creek Rd, reflecting the low-density, wide-open character of this part of Montana.