2014 Map of Willow Swamp

About this map

The Spanish Peaks and the northern reaches of the Madison Range dominate this high-altitude landscape within the Gallatin National Forest and Beaverhead National Forest. This 2014 survey documents a complex network of glacial cirques and alpine basins, including the namesake Willow Swamp and the expansive Cherry Creek Basin. A remarkable cluster of high mountain lakes defines the southern half of the quadrangle, including Big Brother Lake, Little Brother Lake, Little Sister Lake, and Marcheta Lake. These water bodies feed into steep drainages such as Falls Creek, which features the notable Pioneer Falls. The presence of several family-named or descriptive landmarks like Finnegan Ridge and Newell Basin provides touchstones for local history and geographic orientation. The map's detail is critical for understanding the hydrological connections between the South Fork Spanish Creek and the high basins of southwestern Montana.