1970 Map of Alderdale

About this map

The Columbia River and the waters of Lake Umatilla dominate this landscape along the Oregon-Washington border, separating Klickitat, Morrow, and Gilliam counties. The topography is defined by the sharp ascent of Alder Ridge and Sand Ridge to the north, while the southern banks reveal a series of deep drainage channels including Threemile Canyon and Sixmile Canyon. This 1970 photorevised survey illustrates a critical transportation corridor, where the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern railroads parallel the river on opposite shores. Small settlements like Alderdale and McCredie serve as anchors for the local rail and agricultural activity. Landmarks such as Golgotha Butte rise above the river valley, marking the transition from the basalt-carved river basin to the high plateaus and rangelands of the interior Northwest.