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2017 Map of Aldrich Gulch

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Aldrich Gulch
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

The Ochoco National Forest defines the western landscape of this section of Grant County, where a complex network of high-elevation drainages feeds into the S Fork John Day River. The terrain is marked by distinctive peaks such as Battle Creek Mtn and Youngs Butte in the north, giving way to the prominent Jackass Mtn in the east. Numerous small reservoirs, including Lost Indian Reservoir, Wigwam Reservoir, and Ringsmeyer Reservoir, are scattered throughout the forest, suggesting a landscape heavily managed for water retention and livestock.

Evidence of historical land use is found in the colorful naming of the many gulches, such as Chickenhouse Gulch, Doghouse Gulch, and Placedor Gulch. These small canyons, alongside features like Groundhog Knoll and Deadman Gulch, reflect the localized vocabulary of early ranchers and prospectors in the Aldrich Mountains. Forest development roads like Natl Forest Develop Road 5850 RD provide the primary access through this remote timber and range country.