1972 Map of Aldrich Gulch

About this map

The South Fork John Day River cuts a deep path through the eastern reaches of the Ochoco National Forest in this 1970s landscape. The terrain is defined by a dense network of high ridges and deep gulches, such as Aldrich Gulch and Black Canyon, where water management for livestock and timber is evident through numerous small impoundments like Wigwam Reservoir and Ringsmeyer Reservoir. Settled history is marked by isolated homesteads and ranch sites, notably the Sundstrom Place (Site) and Black Canyon Ranch, situated along the few accessible benches above the river. The map details an era of heavy backcountry access, shown through named pack trails like the Payten Trail and Pullen Trail, which connect high points like Battle Creek Mountain and Youngs Butte to the valley floors.