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2014 Map of Alvord Hot Springs

Name: 2014 Topographic Map of Alvord Hot Springs
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2014
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2014

About this map

Alvord Hot Springs sits at the dramatic intersection of the high desert and the eastern slopes of the massive Steens Mtn fault block. This 2014 survey reveals a landscape defined by extreme elevation changes, where numerous drainages like Big Alvord Cr, Little Alvord Cr, and Pike Cr tumble down from the peaks toward the floor of the Alvord Desert. The contrast between the high Wildhorse Canyon and the flat alkaline playa reflects the classic Basin and Range geology of Harney County.

Water sources are the primary landmarks in this arid environment, ranging from the thermal waters at the springs to Belzar Spring and Willow Spring Cr. Transportation is limited to rugged corridors like Wildhorse Rd and E Steens Rd, which skirt the base of the mountains. The map captures the scale of the Wildhorse Valley and the vast, undeveloped reaches of southeastern Oregon as they appeared in the early 21st century.