2011 Map of Austin

About this map

The Middle Fork John Day River winds through this high-elevation landscape in the Blue Mountains, anchoring a network of remote meadows and flats. The settlement of Austin sits near the headwaters of Mill Creek, representing a historic junction in Grant County's rugged interior. The terrain is defined by its drainage systems, including Dry Fork Clear Creek and Phipps Creek, which carve through the timbered uplands. This area is characterized by open clearings such as Japanese Meadow, Phipps Meadow, and Olmstead Meadow, which have long served as landmarks for grazing and backcountry travel. Notable locations like Sullens Cow Camp and Camp Flat reflect the area's history of seasonal land use, while geological features such as Frosty Gulch and Sixteen Gulch emphasize the complex topography of the John Day basin.