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1963 Map of Benham Falls

Name: 1963 Topographic Map of Benham Falls
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1964
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1964

About this map

The Deschutes River serves as the central artery for this stretch of the Deschutes National Forest, carved by dramatic volcanic activity. This 1963 field-checked survey highlights the river's cascading descent through Lava Island Falls, Dillon Falls, and the namesake Benham Falls. The eastern bank is dominated by extensive lava flows, while the western side features more diverse terrain, including Ryan Ranch Meadow and numerous natural water sources like Kiwa Springs and Coyote Springs.

Of particular interest to historians is the designated Camp Abbot (Site) at the southern edge of the map, a former World War II engineer replacement training center. The area’s post-war transition to recreation is evident in the cluster of riverside facilities, such as Slough Campground and Aspen Campground. Local infrastructure of the era is represented by the Great Northern Trail, various cinder pits, and a Gaging Station monitoring the river’s flow.