2024 Map of Big Lost River Sinks

About this map

The Lemhi Range looms over a distinctive geological landscape in this corner of Butte County, where the desert floor meets the base of rising mountain slopes. This map documents a critical terminal point for regional drainage, centered on the Big Lost River Sinks. Here, the waters of the Lost River Basin essentially disappear into the subsurface of the Snake River Plain, creating a unique hydrologic feature. The topography is defined by the Dry Channel Big Lost River, which meanders across the plain toward the sinks, appearing as a seasonal or intermittent pathway. The human imprint on this arid terrain is minimal but precise, characterized by the straight-line paths of Lincoln Blvd and Cinder Butte Rd, reflecting the modern infrastructure and access routes used to navigate this open sagebrush and volcanic environment.