2011 Map of Big Pasture Creek

About this map

Kiger Gorge anchors this high-elevation landscape in Harney County, where steep drainage systems define the rugged terrain of southeastern Oregon. The map illustrates a complex network of seasonal and perennial waterways, including the prominent Big Pasture Creek and its tributary, West Fork Big Pasture Creek. The presence of Doe Camp in the northwest suggests the long-standing use of this high country for seasonal grazing or hunting, a pattern common to the Steens Mountain region. Evidence of the area's essential water sources is found at Waterhole Spring and along the various creeks like McCoy Creek and Cucamonga Creek. This 2011 survey captures the hydrological character of the Steens area before more recent environmental changes, showing how natural landmarks like Trail Creek and Basque Creek serve as critical reference points in an otherwise sparsely populated wilderness.