2011 Map of Blitzen

About this map

Blitzen sits as a primary point of reference in the high desert of Harney County, illustrating the sparse settlement patterns characteristic of the Oregon interior. The landscape is dominated by the broad expanse of the Catlow Valley, where a network of straight-line tracks and improved roads like Catlow Valley Rd traverse the arid basin. This 2011 survey by the U.S. Geological Survey captures the geography of the region at a time when traditional ranching routes and remote access roads remained the primary human footprint on the land. The mapping focuses heavily on the natural hydrography and elevation contours of the valley floor, providing a clear view of the drainage patterns and terrain of this part of the Great Basin.