1967 Map of Blue Canyon

About this map

Auburn sits as a remnant of former settlement within the high reaches of the Whitman National Forest, reflecting the area's transition from a mining and timber hub to a managed wilderness. Traces of human presence remain visible through the Cem and the Malloy Cabin, while the landscape is defined by the steep descent of the Elkhorn Ridge. This 1967 survey, with updates from the early 1980s, highlights the essential water management systems of the region, including the Baker City Watershed and several reservoirs like Old Auburn Res. The southern edge of the map follows the winding path of the Powder River, which feeds into the eastern reaches of Phillips Lake. This intersection of conservation and utility is further evidenced by the Elkhorn Wildlife Area and its Elkhorn Feeding Station, established to support local fauna amidst the gulches and peaks.