Loading map...

2017 Map of Blue Mountain Basin

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Blue Mountain Basin
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

Blue Mountain Basin defines this high-desert landscape in southeastern Malheur County, where the management of water is the primary human imprint on the land. The terrain is characterized by the prominent rise of Blue Mtn and the topographic high point at Twelvemile Summit. A network of catchment systems, including West Blue Reservoir and Dinky Reservoir, illustrates the intensive ranching infrastructure required to sustain livestock in this arid environment.

Evidence of local ranching heritage is visible in the naming of features such as Enchave Ranch Rd and Echave Reservoir. Natural water sources like Achabal Spring and Ditch Spring provide historical anchor points for understanding the early movement of people and cattle through the Blue Mountain Draw. The map meticulously details the section lines and township boundaries of the Public Land Survey System, which organized this vast open range into the managed parcels of today.