1989 Map of Blue River

About this map

The confluence of the Mc Kenzie River and the Blue River anchors this late-twentieth-century study of the western Cascades. Dominated by the timberlands of the Willamette National Forest, the landscape reflects a transition from early extractive industries to federal land management and recreation. Hard-rock mining history is preserved at the North Star Mine and Lucky Boy Mine, while the nearby Renfrew Grave and Renfrew Spring offer a genealogical trace of early settlers in the rugged terrain of the Linn and Lane county line. The hydrographic character of the region is defined by the Blue River Dam, which creates the sprawling Blue River Lake. This reservoir, along with the South Fork of the Mc Kenzie, supports a network of public access points including the Mona Campground, Delta Campground, and several boat landings. The map also captures several distinctive natural landmarks like Deathball Rock and the prominent Thors Hammer formation.