2011 Map of Bogus Bench

About this map

Bogus Bench defines the central topography of this Malheur County landscape, where volcanic history is written into the naming of features like West Crater and Lava Sinks Reservoir. This high-desert environment is characterized by a complex network of man-made water storage, essential for ranching and land management. These include the Indian Camp Reservoir, Cave Reservoir, and the tiered systems of Mud Creek Reservoir Number One and Deer Butte Reservoir Number Two. The reliance on surface water management is further evidenced by long-standing ranch roads such as Miller Ln and Stitzel Rd, which connect remote catchments across the plateau. The drainage pattern of Bogus Creek and Mud Creek dictates the placement of these vital reservoirs, reflecting the localized geography of water access in eastern Oregon.