2023 Map of Bowden Waterhole

About this map

Bowden Waterhole serves as a vital landmark in this high-desert stretch of Malheur County, where water sources dictate the movement of people and livestock. The map documents an intricate network of ranch roads and drainage systems, including Ninety Five Reservoir and the headwaters of Oregon Canyon Creek. Named ranch roads such as Echave Ranch Rd and Battle Creek Ranch Rd suggest the enduring importance of cattle ranching in this southeastern Oregon landscape. The topography transitions from the heights of Blue Mtn and the distinctively level Flat Top down into Blue Mountain Draw, illustrating the rugged catchment area for local seasonal flows. This recent survey captures the contemporary state of the range, including crossings over Jackson Creek and Jaca Creek before they merge or vanish into the desert floor.