2023 Map of Buchanan

About this map

Malheur National Forest dominates the high desert terrain of eastern Oregon, where water management is the defining feature of the landscape. The small settlement of Buchanan sits near the junction of Crane-Buchanan Rd and Spring Creek, serving as a vital landmark in an area characterized by sophisticated water storage. A series of catchment systems, including the Upper Jones Canyon Reservoir and Lower Jones Canyon Reservoir, illustrate the historical reliance on seasonal runoff to support livestock and agriculture in the Cow Creek Valley. Family-named landmarks such as Poujade Field and Oard Flat suggest a long history of local ranching and land use. The topography is further defined by geologic features like the Gravel Ridges and numerous springs, including Rinfroe Springs and Demeris Spring, which provided essential water sources before the development of modern reservoirs.