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1981 Map of Bulger Ridge

Name: 1981 Topographic Map of Bulger Ridge
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1982
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1982

About this map

The high desert terrain of eastern Oregon is meticulously documented here along the boundary of Crook and Harney Counties. Centered on the prominent landforms of Buck Mountain and Bulger Ridge, this area within the Ochoco National Forest reveals a landscape defined by its scarce but vital water sources. Numerous reservoirs and springs, such as Jacks Camp Reservoir, Meadow Reservoir, and Shangri-la Spring, are scattered across the high flats and canyons, indicating the region's importance for livestock and seasonal grazing.

Evidence of remote ranching and land use is visible at Juniper Hill Ranch and the Corral near Ryegrass Flat. The map traces various primitive 4WD tracks that navigate the ridges, including Juniper Ridge and Nicoll Ridge, connecting isolated features like Spencers Waterhole and North Sheep Lake. This survey captures the character of the Oregon interior just before the turn of the late 20th century, where the economy remained tied to the rugged geography of canyons like Mill Ryegrass Canyon Creek.