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2011 Map of Burns Butte

Name: 2011 Topographic Map of Burns Butte
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2011
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

Burns Butte and the surrounding high desert of Harney County are defined by a network of seasonal water sources and ranching infrastructure in this early 21st-century survey. The landscape is oriented around Willow Creek, which feeds into Willow Creek Flats and is supported by several man-made catchments including West Willow Creek Reservoir, Cherry Spring Reservoir, and Halfway Reservoir. These water features indicate the ongoing importance of livestock management in this arid region of Oregon.

Evidence of human movement and land use appears in the south with the Bugman Ranch near Sage Hen Creek, while the timber industry's reach is visible via the Hines Logging Rd winding through the northern sections. Topographical landmarks such as Potter Peak, Brush Canyon, and the expanse of Sandy Flat illustrate the varied terrain that shapes the local drainage patterns. The map highlights how natural springs like Alder Spring and Rimrock Spring remain vital points in a territory where water dictates the location of both historical and modern ranching operations.