Loading map...

2020 Map of Chicago Valley

Name: 2020 Topographic Map of Chicago Valley
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2020
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

Chicago Valley defines this high-desert landscape in Lake County, characterized by its reliance on dispersed water sources and distinct topographic breaks. The eastern edge is bounded by the dramatic Stauffer Rim, overlooking a terrain where seasonal hydrology is the primary indicator of land use and survival. Scattered throughout the basin are named catchment points like Musser Waterhole, Parachute Pond, and the Dry Lake Waterhole, which provide essential resources for local livestock and wildlife in an otherwise arid environment.

To the southwest, the terrain transitions into Browns Valley, while individual features like Hidden Lake and Webster Waterhole serve as critical landmarks for those navigating the interior. This 2020 survey by the U.S. Geological Survey captures the enduring isolation of this region, where the naming of every reliable water source reflects its vital importance to the ranching and natural history of the Oregon high desert.