1971 Map of Chimney Rock

About this map

Chimney Rock stands as a prominent landmark in this high-desert landscape, situated along the county line between Lake Co and Harney Co. The 1971 aerial survey reveals a terrain defined by sparse water sources and ranching infrastructure, where life depends on localized features like South Corral Spring and Lake Waterhole. Settlement is limited to the remote Spalding area, with the nearby Spalding Reservoir and Twin Reservoirs providing critical water management for the arid surroundings. This map illustrates the intersection of natural drainage and human effort, as seen in the steep descents of Sage Hen Canyon and Rocky Canyon. The presence of numerous named waterholes, such as Mud Pot Waterhole, suggests the specialized local knowledge required to navigate and utilize this remote interior of Oregon during the early 1970s.