1971 Map of Coyote Gap

About this map

Catlow Valley dominates this high-desert landscape in southeastern Oregon, where a sharp rimrock escarpment drops nearly one thousand feet into the arid basin. Water management is the primary narrative of this cattle country, evidenced by a scattered network of improvements like Well No 2, Well No 7, and the AP Well. This 1971 field-checked survey reveals the logistical footprint of ranching operations centered around Coyote Gap Corral, which sits at the base of the Coyote Gap passage through the rim. The inclusion of ephemeral features like Garrison Lake and various dry holes like the Dry Well northwest of the escarpment illustrates the challenges of maintaining livestock in this isolated corner of Harney County. The topography highlights a stark contrast between the elevated plateau and the lower-lying depression, a transition zone critical for local rangeland navigation.