1954 Map of Deer Island

About this map

Deer Island and its complex network of sloughs and lakes dominate this reach of the Columbia River along the border of Oregon and Washington. The landscape is defined by the tension between the river's natural hydrology and industrial development, featuring numerous named water bodies like Swan Lake, Cottonwood Lake, and Resting Lake set against the Burlington Northern railroad corridor. On the Oregon side, settlements such as Columbia City and Waterview sit near the base of Maple Hill, while the County Fairgrounds suggests a regional hub of activity. Across the channel, the Washington shoreline near Woodland is marked by the Union Pacific line and the Old Pacific Highway. Notable landmarks such as Cloverdale Sch and the Caples Landing (Site) provide specific points of interest for local historians tracking the evolution of riverfront landings and rural education.