2011 Map of Devils Backbone

About this map

Potters Cemetery sits as a solitary landmark of human presence in this sparsely populated stretch of Sherman County. The landscape is defined by the significant hydrological influence of the John Day River and the winding course of Hay Creek, which carves through the terrain alongside the prominent ridge known as the Devils Backbone. This area, characterized by deep ravines like Sixmile Canyon and Spring Hollow, reflects a rural livestock and dryland farming environment where water sources such as Sevenmile Spring were essential for survival. Transport across these ridges and canyons is maintained by local routes including Hay Canyon Rd and Mikkalo Ln, providing access to isolated family-named landmarks and the rugged geography of the high plateau country.