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1967 Map of Diamond Swamp

Name: 1967 Topographic Map of Diamond Swamp
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1981
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1981

About this map

The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge dominates this volcanic and marshland landscape in Blitzen Valley, where the Donner und Blitzen River feeds a complex network of man-made irrigation. An extensive system of waterways, including the Skunk Canal, Diamond Canal, and South Lane Canal, reveals the engineered effort to manage water within the Diamond Swamp. This intersection of arid geology and managed wetlands is most striking at the border of the Lava flows and the Diamond Craters, which rise sharply above the saturated lowlands.

Infrastructure supporting the refuge and local livestock operations is visible at the Buena Vista Patrol Station and the small settlement at Grain Camp. Topographical features like Jackass Mountain and Buena Vista Butte provide vertical contrast to the seasonally dry Buena Vista Lake (Alkali Flat). Notable landmarks for local history include the Grain Camp Dam and several springs, such as Hog Wallow Spring and Oliver Spring, which were vital water sources in this high desert environment.