1959 Map of Dog Mountain

About this map

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge anchors the southern portion of this Harney County landscape, dominated by the expansive Harney Lake (Salt) and its surrounding Sand Dunes. The terrain is defined by dramatic volcanic and erosional features, most notably the prominent Wrights Point plateau and the eponymous Dog Mountain. The hydrology of the area in the late 1950s is remarkably complex, featuring a network of ephemeral basins and permanent waters such as Potters Swamp and Albert Lake. To the north, the Silvies River and Sage Hen Creek meander through the Sage Hen Valley, while numerous family-named landmarks like Frank Schmidt Lake and Batts Camp Lake suggest a history of localized grazing or homesteading. Transportation is sparse, relying on rugged routes like the Savage Grade Jeep Trail to navigate the canyons and hollows.