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1969 Map of Dry Creek Rim

Name: 1969 Topographic Map of Dry Creek Rim
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1973
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1973

About this map

The Owyhee River carves a deep path through the high desert of Malheur County, anchored by the steep walls of the Owyhee Canyon. This 1969 field-checked survey reveals an arid landscape managed through a complex network of water infrastructure, featuring numerous named catchments such as Eiguren Reservoir, Pinto Horse Reservoir, and Fretwell Reservoir. These small reservoirs, scattered across the plateau, suggest the vital importance of seasonal water management for ranching in this corner of eastern Oregon.

Running north to south, the Dry Creek Rim provides a distinctive geological break above the winding course of Dry Creek. The presence of an Aqueduct and Canal in the northern reaches, alongside various Jeep Trails, illustrates how human activity and transit adapted to the challenging relief. For researchers, these named features and water works offer a clear picture of land use in the Owyhee country during the late 1960s.