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2017 Map of Esau Canyon

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Esau Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

The John Day River carves a deep, winding path through this high desert plateau, forming a natural boundary between Sherman and Gilliam counties. Connectivity across this dramatic landscape is maintained by the Cottonwood Bridge and the steep, engineered descents of Ruggles Grade and Taylor Grade. These routes provide essential access from the uplands down to the riverbanks, where narrow corridors of vegetation stand in contrast to the arid tablelands above.

Inland from the river, the terrain is defined by a network of deep drainages including Esau Canyon, Buck Hollow, and Devils Canyon. The presence of the Ajax Airport and Esau Rd indicates the ongoing ranching and agricultural utility of the region. This 2017 survey captures the sparse infrastructure of the Oregon backcountry, from the heights of Devils Butte to the bottom of Ferry Canyon, documenting the enduring topography and essential transit points of the Columbia Plateau.