2020 Map of Fossil South

About this map

Fossil sits at the northern edge of this Oregon landscape, anchored by the Wheeler County Courthouse and the Fossil IOOF Cem. The terrain south of the town center is defined by a dense network of canyons and high points, including the prominent Steiwer Peaks and Bald Mtn. Water sources like Butte Cr and Cottonwood Cr wind through the topography, supporting named landmarks such as Grant Meadow and The Rafferty. This 2020 survey reveals a modern rural infrastructure where old routes like Lords Trail and Rancheria L O Rd cut through the high desert environment. The map details numerous named geographic features such as Schoolhouse Canyon, Sawpit Canyon, and Cave Hollow, which suggest a long history of local land use, from timbering and ranching to early settlement needs. The elevation reaches distinctive summits at Prindle Peak and the southern Crown Rock, providing a clear look at the geological character of the John Day country.