1971 Map of Guano Reservoir

About this map

Catlow Valley dominates this high desert landscape, characterized by a vast basin of internal drainage along the border of Lake and Harney Counties. At its center lies Guano Reservoir, a vital water source in this arid region, fed by the seasonal drainage of Guano Slough. The topographic survey, based on 1969 photography, reveals a terrain shaped by gradual elevations and depressions rather than sharp peaks, though landmarks like Cox Butte and the winding descent of Black Canyon provide distinct navigational points. Human activity is sparsely recorded, represented primarily by infrastructure like Borrow Pits and a solitary Spring. This map illustrates the intersection of natural hydrology and land management in the Oregon backcountry during the early 1970s, marking the exact county line between Lake and Harney as it traverses the desert floor.