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1990 Map of Hughet Valley

Name: 1990 Topographic Map of Hughet Valley
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1990
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1990

About this map

Malheur National Forest and Ochoco National Forest dominate this high-desert landscape in Harney County, where the topography is defined by the drainage of Emigrant Creek and Hughet Valley Creek. The 1990 provisional data reveals a classic Western ranching economy, mapping several family-named outposts including Ramsey Ranch, Dunn Ranch, and the Carlon Ranch (Site). Water management is critical in this arid environment, evidenced by a dense network of small reservoirs and springs such as Dead Mule Reservoir, Gunther Reservoir, and Professor Spring.

Canyons like Dead Mule Canyon and Deer Cave Canyon cut through the forest boundaries, while unnamed peaks reach over 5,000 feet. The map provides a detailed view of the regional infrastructure before late-century changes, showing the transition from the timbered heights of Sawtooth Creek to the lower meadows along Skull Creek. This survey serves as a vital record for genealogists and local historians tracking the development of remote ranching sites in the Oregon interior.