2020 Map of Johnny Creek Spring

About this map

Saddle Butte Lava Field dominates the high-desert topography of this Malheur County landscape, where the volcanic history of the region is etched into the terrain. The northern stretches of the Sheepshead Mountains rise in the west, while Cone Ridge provides a distinct landmark near the center. The drainage patterns of the Great Basin are clearly visible through the seasonal paths of Ryegrass Creek and its southern fork, which cut through the arid soil towards the lower elevations. Human presence in this isolated portion of southeastern Oregon is sparse, represented primarily by the winding route of N Fork Ryegrass Creek Rd and the township and range lines that demarcate the public land survey system. Along the southern border, the headwaters of Johnny Creek emerge, further illustrating the complex hydrology of these remote uplands.