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2020 Map of Joseph

Name: 2020 Topographic Map of Joseph
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2020
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

Joseph sits at the northern tip of the glacial Wallowa Lake, serving as a gateway to the high peaks and protected lands of northeast Oregon. The landscape is a study in transition, where the organized grid of town streets like S Main St and E Wallowa Ave meets a sophisticated network of irrigation systems including Granger Ditch, Wrenn Dobbin Ditch, and Farmers Ditch. These waterways represent the vital agricultural infrastructure of the valley floor, contrasting sharply with the rising elevation of the Wallowa National Forest to the south.

Cultural significance is deeply embedded in the terrain, most notably at the Nez Perce National Historical Park which encompasses the Old Chief Joseph Gravesite. The map tracks the steep ascent into the mountains via the High Wallowa Loop Natl Rec Tr, passing Wallowa Falls and the towering heights of Chief Joseph. From the quiet grounds of Prairie Creek Cem to the active recreational waters of the lake, this survey records a place where indigenous history, pioneer engineering, and wilderness conservation converge.