1963 Map of Lava Butte

About this map

Volcanic topography dominates this mid-century survey of the high desert south of Bend, where the Deschutes National Forest meets sprawling fields of Lava. Central to the landscape is the cinder cone of Lava Butte, overlooking a complex network of forest roads and geologic features including Lava River Caves State Park. The map documents the early infrastructure of the region, from the Arnold Canal with its Siphon to the remote Landing Strip and several Cinder Pits utilized for road building. A series of prominent peaks, such as Green Mountain, Bessie Butte, and Klawhop Butte, define the horizon. Researchers will find the 1963 field check particularly useful for tracing the original routes of the Great Northern Road and Ice Cave Road before modern highway realignments and recreation development altered the backcountry access points.