1963 Map of Lava Butte

About this map

Volcanic topography dominates this section of the Deschutes National Forest, where the prominent cinder cone of Lava Butte rises above extensive lava flows. The 1963 landscape is marked by the Lava Butte Fire Lookout and the subterranean features of Lava River Caves State Park, illustrating the region's geological significance. Human intervention in this high-desert environment is evident through the irrigation infrastructure of the Arnold Canal and the presence of a Landing Strip and multiple wells near the Great Northern rail line. Additional cinder cones like Bessie Butte, Luna Butte, and Klawhop Butte dot the terrain, while the Cinder Pit near Green Mountain indicates local resource extraction. The map also records the network of forest roads, including Swamp Wells Road and Paulina Road, which provided access for timber management and fire suppression during the mid-20th century.