1969 Map of Little Grassy Mountain

About this map

Swisher Ranch serves as a lone marker of human habitation in this high-desert reach of Malheur County at the end of the 1960s. The landscape is defined by a critical network of water management, featuring names like Little Grassy Reservoir, Rock Creek Reservoir, and Plateau Reservoir, which were essential for supporting livestock in this arid environment. The topography is anchored by Little Grassy Mtn and the distinct geological features of Black Butte and the curious depression known as Hole in Ground. Numerous Jeep Trails and unnamed trails crisscross the terrain, suggesting a reliance on seasonal access for ranching operations. To the south, the deep relief of Owyhee Canyon begins to emerge, while Juniper Ridge and Soldier Creek dominate the eastern and southern drainage patterns of this remote plateau.