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1984 Map of Louse Canyon

Name: 1984 Topographic Map of Louse Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1986
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1986

About this map

The Fort Mcdermitt Indian Reservation straddles the border of Oregon and Nevada in this high-desert region, where the town of McDermitt serves as a primary hub for travel along Highway 95. The landscape is dominated by the intricate drainage systems of the Owyhee River and the Little Owyhee River, which have carved deep canyons like Louse Canyon Creek through the volcanic plateaus. To the west, the Oregon Canyon Mountains and the heights of Blue Mountain provide a dramatic backdrop to the vast flats and rangelands.

Local infrastructure in the mid-1980s is centered around ranching and transit, evidenced by the McDermitt State Airport and remote landings like the C Ranch Airstrip. Geologic and historical markers are scattered throughout the basin, from the distinctive Hole-in-the-Ground to the high vantage point at Radio High Peak. For those researching local history, the placement of the Schoolhouse near the mountains and numerous reservoirs such as Black Butte Lake Reservoir illustrate the distribution of water and education in this sparsely populated tri-state corner.