2014 Map of Mann Lake

About this map

Steens Mtn dominates the eastern high desert landscape of Harney County, its massive slopes feeding a network of seasonal drainages and springs. This 2014 survey documents the remote hydrology of the Great Basin, where Mann Lake serves as a primary catchment for water flowing from the western mountain faces. The geography is characterized by high-altitude grazing areas like Paddle Meadows and Sullivan Meadows, while the curiously named Hole in the Ground provides a distinct geological focal point near the lake's western edge. Human passage through this isolation is centered on E Steens Rd, which traces the contours below Stonehouse Canyon. Vital water sources including Big Springs, Strode Springs, and Barrel Springs are mapped with precision, highlighting the critical importance of these features for livestock and wildlife in a region defined by its scarcity of permanent water.