2014 Map of McCarthy Ridge

About this map

The high desert landscape of eastern Oregon is defined here by the drainage networks of Dry Gulch and the prominent McCarthy Ridge. In this arid portion of Malheur County, water management is the primary marker of human presence, seen in several high-elevation catchments such as the McCarthy Ridge Reservoir, Tub Mountain Reservoir, and W Tub Mountain Reservoir. These reservoirs, along with numerous named seeps like Mud Spring, Beirman Spring, and McDowell Spring, supported the region's ranching and livestock operations. A significant historical corridor, the Old Oregon Trl, cuts through the eastern portion of the map, tracing a route through Moores Hollow and around the base of Tub Mtn. The transport network is further filled out by local tracks such as Lockett Rd and McCarthy Ridge Rd, which follow the natural contours of the ridges and canyons.