2014 Map of McDonald

About this map

John Day River carves a deep, winding path through the basalt plateaus of Sherman and Gilliam counties, defining the remote character of this landscape. Near the river's bend, the small settlement of McDonalds serves as a focal point in a region dominated by sharp elevation changes and deep coulees like Grass Valley Canyon. The names of the local thoroughfares, such as McDonald Ferry Ln and McDonalds Ferry Rd, speak to the historic importance of river crossings in this arid interior. To the south, the topography rises toward Starvation Point, a landmark reached via Starvation Ln that overlooks the rugged breaks of the canyon system. This 2014 survey documents the persistence of isolated ranching and transit infrastructure in the Oregon high country, where long-established section lines and roads like Baseline Ln still provide the primary framework for movement across the benchlands.