2011 Map of Miranda Flat SW

About this map

Alvord Ranch sits at the base of the rising highlands in Harney County, serving as a rare point of human settlement on the edge of the expansive Alvord Desert. This 2011 survey captures the stark transition between the stark, flat playa of the desert floor and the drainage systems descending from the west, most notably Big Alvord Creek. The map documents the isolation of this corner of Oregon, where the landscape is primarily defined by the intersection of high-desert basins and the vital water sources that sustain the local ranching tradition. The precise contours and 4WD routes shown illustrate the area's role as a destination for desert exploration and a working agricultural landscape.