2020 Map of Mosquito Flat

About this map

The Silvies River winds through the northern portion of this high-desert landscape in Harney County, illustrating the vital role of water in the eastern Oregon backcountry. Much of the terrain is defined by the Malheur National Forest, where drainage systems like Poison Cr and Buck Cr carve through prominent features such as Gravel Ridge and Mahogany Ridge. The name Mosquito Flat points to the seasonal presence of moisture in an otherwise arid environment, supported by a network of scattered water sources including Bob Bennett Spring, Peabody Spring, and Landing Creek Spring. These springs and canyons, including Devine Canyon and Heifer Canyon, suggest a history of seasonal grazing and livestock movement through the National Forest boundary. The map provides a detailed look at the hydrology and land-management boundaries that have long shaped the ranching and timber interests of this remote region.