Loading map...

2012 Map of Murken Bench

Name: 2012 Topographic Map of Murken Bench
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2012
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2012

About this map

The volcanic topography of Shasta County is defined here by the steep ascent of the Hat Creek Rim, a dramatic fault scarp that overlooks the water-scarce landscape below. Standing atop this elevation, the Hat Creek Rim Lookout provides a vantage point over a terrain shaped by ancient eruptions, including the nearby Cinder Butte. Scientific interests are represented by the presence of the University of California Observatory, which utilizes the high elevation and clear skies of this region for astronomical research.

Water management is central to the land use shown here, with numerous small impoundments such as Alcohol Jacks Reservoir, Moon Springs Reservoir, and Porcupine Reservoir scattered across the bench. These features, alongside the historic Bidwell Ranch, illustrate the reliance on managed water sources in an area where creeks like Lost Cr and Procter Cr navigate a complex network of forest service roads.