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1962 Map of Opal City

Name: 1962 Topographic Map of Opal City
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1963
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1963

About this map

Crooked River carves a deep, winding course through this Central Oregon landscape, defining the boundary between Jefferson and Deschutes counties. The early 1960s terrain is characterized by the massive presence of volcanic landforms, notably Juniper Butte and Haystack Butte, which rise sharply above the high desert floor. The vital role of water management in this arid region is evident through the extensive irrigation network, including the North Unit Main Canal and the Haystack Reservoir, supporting the local agricultural economy around the settlement of Opal City.

Transportation and recreation are central to the area's development. The Oregon Trunk railway parallels the highway, while the preservation of the river canyon is marked by Peter Skene Ogden State Park and Smith Rock State Park. Local landmarks like Osborne Canyon and several named springs such as Nichols Spring highlight the historical importance of water sources for early settlers and travelers in the high desert.