1967 Map of Oregon Butte

About this map

Umatilla National Forest occupies this high-elevation landscape in the Blue Mountains, where the deep drainage of the West Fork Wenaha River carves through the basaltic plateaus. The topography is dominated by long, parallel ridgelines such as Green Ridge, French Ridge, and Grizzly Bear Ridge, which served as the primary conduits for early forest travel. At the height of the range, the Oregon Butte Lookout stands near West Butte, providing a strategic vantage over a network of vital water sources. These dispersed springs, including Moolack, Hatfield, and Emergency Spring, were critical for supporting both sheep grazing and early fire suppression efforts. The presence of features like Pearson Spring and Rettkowski Spring suggests the historical importance of the high country for seasonal range management during the mid-20th century.