2017 Map of Paiute Butte

About this map

Paiute Butte rises as the dominant landmark in this high desert landscape of Harney County, where drainage patterns and seasonal water bodies define the terrain. The presence of several distinct lakebeds, including China Lake, Papoose Lake, and Yellowstone Lake, suggests a basin where water collection is ephemeral and central to the local environment. Human activity is marked by a network of utilitarian routes such as Placidia Butte Rd and Squaw Butte Rd, which navigate the slopes and flats between these water features. To the south, Big Stick Cr and the Lone Tree Reservoir indicate efforts to manage the limited water resources of the region. This 2017 survey reflects the enduring character of the Oregon high country, where named landmarks often center on isolated buttes and the rare, critical points of hydration like Evening Lake.