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2020 Map of Palisades

Name: 2020 Topographic Map of Palisades
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2020
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

Douglas Creek carves a deep path through this portion of the Columbia Plateau, defining the settlement patterns and road networks within the canyon floor. The community of Palisades serves as the primary focal point, situated at the confluence of several drainages where the water table supports local life in an otherwise arid landscape. High above the valley, the summit of Badger Mountain dominates the western horizon, overlooking a network of springs and intermittent streams.

Water sources are vital markers in this terrain, with named features like Skookumchuck Spring, McCue Spring, and Whiskey Dick Creek indicating the historical importance of reliable water for ranching and transit. These natural landmarks, alongside the winding Slack Canyon Road and Plateau Vista Way, illustrate the modern navigation of a topography shaped by ancient floods and persistent seasonal flows.