2011 Map of Palomino Hills

About this map

The Palomino Hills dominate this portion of Malheur County, defining a high-desert landscape shaped by intermittent water sources and ranching infrastructure. Drainage patterns center on the south-flowing Drought Creek and the northeast-trending Palomino Creek, which are augmented by a series of man-made catchments vital for land management. These include Two Day Reservoir and Ridge End Reservoir, as well as the Palomino Creek Reservoir near the northern boundary. To the south, the terrain opens into the Big Basin, a significant topographical depression. This 2011 survey by the U. S. Geological Survey captures the specialized water-retention network, including the Lower Stockpile Reservoir, required to sustain utility in this arid Oregon environment. The map also traces the path of Scott Butte Creek as it exits the quadrangle to the east, illustrating the complex hydrology of the high plateau.