2017 Map of Palomino Lake

About this map

The Saddle Butte Lava Field dominates this section of the High Desert, revealing a stark volcanic landscape in eastern Malheur County. Geologic features such as the Saddle Butte Lava Tube and the wide expanse of the lava field itself indicate the ancient volcanic activity that shaped this high-elevation plateau. Sparse water resources are centered around Palomino Lake and the Sheephead Reservoir, which suggest the essential infrastructure for ranching and seasonal grazing in this arid environment. Transportation through this remote territory is limited to primitive routes like Iron Mountain Rd and Kiger Rd, reflecting a landscape primarily utilized for large-scale land management and livestock. Subtle drainage patterns from Ryegrass Cr and Scott Butte Cr further define the local topography, marking the few natural corridors where water moves across the volcanic plains.