2020 Map of Payne Creek

About this map

The Oregon Canyon Mountains dominate this high-desert landscape in southeastern Oregon, where water management is the primary human imprint on the land. A sophisticated network of small-scale water infrastructure is evident through numerous upland impoundments such as West Cherokee Reservoir, Long Ridge Reservoir, and Opal Reservoir. These features, along with the Dry Draw Reservoir, suggest a legacy of ranching and livestock management in a region where seasonal drainage is critical. The terrain is deeply incised by drainages like Cherokee Canyon and Rattlesnake Canyon, which funnel runoff toward the southern basin of McDermitt Cr. Remote access is maintained through a system of rugged tracks including Turner Ranch Rd and Fifteenmile Reservoir Rd, providing a detailed look at how this arid territory was partitioned and utilized in the modern era.