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1953 Map of Picture Gorge

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Picture Gorge
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1977
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1977

About this map

John Day River carves through the center of this high-desert landscape on the border of Wheeler and Grant counties. The area is dominated by the geological preserves of John Day Fossil Beds State Park, including the prominent Turtle Cove and Goose Rock. Human activity is marked by a network of cattle and sheep ranches along the river breaks, such as the Cant Ranch and Mascall Ranch.

Evidence of earlier settlement and industry is scattered throughout the drainages, notably the Erickson Mill (Aban'd) near Timber Basin. Numerous historic structures are documented, including the Old Johnson Cabin, Old Armunger Cabin, and Old Watkins Cabin, which point to a localized economy of remote grazing and timber harvesting. The terrain transitions from the heights of Rudio Mountain down through the dramatic narrows of Picture Gorge, where the canyon walls provided a natural corridor for travel.