2014 Map of Picture Gorge West

About this map

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument dominates this portion of the high desert landscape along the border of Wheeler and Grant counties. The John Day River carves through the terrain, creating significant geological landmarks such as the namesake Picture Gorge and the prominent Sheep Rock. This 2014 survey documents the modern infrastructure supporting access to these ancient geological formations, including the Goose Rock Bridge and the intersection of the Ochoco Hwy with the John Day Hwy. Family-named landmarks such as Johnny Kirk Spring, Cal Smith Spring, and Jerrys Ridge reflect a history of local ranching and land use in the basins surrounding the protected monument areas. The map details a network of gulches and draws, from Mule Gulch to Waterspout Gulch, that define the drainage patterns of this arid region.