2020 Map of Poison Creek

About this map

Silvies River and its intricate waterway system dominate this high-desert landscape in central Harney County. The drainage network includes Foley Slough, Fivemile Slough, and the Arntz Reservoir, illustrating the critical importance of water management in this arid region. The terrain transitions from the low-lying wetlands of the river valley to prominent basaltic features like Arrowhead Butte and the high elevations of Mahogany Ridge. Numerous water sources are tucked into the canyons, such as Thousand Springs, Coal Pit Spring, and Black Spring, which likely served as vital landmarks for early ranchers and travelers. The presence of Devine Canyon and Theimer Canyon in the northeast highlights the dramatic erosion patterns of the area, while a sparse network of roads like Lone Pine Rd and Curry Garden Rd connects the remote basins.