2011 Map of Rail Gulch

About this map

Buck Mountain anchors this high-altitude landscape in Baker County, where a complex network of drainage basins and water management systems defines the local geography. The area is characterized by numerous seasonal and perennial flows including Pole Creek and Sheep Creek, which feed into the South Fork Burnt River. Human intervention in this arid environment is evidenced by historical water infrastructure such as Cavin Ditch and Elms Ditch, alongside the Whited Reservoir. A high density of named springs, such as Mammoth Spring, Pole Spring, and Tamarack Spring, suggests the critical importance of reliable water sources for local land use. Forest Service roads like NFD RD 12 RD wind through the gulches, providing access to the various canyons including Thirsty Gulch and the eponymous Rail Gulch.