1972 Map of Rail Gulch

About this map

Malheur National Forest and Whitman National Forest converge in this high-elevation landscape, where the Grant Co Baker Co line bisects deep gulches and timbered ridges. The map captures a sophisticated network of historical water management, featuring several significant canals such as Eldorado DITCH, Amelia Ditch, and Elms Ditch that traverse the slopes. These ditches likely supported the area's mining operations, evidenced by the Bullrun Mine and Orion Mine located on the southern flank of Mine Ridge. The headwaters of the South Fork Burnt River and Bullrun Creek dominate the hydrology of the eastern half, while recreational sites like Mammoth Spring Campground and Elk Creek Campground suggest the mid-20th-century utility of these public lands for outdoor pursuits.