2020 Map of Rays Lake

About this map

Camas Creek meanders through this portion of Jefferson County, defining a landscape shaped by water management and volcanic terrain. In the southern reach, a complex network of man-made waterways including the Independent Ditch, Jackett Canal, and Holly Canal reflects the agricultural reliance on irrigation to sustain the high desert flats. These channels feed into and around Rays Lake and the eastern edge of Mud Lake, where the wetlands provide a stark contrast to the surrounding elevations. To the north, the topography rises toward distinct volcanic landmarks such as Table Butte and Bunker Hill. The transition between the wet lowlands and the higher plateaus is marked by the irregular erosional features known as The Breaks, while localized heights like Clay Butte stand over the marshy basin. This survey documents the intersection of natural hydrology and human-engineered water systems in a specialized Idaho environment.