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1972 Map of Rinehart Canyon

Name: 1972 Topographic Map of Rinehart Canyon
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1975
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1975

About this map

Rinehart Ranch serves as a lone human outpost in this high desert landscape of southeastern Oregon, situated near the head of Rinehart Canyon. The geography is defined by a sophisticated network of water management, evidenced by numerous small-scale reservoirs like Stanfield Reservoir, Jackson Creek Reservoir, and Gallagher Res that dot the drainage basins. These features suggest a landscape dedicated to livestock grazing, where every seasonal flow is captured for use.

The eastern portion of the map is dominated by the dramatic descent of the Owyhee River, which carves through the volcanic plateau at Owyhee Canyon. Notable landmarks such as Iron Point and the geological depression of Owyhee Hole emphasize the verticality of the terrain. The presence of Sand Basin and various named waterholes, including Hanson Waterhole, further illustrates the arid character of the region and the critical importance of localized water sources in the early 1970s.