1972 Map of Rufino Butte

About this map

Rufino Butte rises over a high-desert landscape in Malheur County, defined by a complex network of seasonal water sources and ranching infrastructure during the early 1970s. The map reveals the fragile human footprint in this arid region, marking the locations of Coyote Wells (Site) and the King Brown Cabin (Ruins). A series of man-made catchments, including Leppy Reservoir, McConnell Reservoir, and Two Way Reservoir, illustrates the vital importance of water management for livestock and survival in the Oregon backcountry. Long-established paths such as The Big Horse Trails and The Indian Trails traverse the terrain, converging near the distinctive Gorge on Dry Creek. Curious local nomenclature is preserved through features like Slim and Fatty Spring, while evidence of early resource extraction persists at a small Prospect and Gravel Pit.