2017 Map of Rufus

About this map

Rufus occupies the southern bank of the Columbia River at a significant hydraulic and geographic transition point. The landscape is defined by the massive presence of the Lake Umatilla and Lake Celilo reservoirs, which are separated by the engineering works of the John Day Dam Road. This area marks the confluence where the John Day River joins the Columbia from the east, creating a complex network of waterways and canyons. The terrain rises sharply from the riverbanks into a series of deeply etched drainages, including Scott Canyon and Gerking Canyon. While the town of Rufus serves as a modern focal point, the map preserves older site names like China Hollow and The Nook, alongside reliable water sources such as Pioneer Spring and Helm Springs that have historically supported life in this arid river corridor.