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2020 Map of Rufus

Name: 2020 Topographic Map of Rufus
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2020
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2020

About this map

Rufus occupies a strategic position on the southern bank of the Columbia River, situated between the expansive waters of Lake Celilo and Lake Umatilla. This modern survey illustrates the complex geography of the region, where the John Day River joins the Columbia at a point marked by The Nook and Preachers Eddy. The landscape is defined by deep incisions into the plateau, creating a series of dramatic landforms such as Hellroaring Canyon, Pyburn Hollow, and Scott Canyon.

Transport and water management are central to the area's layout, with John Day Dam Rd and the Biggs-Rufus Hwy providing vital links along the corridor. Beyond the riverfront, the map details numerous natural water sources and drainage systems essential to this arid environment, including Pioneer Spring, Helm Springs, and the winding course of China Hollow Cr. The intersection of multiple county lines—Sherman, Gilliam, and Klickitat—further highlights the regional significance of this river crossing.