1971 Map of Rufus

About this map

The John Day Dam dominates this section of the Columbia River, serving as a massive hydraulic pivot point between Lake Celilo and Lake Umatilla. The engineering of the river for power and navigation is evident in the powerhouse, locks, and fish ladders that facilitate movement around the dam. The town of Rufus sits at the base of the canyon walls along Spanish Hollow, while the settlement of Cliffs is situated on the northern bank in Washington. This landscape is a corridor of heavy transport, with both the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern railroads paralleling the riverbanks. Beyond the water, the terrain is defined by deep, named drainages such as Scott Canyon, Gerking Canyon, and Helm Canyon, which cut through the high plateau and suggest the traditional routes into the interior from the river.