2014 Map of Rye Valley

About this map

Rye Valley serves as the focal point of this high-desert landscape in Baker County, where water and topography dictate the human footprint. The map documents an intricate network of drainage and springs, essential for life in this arid region, including Fence Spring, Summit Spring, and the Buck Flat Waterhole. Evidence of the area's mineral history is found along Opal Mine Draw, while the presence of the Rye Valley Cem provides a direct link for genealogists researching early settlers. The terrain is defined by significant elevations like Pedro Mtn and Weatherby Mtn, with a network of local routes such as Shoestring Grade and Mormon Basin Rd navigating the complex gulches and draws. This survey reveals a land shaped by ranching and small-scale mining, marked by distinctive features like Cinder Butte and the broad Bowman Flats.