2017 Map of Ryegrass Butte

About this map

Ryegrass Butte and the northern reaches of the Sheepshead Mountains define this high-desert landscape along the border of Harney and Malheur counties. The terrain is characterized by a sophisticated network of water management features, including Gabriel Reservoir, Euglena Reservoir, and the Lake Edge Reservoir, which supported livestock and land use in this arid portion of southeastern Oregon. The presence of numerous named springs, such as Wildhorse Spring Number One, Wildhorse Spring Number Two, and Wildhorse Spring Number Three, indicates the critical importance of reliable water sources in the rugged uplands surrounding Renwick Canyon. Drainage is facilitated by seasonal watercourses like Sheepshead Canyon Cr and Palomino Cr, while localized landmarks like Small Butte provide navigation points across the open range.