1990 Map of Scratch Post Butte

About this map

The Indian Treaty Boundary cuts diagonally across this high-desert landscape in Malheur County, marking a significant historical line through the terrain. Dominated by prominent volcanic landforms like Scratch Post Butte and Circle Butte, the area shows a complex drainage network where ephemeral and perennial waters including Blue Creek, Sheep Creek, and Wheaton Creek carve through the high plateaus. To the west, Smith Reservoir provides a critical water source in this arid environment, while Juniper Mountain rises in the eastern portion of the quadrangle. This 1990 provisional survey by the Geological Survey captures the specialized land use of the region, featuring numerous springs and several canyons, such as Deep Canyon, that define the local topography. The map illustrates how ranching and water management are adapted to the elevation, with features like the Clover Creek drainage and various unnamed four-wheel-drive tracks providing the primary access through the hills.