1970 Map of Shoestring Ridge

About this map

The John Day River carves a deep, winding path through the canyonlands of north-central Oregon, marking the boundary between Gilliam and Sherman Counties. This 1970 survey captures the rugged high-desert landscape as it was characterized by isolated ranching infrastructure and difficult terrain. Water remains the primary shaper of the region, from the seasonal flows of Thirtymile Creek and Pine Hollow to the vital permanent sources at Schilling Spring and Norton Spring. Evidence of human activity is concentrated along the ridges and plateaus, with a remote Landing Strip and the winding Richmond Road providing the only major access to the interior. The map reveals a world of complex topography, where features like Nelson Butte, Shoestring Ridge, and Table Rock rise above a labyrinth of canyons, including Buckskin Canyon and Devils Canyon, illustrating the challenging logistics of life in this arid segment of the Columbia Plateau.