2017 Map of Skull Creek Butte

About this map

Catlow Rim forms a dramatic topographical boundary in this part of Harney County, separating the high desert plateau from the expansive Catlow Valley to the west. This 2017 survey details a landscape defined by seasonal water sources and distinct landforms, including the prominent Skull Creek Butte rising near the Skull Cr Reservoir. The map illustrates the specialized infrastructure of high-desert ranching and travel, from the engineered Echart Grade to vital watering points like Bohemian Spring and O'Keefe Springs. Deep canyons and drainages, such as Coon Canyon and Road Canyon, carve through the basin and range geology. This digital-era update by the U.S. Geological Survey traces the modern path of the Catlow Valley Rd, providing an essential view of the drainage systems of Sixmile Cr and Skull Cr as they influence the local environment.