2011 Map of Slickear Mountain

About this map

The North Fork John Day River and Middle Fork John Day River converge in this high-elevation corner of Oregon, defining a landscape carved by significant canyons and watercourses. This area, dominated by Slickear Mountain and Murphy Mountain, shows the intersection of deep drainage systems like Slickear Canyon and Reade Canyon with broader features such as Elder Flat. Historically, the terrain required specific passage points, noted here as Twomile Gap and Fourmile Gap, which likely dictated early travel through the region. The map captures a primarily undeveloped wilderness where transportation is limited to a few arterial routes like North Fork Rd and Ritter Rd, following the natural contours of the ridges and riverbanks. This 2011 survey provides a clear look at the topography including Potamus Ridge and Conger Mountain, essential for understanding the hydrology and land use patterns of the John Day basin.