2023 Map of Slickear Mountain

About this map

The Umatilla National Forest encompasses a significant portion of this high-desert terrain where Grant and Morrow counties meet. The landscape is defined by the deep incisions of the North Fork John Day River and the Middle Fork John Day River, which carve through the volcanic plateau. High points like Slickear Mtn, Murphy Mtn, and Conger Mtn rise above a series of drainages, including Slickear Canyon and Potamus Creek. Human movement through this complex topography is channeled through natural passes such as Fourmile Gap and Twomile Gap, or along high features like Potamus Ridge. The road network, including Long Creek Rd and Ritter Rd, traces the edges of these canyons, providing access to the open range of Elder Flat.