2017 Map of Snake River Falls

About this map

The Samuel R McKelvie National Forest occupies the western portion of this Cherry County landscape, where the Snake River carves a winding path through the Sandhills. A notable geographic feature is the Snake River Falls, located where the river bends sharply northward before feeding into the northern reaches of the Merritt Reservoir. This 2017 survey captures the essential water management infrastructure of the region, including the Ainsworth Canal which diverts water from the reservoir to support agricultural needs further east. The terrain is characterized by complex dune formations and small intermittent basins, with Steer Cr joining the river system from the northwest. Primitive transportation routes like Pr Dr and the paved Merritt Dam Rd provide the few points of access into this protected forest and waterway corridor.