2023 Map of Soldiers Cap

About this map

Soldiers Cap rises above a landscape defined by seasonal water sources and expansive flats in this high-desert portion of Deschutes County. The terrain is structured by prominent landforms such as Moonshine Ridge and the broad expanse of Boles Flat, reflecting the arid geography of central Oregon. Water is a critical but scattered resource, marked by specific points like Baldwin Waterhole and Viewpoint Waterhole, which suggest the historic reliance on localized catchment for livestock or wildlife in this open country. Small depressions and intermittent basins like Firestone Basin, Little Mud Lake, and Broken Lake further characterize the drainage patterns of the region. This survey captures the rural character of the land as it appeared in the early 2020s, showing the essential relationship between topography and the sparse water infrastructure required for range management.