2024 Map of Soldiers Cap

About this map

Soldiers Cap rises prominently over the high desert landscape of eastern Deschutes County, serving as a primary landmark in this arid expanse of the Oregon interior. The terrain is defined by basaltic ridges and broad volcanic basins, where the 2024 USGS mapping details a system of essential water sources for range management and wildlife. Along the western edge, Moonshine Ridge provides a distinct vertical boundary, while the interior is marked by topographic depressions such as Firestone Basin and the wide expanse of Boles Flat. Named water features, including Viewpoint Waterhole and Baldwin Waterhole, indicate the critical role of moisture management in this region. This contemporary survey clarifies the relationship between the dramatic volcanic landforms and the seasonal hydrology found at Little Mud Lake and Braken Lake.