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1953 Map of Spray

Name: 1953 Topographic Map of Spray
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1955
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1955

About this map

The John Day River carves through this central Oregon landscape, anchoring the settlement of Spray and its nearby Landing Field. This mid-century survey reveals a region defined by high ridges and cattle-raising history, with the Umatilla National Forest covering the northern highlands. Local nomenclature is deeply rooted in the terrain, seen in names like Hoogie Doogie Mtn, Massacre Mtn, and Starvation Creek, which reflect the difficult realities of early ranching and transit through the high desert.

Evidence of established rural life is found at Winlock and the Cem near Hubbel Lake, while various clearings like Gutherie Prairie and Chasteen Meadow suggest seasonal grazing patterns. The topography is meticulously detailed, from the sheer face of Table Rock to the long descent of Thirtymile Grade, showing the complex network of trails and primitive roads used to navigate the Rough Ridge and Snow Board Ridge.