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1962 Map of Steelhead Falls

Name: 1962 Topographic Map of Steelhead Falls
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1976
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1976

About this map

Billy Chinook Lake dominates the northern reaches of this mid-century landscape, where the confluence of the Deschutes River and Crooked River creates a dramatic canyon system. The mapping reveals a rugged transition from the high plateau of the Lower Desert to the deep incisions of the Crooked River Gorge. Small settlements and agricultural holdings like Grandview and Geneva are scattered across the western benches, connected by a network of unimproved tracks and Market Road.

Infrastructure for water management and power is evident along the riverbanks, including the Opal Springs development with its Diversion Dam, Pumphouse, and Gaging Station. The southern portion of the map traces the boundary between Jefferson Co and Deschutes Co, featuring the cascade at Steelhead Falls and the significant drop at Big Falls. This area showcases the sparse but vital settlement pattern of central Oregon before more intensive modern development, centered on isolated locations like Holmes Ranch.