2011 Map of Stinkingwater Pass

About this map

Stinkingwater Pass serves as a critical point of passage through the arid landscape of eastern Oregon, where water sources dictated the patterns of human movement. This 2011 survey documents a network of named springs and small reservoirs that supported ranching and travel, including Buchanan Springs, Indian Grade Spring, and Big Pipe Spring. Evidence of high-desert habitation and infrastructure is visible at the Percy West Cabin and the Buchanan Springs Safety Rest Area, marking where local travelers found refuge. The terrain is characterized by broad flats like Negro Flat and Sagebrush Flat, which are drained by seasonal waterways such as Little Pine Creek and Clear Creek. These features illustrate the precarious balance of life in Harney County, where every named water source like Lazy Man Reservoir or Jims Reservoir represents a managed attempt to harness the environment.