2020 Map of Swede Flat

About this map

Swede Flat anchors this high-desert landscape in eastern Oregon, where a complex system of springs and reservoirs supported ranching and transit through the rugged Malheur County terrain. The naming of features like Burnt Stump Butte and Cottonwood Mountain reflects a geography defined by stark landmarks and vital water sources. A network of primitive roads, including Cottonwood Mtn Lookout Rd and Dry Creek Loop Rd, connects isolated points of interest such as Rock Cabin Spring Number 1 and Bannock Corral Spring. Water management is central to the area's utility, evidenced by the Swede Flat Reservoir and Kern Creek Reservoir, which capture runoff from intermittent streams like Swede Flat Cr. This 2020 survey provides a precise look at the township and range lines that still organize this sparsely populated corner of the state.