2011 Map of Swede Knoll

About this map

Desert Lake and Thunderbird Lake dominate the southern portion of this high desert landscape in Lake County, where seasonal water sources and intermittent drainages define the area's character. The drainage patterns are anchored by Deer Creek, which meanders across the central terrain, while Robinson Draw cuts through the northern elevations near Swede Knoll. This area of southern Oregon is characterized by its numerous small basins and playas, including Fitzgerald Lake, Twin Lakes, and Link Lake. These landforms suggest a reliance on ephemeral water management in an environment where natural depressions serve as primary landmarks. The scarcity of permanent settlements on this sheet highlights the isolation of this corner of the Great Basin during the early 21st century.