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2017 Map of Temperance Creek

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Temperance Creek
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

The Snake River carves a deep canyon at the border of Oregon and Idaho, serving as the central artery for this 2017 survey of the Hells Canyon region. The landscape is defined by its dramatic elevation changes, from the river's edge at Big Bar and Little Bar up to the high ridges of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and Nez Perce National Forest. Navigational hazards along this reach of the river are meticulously documented, including Homing Creek Rapids, Salt Creek Rapids, and China Bar Rapids, which reflect the powerful hydraulic force of the river as it moves through the canyon floor.

Local topographic names suggest a history of early livestock grazing and backcountry travel, with landmarks such as Mormon Flat, Slaughter Gulch, and Suicide Point dotting the terrain. The presence of several "bars" along the riverbanks, including High Bar and Little Bar, indicates relatively level landing or grazing sites within the otherwise steep canyon walls. High-altitude crossings like Hominy Saddle and Ninemile Saddle provide crucial passage between the drainages of Temperance Creek and Grimes Creek.