2020 Map of The Basin

About this map

The Basin is a prominent topographic feature within this section of Malheur County, where the high desert terrain is defined by seasonal watercourses and remote roadways. The landscape is carved by drainage systems including Dry Cr and Rattlesnake Cr, which dictate the local topography as they move through the arid environment. Grounded in the southeastern Oregon desert, the map illustrates the persistence of historical travel routes, most notably the Old Ion Hwy, which cuts across the township and range lines of the Public Land Survey System. To the southwest, the Red Hills rise above the surrounding flats, offering a distinct geological landmark. The network of unimproved roads, such as Dry Creek Rd and Rattlesnake Creek Rd, reveals the sparse but intentional infrastructure required for land management and ranching in this isolated region.