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2011 Map of The Elbow

Name: 2011 Topographic Map of The Elbow
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2011
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

Lake Owyhee dominates this Malheur County landscape, winding through steep volcanic terrain where the Owyhee River was harnessed. The water fills deep canyons and basins, creating distinctive landforms such as The Elbow, Big Elbow, and Burnt Elbow. Access to the shoreline is concentrated along Fisherman Rd and within the boundaries of Lake Owyhee State Park, reflecting the area's importance for regional recreation and water management.

Away from the water's edge, the map reveals a complex network of high ridges and named peaks, including Iron Mountain and Sheep Heads Mountain. These uplands are defined by numerous seasonal drainages like Rookie Creek and Wild Horse Creek. Small, vital water sources such as Oxyoke Spring and Rookie Canyon Spring are found throughout the basins, providing essential points of interest for those studying the hydrology and grazing history of this high desert region.