1967 Map of The Elbow

About this map

Lake Owyhee dominates this landscape, its waters filling the deep canyons of the Owyhee River at a recorded elevation of 2,655 feet. The map details a rugged transition from water to high desert, where steep terrain like Owyhee Ridge and Iron Mountain looms over the reservoir. Recreation in the late 1960s is centered at Lake Owyhee State Park, which includes the V W McCormack Area and a lakeside resort near the mouth of Birch Creek. Inland from the shoreline, the topography is defined by significant landmarks such as Nannys Nipple and the broad Wild Horse Basin. Numerous dry washes like Cherry Creek and Canyon Creek demonstrate the seasonal nature of water flow in this arid region, while the presence of scattered springs like Rookie Canyon Spring suggests the vital importance of reliable water sources for early land use and wildlife.