2023 Map of The Narrows

About this map

The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge dominates this section of the Oregon high desert, where a complex network of wetlands and shallow basins defines the local geography. At the heart of this landscape lies The Narrows, a critical geographic pinch point between Malheur Lake and Mud Lake. This area represents a vital hydraulic junction where the waters of the Blitzen Valley meet the expansive lake system. The map documents an intricate system of water management, including the Rineman Ditch, Butte Ditch, and Simmons Slough, illustrating how water is diverted across this arid terrain. Small settlements like Narrows and roads such as OO Ranch Rd and Sodhouse Ln provide the few markers of human habitation in a region characterized by massive seasonal lake fluctuations and expansive valleys like Sunset Valley.