1972 Map of Tin Can Ridge

About this map

Tin Can Ridge dominates this high-desert landscape in Harney County, where a network of seasonal drainages and remote springs supported localized ranching operations in the early 1970s. The map illustrates a reliance on water management in an arid environment, centered around Hunter Ranch and the nearby Hunter Ranch Reservoir. The presence of a Corral and numerous Jeep Trails underscores the pastoral and transit-heavy nature of the terrain, while the naming of small features like Tin Can Spring and Cold Spring points to their critical importance for livestock and travellers. The hydrology is complex, with Crane Creek, Little Crane Creek, and Coyote Creek carving out the topography alongside named depressions like Cow Canyon. To the west, the Alder Creek Meadow and Alder Creek Res represent vital catchment areas, providing a clear picture of how land was utilized and navigated before more modern infrastructure changes reached this section of Oregon.