1981 Map of Tired Horse Butte

About this map

Tired Horse Butte and Pilot Butte rise above the high desert of Lake County, Oregon, during the late 1970s and early 1980s. This arid landscape is defined by its scarce but essential water sources, including the Stauffer Reservoir, Wagontire Mountain Reservoir, and the East Immigrant Waterhole. The topography reveals a stark contrast between the elevated volcanic landforms and the expansive, aptly named Overall Flat. Resource management in this remote region is visible through a network of remote wells like the Stauffer Well and DeWitt Well. To the east, the drainage of the Sinks of Lost Creek illustrates the unique hydrology of the Oregon interior, where surface water frequently disappears into subterranean basins. The map also captures several seasonal or shallow water bodies, such as Jessie George Lake and Swan Lake, which serve as vital landmarks in this sagebrush-dominated environment.