2014 Map of Turner Butte

About this map

Turner Butte and the surrounding high plateau country of Sherman and Gilliam counties define this landscape just south of the Columbia River. The area is characterized by deep drainage systems like Alkali Canyon and Scott Canyon that cut through the basalt layers toward the John Day River in the southwestern corner. This 2014 survey shows a sparsely populated region of the Pacific Northwest where land use is marked by large-scale geographical features such as Shutler Flat and prominent peaks including Butcher Butte and Diamond Butte. A network of rural routes, including Blalock Canyon Rd and Hay Canyon Rd, provides access to these isolated sections. The presence of Cedar Spring and the meandering path of Rock Creek highlight the vital, though limited, water sources in this dry, upland environment.