1973 Map of Upton Mountain

About this map

Upton Mountain dominates this portion of Harney County, serving as a high-desert anchor in a landscape defined by seasonal water management and grazing. The 1970s terrain is marked by a complex network of man-made catchments including Upton Mountain Reservoir No 1, Drinkwater Reservoir No 2, and Altnow Gap Reservoir, illustrating the critical importance of water storage in the Oregon interior. To the east, the Malheur River flows toward the extensive Warm Springs Reservoir, while the western slopes drain into Little Stinkingwater Creek. Remnants of local land use are visible at Shurtz Field and Upton Cabin, connected by an intricate system of primitive roads and a Jeep Trail that traverse the basalt plateaus of the Carey Tables. Numerous named water sources like Buskirk Spring and Alkali Spring provide a granular look at the historical hydrology relied upon by local ranchers.