2023 Map of Vale West

About this map

Malheur River irrigation networks define the agricultural landscape west of Vale, where a sophisticated system of canals and drains sustains the Vale Valley. This 2023 survey illustrates the complex water management essential to the high desert, featuring the Vale-Oregon Main Canal, Farmers Ditch, and J-H Canal. The terrain transitions from the low-lying valley floor to elevated plateaus like West Bench and East Bench, punctuated by deep incisions like Negro Rock Canyon and Jamieson Gulch. Local aviation history is anchored by the Miller Memorial Airpark near the eastern edge. For the local researcher, the map preserves the names of numerous specific water features such as Purvis Drain, Russell Drain, and Oil Well Spring, providing a precise record of how the land has been subdivided and utilized for ranching and farming.