1986 Map of Vaughn Well

About this map

Christmas Lake Valley defines the northern reaches of this high desert landscape in Lake County, Oregon, where the flat, arid basin floor is marked by numerous Alkali Flats and scattered water sources. This 1986 provisional survey captures the remote character of the region as it was in the early 1980s, emphasizing the sparse infrastructure required for ranching and utility transport. Central to the map's geography is Vaughn Well, a critical landmark in this dry terrain, while further south, the presence of unidentified Ruins and the County Waterhole No 16 point to the human effort to sustain activity in the basin. The landscape is bisected by large-scale infrastructure, including a Steel Tower Powerline and a Trans Line. Transportation is limited to a few arterial routes like the Wagontire Road and Burma Road, providing essential access through the shifting elevations and gravel pits of the high desert.