1972 Map of Wrangle Butte

About this map

Saddle Butte Lava Field dominates the southern landscape of this Malheur County quadrangle, where volcanic geology dictates the drainage and settlement patterns of the high desert. Significant subterranean features are documented within this basaltic expanse, including the Saddle Butte Lava Tube, Rattlesnake Cave, and Burns Cave, highlighting a terrain shaped by ancient flows. The movement of water in this arid environment is channeled through ephemeral systems like Bull Creek and Ryegrass Creek, supported by isolated water sources such as Whiskey Springs and Tub Spring. Notable landmarks like Wrangle Butte and the distinct Chanis Rock provide vertical relief against the basalt plains. Human infrastructure is limited to basic resource management, represented by the Top Hat Reservoir and a singular Trail winding through the western sections. This survey preserves a detailed view of the rugged geological character of southeastern Oregon before modern developments altered the primitive access routes.