Titled “Three Sisters,” this US Geological Survey topographical map was created from 1932 mapping and issued with a 1948 imprint, offering a richly detailed view of central Oregon at 1:125,000 scale. Though named for the celebrated volcanic peaks of the Cascade Range, the sheet also draws the eye toward Suttle Lake, set amid a dramatic landscape of forest, lava fields, ridges, rivers, and high mountain terrain. Its careful contouring captures the steep relief and varied elevations that define this part of Oregon, from lake basins and valleys to volcanic summits. The result is both a scientific document and an evocative portrait of a region where geology, wilderness, and early twentieth-century land use meet.

The US Geological Survey, publisher of this map, was among the most important cartographic institutions in American history, charged with systematically measuring and describing the nation’s terrain, mineral resources, water systems, and natural hazards. By the early twentieth century, USGS topographic sheets had become indispensable tools for engineers, foresters, geologists, road planners, and outdoor travelers. “Three Sisters” reflects that mission with disciplined precision: contour lines translate elevation into readable form, blue hydrography traces lakes and rivers, and relief coloring helps distinguish water, forest, and high ground. In an era before satellite imagery, such maps formed the scientific foundation for understanding remote and rugged landscapes.

Suttle Lake appears as one of the defining features of the map, lying near the routes and forested corridors that connect the eastern slopes of the Cascades with the broader Deschutes country. Nearby, Camp Sherman and the Metolius River anchor a landscape known for cold springs, clear water, and dense timber. The Deschutes River, Crooked River, and Whychus Creek further articulate the drainage patterns of this volcanic terrain, revealing how water cuts through plateaus, valleys, and forested slopes. These waterways were not merely scenic features; they shaped settlement, recreation, irrigation, logging access, and regional movement. The map preserves their early twentieth-century geographic relationships with exceptional clarity.

The surrounding mountains give the sheet its grandeur. Black Butte rises prominently near the Metolius country, while Hoodoo Mountain, Three Fingered Jack, Mount Washington, Bachelor Mountain, and Bull of the Woods Mountain speak to the volcanic and alpine character of the Oregon Cascades. Lakes such as Lava Lake and Summit Lake add further texture to the highland setting, suggesting basins formed by lava, glaciation, and complex mountain processes. The contour lines are especially compelling in these areas, tightening around peaks and ridges, then relaxing into valleys and lake margins. For the historically minded collector, they offer a visual grammar of elevation and landform.

Beyond its beauty, “Three Sisters” is a record of how central Oregon was understood during a period of expanding recreation, forestry management, and federal land science. Campgrounds, trails, forested areas, and parklands hint at changing relationships with the landscape, as wilderness became increasingly mapped for public use, conservation, and access. The city of Sisters appears within this wider geography of mountains, rivers, and routes, a small settlement framed by immense natural forces. Comparing the map’s 1932 geographic knowledge with later development reveals shifting roads, recreation patterns, and environmental priorities. It is a refined cartographic window onto Oregon’s rugged interior before the modern age fully transformed it.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Suttle Lake
• Black Butte
• Metolius River
• Deschutes River
• Camp Sherman
• Hoodoo Mountain
• Three Fingered Jack
• Bachelor Mountain
• Sisters (City)
• Crooked River
• Whychus Creek
• Mt. Washington
• Bull of the Woods Mountain
• Lava Lake
• Summit Lake
• Campgrounds and Trails
• Forested areas and Parks

Historical context & cartographic details

• Name of the Map: Three Sisters
• Extra Notes: Historical 1:125,000 topographical map of Oregon, dated 1932 with a 1948 imprint.
• Date Created: 1932; published in 1948.
• Mapmaker/Publisher: US Geological Survey (USGS), a major U.S. federal mapping agency.
• Mapmaker Context: The USGS played a central role in developing scientific understanding of American land use, natural resources, and natural hazards.
• Design Style: Detailed topographic mapping with contour lines to show elevation changes, along with color shading for relief and water bodies.
• Topographic Character: Rugged terrain with mountains, lakes, valleys, and varied elevations.
• Historical Significance: Offers insight into early 20th-century geographic knowledge, land use, and how the region’s natural and developed features may have changed over time.
• Cartographic Detail: Contour lines are used skillfully to depict elevation and provide an informative representation of the terrain.

Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.

Detailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.

Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.

With its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.