Deschutes National Forest, Oregon
The most common soil here is Lapine, on about 7% of the land: a coarse sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Shukash and Shanahan come next.
About 92% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 4% of it.
USDA rates 90% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 57% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 45% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Deschutes National Forest, Oregon, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Andisols — soils formed in volcanic ash, very light and porous. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Deschutes National Forest, Oregon. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanahan ashy loamy coarse sand, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 39K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 33K | A | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Lava flows, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 28K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Lavrio-Lava flows-Sunnotch complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 26K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Timbercrater-Lostwagon complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 23K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Norwicki-Shukash-Lava flows complex, wet, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilchutes paragravelly loamy coarse sand, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wanoga-Fremkle-Henkle complex, moist, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norwicki-Klawhop-Lava flows complex, dry, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kinnikinnic-Typic Vitricryands-Lava flows complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wanoga-Lundgren complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kotzman-Moffitt-Lava flows, 0 to 20 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lapine paragravelly loamy coarse sand, cold, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Denoga-Wanoga complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lundgren ashy sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Klawhop-Wuksi-Lava flows complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wanoga-Fremkle-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shanahan-Shukash-Norwicki complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wanoga-Lundgren complex, moist, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lapine-Steiger complex, warm, 5 to 30 percent slopes | 15K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 90% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.