Tillamook County, Oregon

Survey Area OR057• Oregon

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Tillamook County, 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
Klistan-Harslow-Hemcross complex, 60 to 90 percent slopes	83K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Klootchie-Necanicum complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	70K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Necanicum-Ascar-Klootchie complex, 60 to 90 percent slopes	68K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hemcross-Klistan complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	62K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Murtip-Caterl-Laderly complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Caterl-Laderly-Murtip complex, 60 to 90 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Templeton-Ecola medial silt loams, 30 to 60 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Murtip-Caterl-Laderly complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Water	16K			Not rated	Not rated
Templeton-Klootchie complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ginsberg medial loam, 5 to 30 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hemcross-Klistan complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Harslow-Klistan-Rock outcrop complex, 60 to 90 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tolovana-Templeton medial silt loams, 30 to 60 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Munsoncreek-Flowerpot complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Klootchie medial silt loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ginsberg-Klistan complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Klootchie-Necanicum complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Harslow-Rock outcrop-Klistan complex, 60 to 90 percent south slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Templeton-Necanicum complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	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.

Andisols

Volcanic ash soils — light, porous, and fertile. Excellent drainage, but low density can complicate foundations.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.