Upper Deschutes River Area, Oregon, Parts of Deschutes, Jefferson, and Klamath Counties
The most common soil here is Lapine, on about 7% of the land: a coarse sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Dester and Shanahan come next.
About 95% of the land drains well, and 4% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 3% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 70% 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 60% 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 Upper Deschutes River Area, Oregon, Parts of Deschutes, Jefferson, and Klamath Counties, 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 Well 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 Upper Deschutes River Area, Oregon, Parts of Deschutes, Jefferson, and Klamath Counties. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gosney-Rock outcrop-Deskamp complex, dry, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 64K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lapine gravelly loamy coarse sand, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 57K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lapine gravelly loamy coarse sand, low, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 45K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Madras loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shanahan loamy coarse sand, low, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 36K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wanoga-Fremkle-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dester gravelly loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dester sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goodtack ashy very fine sandy loam, low precipitation, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wanoga-Fremkle-Henkle complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stukel-Rock outcrop-Deschutes complex, dry, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deschutes-Stukel complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gardone sand, moist, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 27K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Stookmoor-Beden complex, 1 to 20 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deskamp-Gosney complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Borobey sandy loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Stukel-Deschutes-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steiger loamy coarse sand, low, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Shanahan loamy coarse sand, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Steiger loamy coarse sand, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not 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 70% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock. 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.