Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Oregon
The most common soil here is Limberjim, on about 5% of the land: a ashy silt loam, smooth, like flour. Anatone and Syrupcreek come next.
About 85% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 86% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 83% 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 75% 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 Wallowa-Whitman 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Wallowa-Whitman 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Digital Data Available | 258K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Limberjim-Syrupcreek complex, 30 to 60 percent north slopes | 48K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Limberjim-Syrupcreek complex, 15 to 30 percent north slopes | 39K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Syrupcreek-Limberjim complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Analulu-Vogel complex, 30 to 60 percent south slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klicker-Fivebeaver-Anatone complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bocker-Anatone-Rock outcrop complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gutridge-Pasturecreek complex, 30 to 60 percent north slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klicker-Fivebeaver-Anatone complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klicker-Fivebeaver-Anatone complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Haploxerolls-Vitrandic Argixerolls, dry-Rock outcrop-Vitrandic Haploxerolls, deep, loamy-skeletal substratum complex, 50 to 100 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bocker-Imnaha-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent south slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anatone-Bocker-Fivebeaver complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop, metasediment | 17K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Limberjim-Syrupcreek complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Syrupcreek-Limberjim complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bocker-Clearline-Rock outcrop complex, 60 to 90 percent south slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bocker-McCartycreek complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alfic Udivitrands-Lithic Haploxerolls, cool-Typic Udivitrands-Vitrandic Haploxerepts complex, 45 to 90 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lithic Haploxerolls, very shallow-Lithic Haploxerolls-Rock outcrop-Vitrandic Haploxerolls, ashy substratum, deep complex 45 to 85 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | 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 83% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 86% 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.