Umatilla National Forest, Washington
The most common soil here is Limberjim, on about 12% of the land: a ashy silt loam, smooth, like flour. Anatone and Larabee come next.
About 67% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 67% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 64% 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 63% 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 Umatilla National Forest, Washington, 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 Umatilla National Forest, Washington. 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 | 108K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Limberjim-Syrupcreek complex, 30 to 60 percent north slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anatone-Getaway-Rock outcrop complex, 45 to 90 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Syrupcreek-Limberjim-Larabee complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Larabee-Klickson-Anatone complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Larabee-Getaway-Anatone complex, 60 to 90 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Limberjim-Getaway-Rock outcrop complex, 60 to 90 percent north slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Larabee-Klickson complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bocker-Anatone-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Anatone-Klicker-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Limberjim-Syrupcreek complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mountemily-Troutmeadows complex, 30 to 60 percent north slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Troutmeadows-Mountemily complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Syrupcreek-Klicker-Anatone complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Troutmeadows-Mountemily complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Larabee-Klickson-Rock outcrop complex, 60 to 90 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bocker-Anatone-Rock outcrop complex, 60 to 90 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gwin-Rockly-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 90 percent south slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harl-Limberjim-Rock outcrop complex, 60 to 90 percent north slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Limberjim-Terlough complex, 0 to 60 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | 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 64% 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 67% 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.