Wenatchee National Forest, Naches Area, Washington, Parts of Kittitas and Yakima Counties
The most common soil here is Typic Vitricryands, on about 12% of the land. McDanielake and Xeric Vitricryands come next.
About 77% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 8% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 96% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 31% 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 Wenatchee National Forest, Naches Area, Washington, Parts of Kittitas and Yakima 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 B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Wenatchee National Forest, Naches Area, Washington, Parts of Kittitas and Yakima 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typic Vitricryands, 45 to 90 percent slopes** | 58K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop and Rubble land, 20 to 90 percent slopes** | 31K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Typic Vitricryands-Rubble land-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes** | 22K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Xeric Vitricryands, 20 to 90 percent slopes** | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Andic Haplocryods, 20 to 60 percent slopes** | 17K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xeric Vitricryands-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 90 percent slopes** | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fifesridge-Pileup-Fiscus complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Vitricryands-Rock outcrop-Lithic Vitricryands complex, 45 to 90 percent slopes** | 10K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Terence gravelly ashy fine sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fiscus-Pileup-Fifesridge complex, 30 to 55 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubbleland, talus-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 100 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Tipsoo-Owyhigh-Mysticlake complex, 20 to 65 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Vitricryands-Aquic Vitricryands complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rock outcrop-Rubble land-Typic Vitricryands complex, 20 to 65 percent slopes** | 8K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Twolakes-Gilpar complex, 45 to 65 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Xeralfs, 5 to 45 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burroughs-Littletahoma-Tatoosh complex, 15 to 100 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| McDanielake-Singh complex, 30 to 55 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Naxing very gravelly ashy sandy loam, 45 to 65 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaner-Rubble land complex, 40 to 75 percent slopes | 7K | Well 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 96% 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 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.