Hidden Valley Ranch
North Star Route #12, Ritter, Oregon 97872
541-421-3252 ; twelvemile_00@yahoo.com
Area: The land is located in the transition zone between the low-lying river “breaks” and juniper-dominated landscape of central Oregon and the mountain meadows and forests (pine and fir) of the Blue Mountains. It is situated on both sides of the Twelve Mile Creek and offers expansive views westward over the Middle Fork John Day River valley. It is 4 miles from the Middle Fork John Day River and the Ritter Hot Springs, 6 miles from Umatilla National Forest, 12 miles from the North Fork JDR.
Pastures/Grazing: There is improved dryland pasture (including Sherman big blue, Paiute Orchard, Covar sheep fescue, Latah and Nomad alfalfa, yellow clover, brome, and Intermediate Wheat grass) and native grasses. Soils vary and include sandy loam, clay, and fertile volcanic ash deposits. Livestock require haying during the winter months.
Water: Twelve Mile Creek, a tributary to the Middle Fork John Day River, runs through the ranch for approximately one mile. The creek is seasonal during dry years, and has springs along its course which provide year-round stock water. Aspen creek, which runs until mid-summer, lies in the northeast portion of the property. The ranch holds stock water rights to the existing ponds and well. There are four year-round stock ponds with springs throughout the property. The well provides excellent water to the house and is also used to irrigate the garden and fruit trees.
Timber: Approximately 240 acres of the land is forested. Most of the merchantable timber (estimated at $100,000) is on Parcel 3 but all parcels have plenty of trees: Ponderosa pine, with Douglas fir on the north facing slopes and juniper on south facing slopes, willow, ash, and aspen along the creeks. Timber is between 40 and 60 years old. Outside of the forested areas, there are scattered Ponderosa and juniper stands throughout the property. Over 8,000 pine and fir seedlings were planted in the pastures and forests over the past few years, which combined with seeding from existing trees provide substantial reproduction.
Wildlife: Seasonally, golden and bald eagles, grey owl, and wild ducks drop in. The ranch also hosts a multitude of non-game birds including the rare Pileated woodpecker, Western oriole, American goldfinch, Western bluebirds, cedar waxwing, and many others.
Structures: Parcel 3 has an older, 3 bedroom, 1 bath farm house which is very livable but small by modern standards (1400sqft)
It also has a small horse barn, a hay shed, several smaller work and garden sheds, and a working corral and open riding arena (lodge pole and metal panels). Fencing is excellent to average; some pastures are fenced for sheep, others for cattle and horses. Parcels 1 and 2 have numerous building sites which offer views, sheltered location, and proximity to county road with telephone and power.
Climate: Altitude is at 3500 feet above sea level, and precipitation ranges between 16 and 20 inches annually, with moderate snowfall and temperatures. Deep snows for cross-country skiing are available a short drive away in the Blue Mountains. Winter temperatures range between 30s to an occasional low at -15 F during the night to 45 F days. Summers are dry with daytime highs averaging 80 but extending up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, cooling off at night. Most moisture comes in the winter and spring months. Summers have monthly or bi-monthly rains with more during the August/September “monsoon” season.
Hunting/ Fishing: The timbered and rimrock acreage has abundant year-round deer and seasonal elk populations. There are grouse, chukar and California quail coveys, and flocks of wild turkeys. One landowner preference hunting tag (LOP) is available for parcels less than 160 acres, and 2 for parcels above 160 acres. The Middle Fork of the John Day River provides excellent trout, steelhead, and small-mouth bass fishing, and protects one of the state’s few remaining salmon runs.
Easements: There are utility (power and phone) and county road easements on the property. In addition, a short easement crosses property to allow secondary access to a neighboring ranch property (Parcel 3 only).
Zoning: Zoning is Multiple Rural Use (MUR). 160 acres required for building.
Schools: In Long Creek, K-12, 26 miles away. School bus service is provided to the front door.
Taxes: around $1300 per year with agricultural deferment (all parcels).
Utilities: Power, phone, at county road (maintained year-round).