81075 Oregon 82 Wallowa, OR 97885

The Baker and Johnston Ranches - Productive Riverfront Ranch for Sale in Wallowa CountyExecutive Summary - Irrigated Farm For Sale in Wallowa County
Welcome to the Baker and Johnston Ranches, two highly productive agricultural properties in the Wallowa Valley. This ranch for sale in Wallowa County is nestled between the towns of Lostine and Wallowa, Oregon. These ranches offer a rare opportunity to own over 450 acres of premium farmland, grazing pastures, and irrigated ground, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Wallowa Mountains.

The Baker Ranch covers approximately 198.82 acres, offering a combination of irrigated farmland and grazing pasture. The ranch is equipped with an extensive infrastructure to support agricultural operations, including a 3,211 square foot manufactured home, a detached garage, and a variety of outbuildings. These include multiple barns, sheds, grain bins, and a large hay shed, providing storage for hay and equipment.

The property’s irrigation system is highly efficient, utilizing water from the Foster Ditch delivered with a 7 tower center pivot, along with Clearwater ditch subsurface water. With the ability to produce two cuttings of alfalfa/grass mix and one cutting of grass hay annually, the Baker Ranch generates approximately 528 tons of hay per year. Recently, this ranch has leased back late season water rights in exchange for cash payments.

The Johnston Ranch, spanning 255 +/- acres, features irrigated land, pastures, and numerous outbuildings. The three story main home offers comfortable living space with expansive views of the surrounding valley. Supporting buildings include a large hay barn, multiple machine sheds, a sorting shed, and several other agricultural structures, all strategically placed for efficient operations.

The irrigation system for the Johnston Ranch is derived from Lostine River water rights, ensuring reliable water for crop production. Irrigation water is delivered through four center pivots: 7 tower half circle, 6 tower half circle, 4 tower half circle, and a 3 tower half circle The ranch produces approximately 540 tons of hay annually across multiple cuttings.

Wallowa, Oregon, with its varying elevations, diverse landscape, and four-season climate, offers a blend of high-desert weather and mountainous conditions. The cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers make it an attractive destination for both outdoor recreation and agricultural pursuits. Its proximity to the Wallowa Mountains and the Eagle Cap Wilderness provides ample opportunities for hiking, skiing, fishing, and wildlife viewing, making it a place where nature and climate work together to create an extraordinary living environment.
Just the Facts - Lostine River Waterfront Irrigated Farm for Sale

Johnston Ranch (Property 1)
Acreage:
256 +/- acres

Hay Production:
2 cuttings on Alf/Grass Mix
1 cutting on grass
3 cuttings on Alf for 40 acres
Total hay production: 540 tons

Water Rights:
Water right off the Foster Ditch

Pivots:
2 pivots up the highway, water rights off the Foster Ditch:
23.79 acres
17.08 acres

1 half-circle corner catcher, rights off the Clearwater Ditch covering 85 acres
1 half-circle pivot in the bottom, covering about 40 acres (used as pasture)

Flood Irrigation:
37 acres of land can still be flood irrigated east of barns, in front of the house, and across the highway

Livestock:
Can rotate about 75 animals (25 yearlings, 25 older pairs, 25 2-year-old pairs) between various fields without using crop ground

Baker Ground (Property 2)
Acreage:
198 +/- acres

Hay Production:
2 cuttings on Alfalfa/Grass Mix (potential for 3 cuttings if late-season water right is not leased)
1 cutting on grass
Total hay production: 528 tons

Irrigation:
1 full-circle corner catcher covering 140 acres
Water rights off the Foster Ditch

Livestock:
About 80-90 pairs of cattle run on Whiskey Creek Road (on about 500 acres of the father’s land and 166 acres of their own)
Combined, the land supports 220-250 cows when factoring in leased pastures
70 pairs on leased ground along the Lostine River
15 pairs on leased ground for hay production, with smaller fenced pastures nearby

Potential Leasing:
Considering leasing out Whiskey Creek ground until it is sold (approx. 666 acres)

Additional Information:
Leased Ground:
An additional 60-acre leased ground, not included in the total, produces about 180 tons of grass from one cutting

Conservation Contracts (CStP):
Both the owner and their father have Conservation Stewardship Program (CStP) contracts with NRCS
Owner’s contract will be completed in the fall; father's contract has two more years remaining
Payments from NRCS contract: $39,999


Both ranches are perimeter fenced and cross-fenced, making them ideal for cattle operations. The Baker and Johnston properties, combined with leased ground, can support 220 to 250 pairs throughout the grazing season. The leased land combined with additional pasture land along Whiskey Creek Road, providing more than adequate grazing and hay production for the ranch

The properties are enrolled in Conservation Stewardship Programs (CStP) through the NRCS, which further enhances the long-term sustainability of the ranches while providing additional income through government programs.

Water for the ranches is plentiful, with irrigation seasons typically running from May 1st to mid-September, supported by pivots, subsurface irrigation, and flood irrigation options.

With their combined acreage, impressive carrying capacity, robust infrastructure, and strategic location in the fertile Wallowa Valley, the Baker and Johnston Ranches offer a unique opportunity to own premier ranchland in one of Oregon’s most picturesque agricultural regions. Whether for expanding an existing operation or creating a legacy property, these ranches represent the epitome of rural Oregon living.
General Description - Riverfront Irrigated Farm for Sale
The Baker and Johnston ranches is a waterfront irrigated farm for sale in Wallowa County, a region known for its agricultural prowess, dramatic landscapes, diverse outdoor recreation, and distinct four-season climate. Nestled between the Wallowa Mountains and the rolling hills of northeastern Oregon, this ranch for sale in Wallowa County provides easy access to some of the state's most breathtaking natural scenery.

Climate: The area enjoys a semi-arid, high-desert climate with warm, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer temperatures average in the mid-80sF, offering ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Winters can be chilly, with temperatures often dipping into the 20sF, and snowfall is common, making it perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. The area's clear, sunny skies during spring and fall provide additional opportunities for recreation and exploration year-round.

Area Highlights: The Wallowa Valley is renowned for its stunning vistas, agricultural heritage, and rural tranquility. Lostine and Wallowa are small, welcoming communities that embody the spirit of the Pacific Northwest's rugged outdoor culture. The nearby towns of Joseph and Enterprise provide a range of amenities, including local art galleries, restaurants, and shops that reflect the area's deep cultural roots and appreciation for local craftsmanship.

Recreation: The region offers a wide array of recreational opportunities. In summer, the Wallowa Mountains are a haven for hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders, with trails that traverse alpine lakes, meadows, and rugged peaks in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The Lostine River and Wallowa River offer excellent fishing, while Wallowa Lake is a popular spot for boating, swimming, and picnicking. The Wallowa Lake Tramway provides breathtaking views of the entire region from the summit of Mount Howard.

To the east is Hells Canyon, home to the deepest river gorge in North America. Its 652,488 acres offers breathtaking vistas and diverse outdoor activities from world-class whit