Scattered throughout the property are numerous small ponds that provide water sources for wildlife and livestock. Additionally, three perennial fish-bearing streams wind through the terrain. The joining of these larger drainages forms a distinctive landscape, featuring canyons and narrow ridgelines.

This ranch is an ideal recreational land tract, offering boundless opportunities for outdoor activities. Bordering the Umatilla National Forest, the ranch integrates with its surrounding wilderness, further expanding its recreational possibilities.

Recreation

Union County, Oregon, located within the landscapes of the Blue Mountains and the Grande Ronde Valley, offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest provides hiking trails and camping grounds, while the Grande Ronde River near Elgin is renowned for fishing. The Blue Mountains are popular for hunting, and much of this natural beauty is protected within the national forests of the region, including the Umatilla National Forest, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, and Malheur National Forest. These public lands are managed for multiple uses, including recreation, timber harvesting, wildlife habitat conservation, and watershed protection.

Hunting opportunities in Union County offer a variety of game species. Because of the property’s location with respect to the Grande Ronde Valley and the Blue Mountain Range, the area provides excellent habitat for wildlife throughout most of the year. Dominant big game use is from elk, black bear, bobcat, mountain lion, wolves and deer, upland game bird (quail / grouse / turkey) and birds of prey (hawks / owls) habitat is evident on the property.

Agriculture

The Chandler Grande Ronde Ranch has been harvested for timber in the past. During the early 1970’s the ranch was under timber contract with Boise Cascade. It was not until the later part of the 70’s that timber management and harvesting was conducted via the owners. The last significant harvest occurred in the early 2000’s in the southeast portion of the property. Across the ownership, the forest stands are relatively similar in age, between 30 and 70 years old with scattered trees between 80 to 120 years in age.

The property supports Douglas-fir, Ponderosa pine, White fir, Western larch, Englemann spruce, Western White pine, Black cottonwood, quaking aspen, Water birch, Western juniper and Lodgepole pine. Shrubs of note are Scouler willow, ocean-spray, Rocky Mountain maple, common snowberry, Red osier or dogwood and several wild rose species.

Region & Climate

Elgin, Oregon, experiences a continental climate and is characterized by warm summers, cold winters with snowfall, and mild transitional seasons.

Location

Elgin is a small city located in Union County, Oregon. It is situated in the northeastern part of the state, in the Grande Ronde Valley, near the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Historically, Elgin’s economy has been tied to timber and agriculture. Logging and sawmills were major employers in the region. Agriculture, including farming and ranching, also play a significant role in the local economy.

The nearest urban amenities to Elgin, Oregon, can be found primarily in the nearby city of La Grande, which is approximately 25 miles southwest of Elgin. La Grande serves as the largest city in Union County and offers a range of urban amenities and services as well as the nearest major airport.