Ochoco Main Ranch

LOCATION
Ochoco Ranch is in Central Oregon and just 45 minutes from the Redmond/Bend commercial airport (Roberts Field - RDM). The property is 11 miles east of Prineville, OR on Highway 26. Prineville, which also has a municipal airport, is located 30 minutes from Bend and 20 minutes from Redmond.

ACREAGE
The property consists of approximately 31,553 acres of timbered high country in one contiguous block. The ranch is unique in many ways; 1) there is no public access, 2) a high percentage of forested lands, 3) the character and lay of the land is very appealing with smooth, gently rolling terrain with deep soils allowing the ranch to be very usable and productive, and 4) very secure, easily controlled, and inexpensive to operate. The ranch borders the Ochoco National Forest and Lookout Mountain Roadless Management Area along its east border with several private ranches surrounding the other sides. In addition to the deeded acreage, Ochoco Ranch controls the cutting rights on an adjoining 3,111+/- of private land under a timber for grass trade use agreement.

The ranch is accessed by three private easements known as the primary roads. These primary roads are raised bladed gravel roads adjoining the highway and cut through the ranch north/south and east/west. Secondary and limited use roads cut through in various directions over the property and are accessed off the primary roads. This road system makes the property readily accessible and provides a major value enhancement. A well-developed road system such as this cannot be found on comparable properties. The topography of the ranch grades upward from west to east reaching its highpoint near Lookout Mountain and has elevation range of 3,600 feet to 6,000 feet. The vegetative habitat for the lower southern exposures consists of intermixed Ponderosa Pine, Cedar/Juniper, brush, browse and grass. The higher elevations and northerly exposures consist of Douglas Fir, White Fir, Ponderosa Pine, Aspen, Tamarac (Larch), Willows and lots of grass. The varied habitat is ideal for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the ranch.

HISTORY
The name Ochoco comes from the Paiute Indians and means “willow”. Over time as the area was settled the meaning changed to “tall pine” reflecting on the old growth pine trees in the Ochoco Mountains. Range wars between cattle and sheep ranchers account for some graphic attacks in the early settlement days. The Ochoco Ranch was assembled beginning in the 1930’s by the Ochoco Lumber Company of Prineville and was an inventory property for the mill and managed on a sustainable basis over the decades. Remnants of early logging days can be found which include a flowing spring and a City of Prineville water storage tank that was used to fill the tanks for the water-cooled brakes on the old-time log trucks which carried payloads to Prineville. The property is well stocked with merchantable timber consisting of a wide variety of ages and sizes. One can expect, on average that the trees are growing at the rate of approximately 3 to 3.5% annually, providing a growing renewable investment for future generations. Through the years the harvesting of the larger trees has opened the land to more sunlight, thereby producing more grass and forage for the fauna.

RECREATION AND WILDLIFE
The Ochoco Ranch is a haven for Rocky Mountain Elk, Mule Deer, Antelope, Grouse, Quail, and Turkey. Rainbow and Brook Trout can be found along Wolf Creek and Horse Heaven Creek. In addition, there are approximately miles of spring fed creeks and mapped springs located on the ranch. Fishery enhancements along the main tributaries would be beneficial to the trout populations and would improve the value. Historically, the ranch provided summer grazing for 800 to 1,000 head of cattle. The current owner has not allowed commercial hunting or cattle grazing for the past five years. The combination of hunting control and removal of livestock grazing has created greater forage production causing the wildlife resource to improve both in quantity and quality. The ranch is a haven to large elk and deer populations and has a reputation of producing trophy quality animals. The Ochoco Ranch qualifies for eight landowner permits each for deer and elk. The bird species of quail, grouse and turkey offer multi species hunting opportunities in addition to the big game.

IMPROVEMENTS
The Ranch includes multiple luxury homes and extensive headquarters facilities with a large shop, equipment storage, portable mills and wood working shop.  All structures were developed to optimize efficiency and minimize ongoing maintenance.

Owner’s Lodge completed in 2015, this stunning 10,287± square-foot three-story log and timber frame home perched on a butte in the south-central part of the ranch, offering sweeping panoramic views. Built with a concrete foundation, log, wood, and rock exterior, and topped with a metal roof, the lodge combines rustic elegance with modern comfort. The 4,006± square-foot main floor features a spacious living area, kitchen with brick ceiling, dining area, library, mudroom, bar, and a luxurious master suite, all finished with hardwood and slate tile floors, dry-stack rock walls, large log beams, high wood ceilings, granite countertops, and custom cabinetry. The 2,320± square-foot second floor includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a bonus room, and a steam sauna, while the 3,961± square-foot basement offers five bedrooms, four bathrooms, an entertainment area, wine cellar, armory vault, and storage rooms. The lodge features eight fireplaces, in-floor radiant heat, propane wall heaters, and is fully off-grid, powered by a solar array, windmill, and 600± square-foot generator building with battery storage.

Warm Springs Home completed in 2012, this beautifully crafted 2,832± square-foot, one-and-a-half-story log and wood-frame residence with a metal roof, blending rustic charm with refined finishes. Inside, the home features slate tile floors, wood-paneled walls, exposed log columns and beams, soaring wood ceilings, granite countertops, and custom cabinetry. A double-sided fireplace serves as a centerpiece for the living spaces, complemented by in-floor heating, propane wall heaters, and other high-end details. The covered front entry and wrap-around porch provide inviting outdoor living areas with scenic views. Additional improvements include a barn with two side sheds, an upstairs 1,108± square-foot living area, a 1,200± square-foot workshop, and two cozy cabins measuring 216± and 345± square feet, offering versatile space for guests, storage, or work needs.

Foreman’s Home completed in 2011, this 3,006± square-foot two-story residence located in the northern part of the ranch near the main entrance along Wolf Creek. Built with a wood frame, concrete foundation, wood siding, and a durable metal roof, the home offers a warm, inviting design with thoughtful details. The 2,276± square-foot main floor features a spacious living area, kitchen, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms, all finished with a mix of tile and reclaimed barn wood floors, wood-paneled walls, high wood ceilings, granite countertops, and custom cabinetry. The 730± square-foot second floor includes an office and bonus room, providing flexible space for work or recreation. Additional highlights include a striking rock fireplace, in-floor radiant heat, propane wall heaters, and other high-end finishes that give the home both character and comfort.

Other Improvements include a 4,800± square-foot shop, a 2,520± square-foot equipment shed, a 1,360± square-foot storage shed, and a 2,580± square-foot woodworking shed, offering ample space for maintenance and equipment storage. The shop and supporting structures are conveniently located next to the Foreman’s Home in the northwest portion of the ranch. Built in 2010, the 4,800± square-foot shop is a wood-frame building with a concrete foundation, wood and metal exterior, and a durable metal roof. The interior features an unfinished concrete floor, wood walls, and an exposed insulated ceiling, creating a functional and versatile workspace. Fully insulated and equipped with electricity and lighting, the shop includes five overhead doors for easy equipment access, as well as a small office area and a full bathroom/utility room for added convenience.

Fire Lookout is located near the Owner’s Lodge on Gerow Butte, is a historic 400± square-foot R6 Flat Top cabin perched atop a 60-foot open timber tower. Built in 1968 to replace the original 1934 structures, this lookout offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Situated on private land, it is not accessible to the public, preserving its privacy and unique character.

DEVELOPMENT/CONSERVATION POTENTIAL
This would be an ideal candidate for many types of development and/or conservation because of its existing 170 historic land patents. The landowner is in the process of verifying the patents with Crook County as Legal Parcels.

In addition to its exceptional redevelopment potential and impressive physical features, the property boasts sweeping panoramic views of the Cascade and Ochoco Mountains, as well as the Deschutes and Crooked River Basins. It offers a wealth of recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, backpacking, and extensive ATV, motorcycle, and snowmobile trails. Winter activities such as snowshoeing, mountaineering, and cross-country skiing are also available, along with opportunities for guest ranching, cattle drives, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and simply relaxing in a stunning natural setting.

SUMMARY
The large, deeded acreage of timbered high country comprising the Ochoco Ranch makes this an exceptional resource. This resource combined with its excellent location nearby to a rapidly growing area along with the multitude of recreation possibilities allow the Ochoco Ranch to be well positioned for future value enhancement. The property is a blank canvas, available in its raw natural form, allowing it to be taken in a variety of directions by the new owner.

Co-listed with Jake Polvi 541-410-3050, [email protected].

The information found above has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable and is believed to be correct, but the owners, owners agents and brokers do not guarantee its accuracy. This offering is subject to errors, and withdrawal without notice.  All distances, sizes, capacities, and similar measurements and figures are approximate.  All information about properties should be independently verified by interested purchasers.