Diversity Adds to Uniqueness
The terrain of the ranch is diverse with approximately 4000 acres of timber land, 12 miles of flowing streams, large open meadows, dense thickets and deep canyons.
Overall it is gently rolling hills and meadows, punctuated by rugged cliffs and steep canyons. The elevation varies from 3500 to 5000 feet, with a network of grassy logging roads that accommodate ATVs throughout the ranch. Main roads allow 4wd vehicle access to most areas. There are nine stock ponds that hold water year round and dozens of live springs.
The Trees
Significant timber harvest occurred from 1990 to 1998, when Elk Song yielded about 20,000 mbf of timber. Areas within the ranch are known for some of the highest timber yield in Eastern Oregon. The timber resource is recovering rapidly and currently there is about 2500 mbf of harvestable timber and very significant natural reproduction across its timbered acres. Timber consists of: Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, white fir, western larch, lodge pole pine and spruce.
Summer Grazing
Summer grazing is very high quality. The abundant and diverse grasses, combined with readily available water throughout the ranch allow it to accommodate 350 to 400 pair for five months. The generous annual precipitation allows the diverse grasses to often grow waist high.
Summer at Elk Song can only be described as idyllic. Spring and summer literally bloom in a sea of green grass and wildflowers. Most days are in the mid 70s, with clear blue skies and warm sunshine. The rare “hot” days see the thermometer in the low 90s, but even then the temperature plummets at sundown and will be below 60 by midnight.
Summer grazing is very high quality. The abundant and diverse grasses, combined with readily available water throughout the ranch allow it to accommodate 350 to 400 pair for five months. The generous annual precipitation allows the diverse grasses to often grow waist high.
