The Werst Ranch

The Werst Ranch is a productive riverfront property in Wallowa County, Oregon, offering ±125.72 acres along the Wallowa River. Held by the Werst family since approximately 1947, the Ranch combines nearly eight decades of stewardship with agricultural production, live water, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation.

Approximately 53.26 acres of flood-irrigated pasture provides abundant forage throughout the growing season, complemented by ±55.3 acres of non-irrigated pasture. Mature willow and cottonwood stands line the river corridor, while scattered springs and productive bottomland add to the Ranch’s water resources and grazing capacity.

The property features approximately 4,220 feet of Wallowa River frontage and water rights dating to 1893, 1897, and 1905. The river supports rainbow trout, steelhead, whitefish, bull trout and Chinook Salmon (scheduled to be reintroduced after the completion of the rebuilding of the Wallowa Lake Dam in early 2027), with additional potential for fishery and habitat enhancement. The Ranch also lies within Minam Hunting Unit 6, which offers strong draw odds for hunting tags. Elk, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys frequently visit the property.

Improvements include a 1,688 sqft, three-bedroom, two-bath residence, machine shed/shop, workshop, greenhouse, RV storage building, antique dairy barn, corrals, and cross-fenced pasture. Located approximately 30 minutes from Joseph and 50 minutes from La Grande, The Werst Ranch offers a compelling combination of Oregon ranching, Wallowa River frontage, recreation, and established agricultural infrastructure.

Location:

- ±30 minutes to Joseph, OR
- ±50 minutes to La Grande, OR

Acreage:

- ±125.72 acres
- ±53.26 irrigated acres
- ±55.3 non-irrigated acres of pasture

Improvements:

- 1,688 sqft, three-bedroom/two-bath residence
Machine shed/shop, workshop, greenhouse, RV storage

Recreation & Wildlife:

- Fishing, hunting, and wildlife
- Minam Hunting Unit 60, very high odds for drawing tags
- ±4,220 feet of live water frontage for fishing opportunities

Water Access:

- ±4,220 feet of Wallowa River frontage
- Water rights dating to 1893, 1897, and 1905