Regions
Oregon has six main land regions: Oregon Coast Range, Willamette Lowland, Cascade Mountains, Klamath Mountains, Columbia Plateau, and Basin and Range Region.
Agriculture
Agriculture, an 8 billion-dollar industry, continues to be Oregon’s top industry for revenue generated in the Beaver State. There are approximately 37,200 farms in the state, covering 16 million acres. The average size farm comprises 425 acres. Agriculture makes a significant contribution to all 36 counties.
Oregon’s top commodity is the greenhouse and nursery industry, followed by cattle and calves. The state also grows substantial quantities of dairy products, milk, hay, and grass seed. Most of the cropland is found in the Willamette Valley.
Alabama’s most valuable crops are cotton and soybeans. The state also grows substantial quantities of cattle, poultry, and nurseries. Most of the cropland is found in the northern Alabama area of the state.
Wildlife
Oregon provides diverse habitats for its abundant wildlife. Primary wildlife include elk, deer, antelope, bear, cougar, bighorn sheep, and Rocky Mountain goat.
The combination of both fresh and salt waters creates a diverse ecosystem for many fish species in Oregon. Freshwater species include lamprey, sturgeon, salmon, and trout. Saltwater species include salmon, steelhead, halibut, and tuna.
Oregon has multiple conservation efforts designed to protect its wildlife and fish habitats, recreational land, national forests, and state parks.
Main Rivers and Lakes
Oregon’s three major rivers are the Columbia River, Snake River, and Deschutes River. Their main tributaries include the Kootenai River, Willamette River, Teton River, Falls River, and Cultus River.
The largest lake in Oregon is Goose Lake. Located on the Oregon/California border, the surface area of this lake is approximately 94,080 acres (147 square miles). Other significant lakes include Upper Klamath Lake, Malheur Lake, and Lake Abert.
State Parks
Oregon has 52 state parks and 1 national park.
National Parks
- Crater Lake
| State Summary | |
| Nickname | Beaver State |
| Neighboring States | Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and California |
| Regions | Coast Range, Willamette Lowland, Cascade Mountains, Klamath Mountains, Columbia Plateau, and Basin and Range Region. |
| State Flower | Oregon Grape |
| State Bird | Western Meadowlark |
| Big Game | Elk, deer, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep |
| Small Game | Western Gray Squirrel, coyote, rabbits, and beaver |
| Freshwater Fish | Trout, steelhead, salmon, and smallmouth bass |
| Saltwater Fish | Halibut, tuna, steelhead, salmon, and flatfish |
| Total Acreage | 63 million acres |
| Total Public Land Acreage | 53% |
| Average Annual Rainfall | 75-90 inches |
| Farmland by Acreage | 16 million acres |
| Woodlands by Acreage | 30 million acres |
| Coastline | 363 miles |
| Conservation Program | https://www.oregonconservationstrategy.org/conservation-toolbox/appendix-2-existing-voluntary-conservation-programs/ |
| Primary Crops | Greenhouse/nursery, cattle/calves, dairy, and hay |
| Main Rivers | Columbia River, Snake River, and Deschutes River |
| Largest Lake | Goose Lake |
| Other Lakes | Upper Klamath Lake, Malheur Lake, and Lake Aber |
| Major Rivers | Columbia River, Snake River, and Deschutes River |
| Other Tributaries | Kootenai River, Willamette River, Teton River, Falls River, and Cultus River |
Our Rural Real Estate Offices
Mossy Oak Properties Oregon began with the goal of becoming a trusted resource for folks looking to buy or sell rural land for sale in Oregon. Our land brokers and agents understand what people are looking for in rural property because we share the same lifestyle and love for the land as you do. We understand the importance of honor and integrity and that buying or selling land is an emotional and life-changing experience for consumers.
Only Mossy Oak Properties Oregon can provide the powerful combination of brand strength, local expertise, quality service, and national exposure. Whether you want to buy or sell rural real estate, a Mossy Oak Properties land specialist is a must-have on your team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should rural land buyers know about Oregon’s land market?
Oregon splits dramatically at the Cascade Range. Western Oregon is wet heavily forested and faces massive population pressure from Portland and the Willamette Valley. Eastern Oregon is much drier heavily focused on farming and usually cheaper.
The Willamette Valley features premium wine grape and specialty crop farms that sell for massive prices. Eastern Oregon near Bend has seen prices absolutely skyrocket recently.
Oregon uses a statewide land planning system based on Senate Bill 100 which is one of the strictest in the entire country and heavily limits what you can build outside of established city limits. Finding out the exact zoning classification is the absolute most important step before you buy any land in Oregon.
What are typical land prices across Oregon regions?
According to the 2025 USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service report the average farm dirt in Oregon sits around $3,210 per acre but prices change wildly by region. Willamette Valley premium wine country in Yamhill County runs an incredible $20,000 to $50,000 per acre for planted vineyards.
Western Oregon timber land in Lincoln Tillamook and Columbia counties runs $2,000 to $5,000 per acre. Based on the USDA average of $1,020 for pastureland eastern Oregon cattle ranches with water rights usually run $800 to $2,000 per acre.
Eastern Oregon hunting ranches in the Blue Mountains run $1,500 to $3,500 per acre. Central Oregon near Bend has seen rural building lots jump to $3,000 to $8,000 per acre.
How does Oregon’s Senate Bill 100 land use planning affect rural buyers?
According to the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development the state planning system created in 1973 forces every county to zone all their land and strictly control building. Farm dirt is usually zoned Exclusive Farm Use timber dirt is zoned Forest Conservation and normal housing is forced into urban growth areas.
Building a new house on farm or forest dirt is incredibly difficult. To build a new farm house you have to prove you make a certain amount of money from actually farming the dirt. Buyers who want to build a house in rural Oregon must confirm the exact zoning and check for any existing building permits before they buy because many rural lots simply will not legally support a new house.
