Ever picture collecting eggs at sunrise, watering a thriving garden, and still making it to work on time? If you’re drawn to small-scale agriculture and open skies, hobby farm living in The Dalles can be a great fit. The area’s mix of river light, varied microclimates, and rural parcels gives you options, but there are real decisions to make about zoning, water, soils, and daily routines. This guide walks you through what to look for, the questions to ask, and the steps that help you buy with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why The Dalles fits hobby farms
The Dalles sits at the eastern edge of the Columbia River Gorge with a climate shaped by wind, sun, and fast-shifting weather. Much of Wasco County lies in a rain shadow, so you can expect drier conditions than western Oregon. That makes irrigation a frequent need for gardens, pastures, and most market crops.
Microclimates are a major advantage. River bottoms, south-facing slopes, and canyon benches can be warmer and less frost-prone than upland plateaus. Even short distances can change your growing season and irrigation needs, so pay attention to exposure and elevation as you compare properties.
Parcel sizes vary from a few acres to several tens of acres. Many buyers target 2 to 10 acres for a manageable setup, while others go larger for pasture, small orchards, or a bigger workshop. Inside city limits you’ll find smaller lots with municipal services. Outside city limits parcels tend to be larger and rely on private wells, septic systems, and on-site management.
Set your goals and scale
Start with your priorities. Decide how many animals you want, the size of garden or orchard you plan to maintain, and whether you need a workshop or greenhouse. Think about your drive time to town services and your comfort with maintaining roads, wells, and fencing.
Be realistic about scale. A few chickens require minimal daily time and space. Goats, sheep, or a horse call for more pasture, secure fencing, and daily care. Storage, manure handling, and hay needs grow quickly as herds get larger.
Zoning and land use basics
Wasco County and The Dalles have distinct planning and zoning codes. Outside city limits, Oregon land use law includes categories such as Exclusive Farm Use and a range of rural residential zones. Each zone has different allowances for structures, livestock, and accessory businesses.
Before you get too far, review zoning maps and permitted uses with local planning departments. If you hope to qualify for Oregon’s farm use property tax classification, know that eligibility depends on criteria like parcel size, income, and documented farm use. The Wasco County Assessor can explain how a hobby farm may affect your taxes.
Water, irrigation, and water rights
In a semi-arid region, water is central to your plan. Properties in and near The Dalles may have municipal water, a private well, or access to irrigation district water. Some parcels also carry surface water rights used for irrigation.
Confirm the water picture for any property you like. Ask whether there is an active water right, if irrigation district service is available, and whether wells are permitted and productive. The Oregon Water Resources Department administers water rights and well permitting, so factor verification into your due diligence.
Expect to irrigate if you want reliable gardens, pastures, or small orchards. Without irrigation, yields can be inconsistent, especially during the dry summer. Budget for hose bibs, drip lines, timers, or pasture irrigation upgrades if they are not in place.
Soils, septic, and utilities
Soil type, depth, drainage, and rock content vary across Wasco County. Review soil maps and talk with local conservation staff to understand limitations for pasture, orchards, and gardens. Soil suitability also affects septic systems and drainage around barns and outbuildings.
On rural parcels, private wells and septic systems are the norm. Include a well yield test, water quality testing, and a full septic inspection in your purchase contingencies. Request pumping records, age and condition, and drainfield location and capacity.
Check electrical service, propane or LP infrastructure, and internet availability. If you plan to run a shop, greenhouse, or irrigation pump, you may need additional electrical capacity. Also confirm road access, seasonal considerations, and any road maintenance agreements.
Buildings, animals, and permits
Barns, shops, and greenhouses often require permits, or they have size thresholds and setback rules. Confirm what you can build and how large before you buy. Adding electrical service to a shop or converting an outbuilding for living space usually requires inspections and permits.
If you plan to keep livestock, review county and state rules for animal health, manure management, and nuisance issues. If you hope to sell food or animal products, be aware that food safety, labeling, and licensing rules apply. A quick review can save headaches down the road.
Wildfire readiness and insurance
Wildfire risk has increased in many rural parts of Oregon. Research local fire district coverage, response times, and defensible space needs for any property you consider. Some homes may require extra mitigation, which can also affect your insurance options.
Talk with experienced insurance carriers about rural coverage. Premiums and availability can change based on wildfire exposure, property access, and water supply. Planning ahead helps you avoid surprises late in escrow.
Due diligence checklist
Use this checklist to structure your offer and inspection timelines:
- Water: well yield test, water quality testing, and documentation for any water rights or irrigation district service.
- Septic: pumping history, age and condition, drainfield location and capacity.
- Soils: review NRCS soil maps and run a septic suitability test if needed.
- Structures: condition of house, roofs, foundation, barns, coops, fencing, and gates.
- Utilities: electrical capacity for shops or pumps, propane or LP, and internet availability.
- Access and easements: road maintenance agreements, seasonal access, and utility easements.
- Restrictions and covenants: HOA rules, deed restrictions, or conservation easements that might limit farm activities.
- Emergency services: distance to the nearest fire station and ambulance service.
Daily life on a hobby farm
Daily chores: Expect feeding and watering animals, egg collection, quick fence checks, and basic coop or barn cleaning. Even small flocks or herds add up to consistent morning and evening routines.
Time commitment: A few chickens take minutes each day. Multiple goats or sheep, or a horse, bring daily hour-level commitments, regular pasture rotation, and more frequent supply runs.
Seasonal rhythms in The Dalles
- Spring: start seeds and planting, set up irrigation lines, prune trees, and prep pastures.
- Summer: manage irrigation, trim and maintain fencing, handle hay or forage needs.
- Late summer to fall: harvest, preserve and can, and prep orchard and garden beds.
- Winter: winterize water systems, secure shelter for animals, and service equipment.
Infrastructure you may need
- Fencing: species-appropriate fencing for chickens, goats, sheep, or horses, plus gates and cross-fencing for rotation.
- Shelter and barns: weather protection and secure storage for feed and tools.
- Feed and storage: rodent-proof containers and covered hay storage to prevent spoilage.
- Tools and equipment: a compact tractor or utility loader can be a game changer for even small acreages.
- Outbuildings: workshops, covered equipment bays, or greenhouses to extend seasons.
Markets, supplies, and services
You will find outlets for small-scale sales in The Dalles and nearby towns, including farmers’ markets and community markets. Eggs, produce, jams, honey, and cut flowers are common entry points for hobby producers.
Expect a regional supply chain for farm needs. Feed stores, veterinarians, farriers, fencing contractors, and equipment dealers are available, but specialized items may require travel to regional centers. Planning ahead for feed, minerals, and replacement parts keeps your operation running smoothly.
Financing and insurance
Financing options can include conventional loans, FHA, and USDA Rural Development loans for eligible rural residences. If you plan to scale or pursue certain farm programs, inquire about specialized agricultural loan options that may apply.
Lenders often want additional inspections for wells, septic systems, and access. Talk early with your lender about documentation and timelines. On the insurance side, consider homeowner coverage plus farm liability if you interact with the public or sell products.
How to start your search in The Dalles
- Define your must-haves: animals, garden size, shop space, and distance to town.
- Review zoning and permitted uses with local planning staff.
- Screen soils for your preferred crops and confirm septic feasibility.
- Verify water sources in writing, including any water rights or irrigation district service.
- Walk properties in different seasons to see wind exposure, water availability, and road conditions.
- Talk with neighbors, local veterinarians, and the extension office for practical, on-the-ground advice.
Your next step
If hobby farm living in The Dalles is calling you, line up a search that fits your goals, water needs, and budget. With the right due diligence, you can enjoy small-scale agriculture, room to breathe, and the satisfaction of homegrown food. When you are ready to tour properties and vet water, soils, and access, connect with a local guide who understands rural transactions. Reach out to Tiffany Hillman to start your Eastern Oregon search.
FAQs
How many acres do I need for a hobby farm in The Dalles?
- It depends on your goals. A garden and a few chickens fit on small lots, while multiple ruminants or a horse usually require several acres. Match plans to zoning and pasture needs.
Will I need irrigation for a small orchard or pasture?
- Likely yes. The area is relatively dry, so reliable gardens, orchards, and pasture typically need irrigation. Confirm the property’s water source and any water rights.
Can I keep livestock on a rural residential parcel?
- Often yes, but allowed types and numbers depend on zoning and lot size. Review local codes for permitted uses, setbacks, and any animal-related limits.
How do I verify a property’s water rights before I buy?
- Request documentation in seller disclosures and then verify with the state agency that administers water rights. Build verification into your contingencies.
Do I need permits for barns, shops, or greenhouses?
- Usually for larger or powered structures. Confirm size thresholds, setbacks, and inspection requirements with local planning and building departments.
How does farm tax assessment work for hobby farms?
- Oregon’s farm use classification depends on factors like parcel size, income, and documented farm use. Contact the county assessor to review rules and documentation.
