Grandview
| Grandview | |
|---|---|
| Location | Sisters RD, Deschutes NF |
| Tree Count | 1 |
| Species | 1 apple |
| Varieties | 1 identified |
History
The Grandview orchard is located in the historic Grandview community area of the Lower Metolius region, within the Deschutes National Forest (Sisters Ranger District).
The Grandview Community
During the pioneer homesteading land rush of 1907, Central Oregon experienced a settlement boom. One of the farming communities that developed was Grandview, situated along the Metolius River approximately 22 miles from Madras. Aptly named, the location offered grand views of snowcapped mountains including the Three Sisters, Three Fingered Jack, and Broken Top, with the Metolius and Deschutes rivers bordering the area.
The Failed Irrigation Project
Needing water to grow crops in the arid climate, settlers voted and passed a $680,000 bond for the "Suttle Lake Irrigation District of Grandview," which would build a canal to bring water from Suttle Lake. In preparation for irrigation, homesteaders built barns, houses, corrals, fences, and cleared rocks from the rocky soil.
However, the irrigation project ultimately failed. The construction company failed to produce the required earnest money, and the contract was severed. The bank refused to certify the bonds, and by 1923, the Suttle Lake project's water rights were lost. A prolonged drought beginning in 1917, combined with highly destructive winds during the Dust Bowl, contributed to the abandonment of the Grandview community by the 1930s.
Homestead Orchards in the Region
Despite the difficult conditions, homesteaders in the Lower Metolius area planted fruit orchards as part of their agricultural efforts. Evidence suggests homesteaders named the area "The Cove" and planted peach and apple orchards along the rivers, providing surrounding communities with fresh fruit when conditions allowed.
The surviving Grandview apple tree represents a remnant of this homesteading era, bearing witness to the agricultural aspirations of early 20th century settlers in Central Oregon.
The Surviving Gravenstein Tree
The single surviving tree at Grandview is a Gravenstein apple tree, identified through DNA analysis (sample code AFRS-004). Gravenstein is a classic, early-ripening heritage variety known for producing large, red and green striped fruit with renowned flavor, often used for cider-making. The variety was popular among early Oregon settlers.
Scions from this tree have been preserved at the Clarno Heritage Apple Arboretum to ensure the genetic heritage is maintained for future generations.
Sources: Jefferson County Historical Society "The Agate"; "Oregon's Sisters Country" by Raymond R. Hatton; Clarno Heritage Apple Varieties Summary Spring 2025; Heritage Apple Corps survey records
| Condition | Count |
|---|---|
| Good | 0 |
| Fair | 0 |
| Poor | 0 |
| Dead | 0 |
| Total | 1 |
The Grandview orchard contains 1 documented heritage fruit trees.
Orchard Map
Trees
- Tree #1- Gravenstein
