​In the making for over 145 years
A family wheat ranch passed down through five generations and operated for over 145 years.
Homesteaded in 1875​
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​​Homesteaded in 1875 by Joel Coleman Johnson and Ellen S. Crockett, the Johnson Ranch is 7 miles south from the mouth of the Deschutes River on the Wasco County side, 17 miles southeast of The Dalles.
Upon settling the ranch, Joel took up farming and raising stock. "To him belongs the credit of being the pioneer of wheat growing on the hills of Wasco County, his experiment having given to the state the knowledge that wheat could be grown there.”​
James Crockett Johnson continued raising wheat and high quality stock. James was very involved in the community from justice of the peace, clerk of the school board and President of The Dalles Elevator. James C. married Belle Allen in 1897. They had two sons, Ralph Quinten and Dean Vivian.
​The Farming Tradition Continues
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​Ralph graduated from the University of Oregon then took a job with the Shell Oil Company. He married Grace Irene Read then lived in Seattle. Ralph and Grace took the ranch operations over when James Crockett passed away. Ralph and Grace had one child, James Q. Johnson.
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James Q. Johnson and Marion Marie Galla met while attending the University of Oregon, getting married on March 22nd 1951. They had six children: Steven, Nancy, Kim, Stacy, Teri and Jason.
Jim and Marni continued the tradition of farming and raising stock, now mostly cattle, and being involved in the community. Outstanding Farmer of the Year in 1963, Boy Scout leader for a number of years, and being the President of Interior Elevator are just a few of Jim’s accomplishments. Marni was a life long member of PEO, Daughter’s of the Nile and a dedicated 4-H Leader. Jim is still running the ranch today at 93 years of age.
Spirits Enter The Picture...
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Jason Johnson (Oregon Pioneer #2264) graduated from Oregon State University in 1992. After college, he went to work for the E & J Gallo Winery where his interest in the alcohol beverage industry began. Jason met Elizabeth in 1993 and were married in 1995. They have two children Bailee (Oregon Pioneer #3937) and Jack (Oregon Pioneer #3938). In August of 2014, Jason and Beth decided to give a dream a try and started Double Circle Spirits. The first bottle of Vodka was sold one year later.
Jason and Beth have made West Linn, OR their home since 2003.