San Jacinto Valley’s Walnut Revival: A Return to Small-Town Roots

The San Jacinto Valley is reconnecting with its agricultural heritage and small-town values. A beautiful example of this is unfolding in Valle Vista, where a grove of walnut trees planted by Washburn Ranch is now in its third leafing—and thriving. This revival marks a return to one of the region’s historic farming practices and embodies the spirit of “old Hemet.”

We encourage you to visit the Washburn Ranch Fruit Stand, located just off Highway 74 east in Valle Vista (just past Marshall Avenue en route to Idyllwild), to ask about their walnuts. The stand is open Friday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What began in spring 2013 as rows of fragile saplings on 190 acres near Soboba Street and Stetson Avenue has since grown into a robust, flourishing grove visible from the road—almost like a demonstration orchard. Another, more secluded grove lies off Fairview Avenue, tucked away from public view. For those who love the scenic beauty of the valley, it’s an uplifting sight. Many longtime residents who once played beneath the old walnut trees of their childhood are thrilled to see the crop of their youth returning. As health-conscious keto enthusiasts, we’re equally excited about this comeback.

We applaud the Washburns for their sustainable and creative farming practices—adjusting soil nutrients to support walnut growth while preserving their citrus groves, rather than clearing land for housing developments. Now eight years old, the walnut trees are producing excellent yields. Market conditions are strong, prices are favorable, and the future looks promising. Just like keto followers, many baby boomers in their 60s and 70s love incorporating walnuts into their diets for their health benefits, including improved brain function and vitality.

Back in the 1970s, groves filled much of eastern Hemet and Valle Vista. While citrus dominated for decades, creating one of Southern California’s most scenic orange and grapefruit belts, walnuts were once a staple crop in the San Jacinto Valley. Development and shifting market demands eventually led to the groves' decline. Still, a few old walnut trees continue to produce nuts in residential yards.

The late Mack McIntyre grew walnuts on what became Sierra Dawn Estates, a large senior community that broke ground in 1962. Even the site of the former Hemet High School football field—now Jacob Wiens Elementary School—was once part of a thriving walnut grove.

Walnut trees are well-suited to the valley’s climate, tolerating winter cold with ease. They’re also economically viable: mechanical walnut harvesting costs about $500 per acre, compared to $3,500 per acre for handpicked citrus. Plus, walnut trees use roughly 20% less water per acre than citrus—an important advantage in drought-prone years.

The Washburns’ walnut revival isn’t just a success story for one family farm—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when a community chooses tradition, sustainability, and health over rapid development.