About the Land

The Sharpening Stone is situated in the west foothills of the Southern Oregon Cascades mountains, about 40 minutes east of Grants Pass, in the ancestral homelands of the Cow Creek and Grave Creek bands of Umpqua peoples.

Our 40-acre campus is nestled in the heart of a mountain valley at almost 3000 ft elevation, with an abundant year-round creek running through it and mixed conifer and deciduous forest with endless plant and animal wildlife to explore.  This land is stewarded by Adam and Sarah Larue, as well as many other wonderful people who call this place home at various times.

This is an off grid property that is also a full time residence. It has solar and hydro-electric power, an outdoor solar-heated shower, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, composting toilets, and satellite internet. All the water on the land comes from a mountain spring just above the property and has been tested for safety. Since 2014, this land has been cultivated for hosting workshops, gatherings, and events related to earth skills education. There are multiple earth-based dwellings, a flint knapping pit, a hide tanning area affectionately known as “hide camp,” and a blacksmithing forge as part of the permanent infrastructure.

The property is lovingly tended by Adam and Sarah Larue and their family, along with Adam’s parents and many dedicated community members throughout the years.

Three main camping areas offer a variety of choices for making your home away from home during your time here. We have meadows and shady groves for pitching a tent, and close-in vehicle camping areas for finding that perfect camping situation. The land offers multiple options for cooling off in the summer, from a spring-fed pond to the 7-ft deep swimming hole at the creek. No matter what time of year you’re here, there are miles of forest to explore in all directions, filled with wild berries, nuts, mushrooms, medicinal plants and seasonal mountain streams to delight the senses.