Top 10 Most Interesting Facts About Oregon

1. State Motto: "She Flies With Her Own Wings."
2. State Bird: Western Meadowlark.
3. State Flower: Oregon Grape.
4. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, with a depth of 1,943 feet.
5. Oregon has no sales tax, making it a shopper's paradise.
6. Portland is known as the "City of Roses" due to its ideal climate for growing roses.
7. The Columbia River Gorge is home to over 90 waterfalls.
8. Oregon is the only state with an official nut: the hazelnut (or filbert).
9. Hells Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon, measuring over 8,000 feet deep.
10. Oregon's coastline is entirely public, with 363 miles of scenic beaches open to everyone.

Geography of Oregon

Oregon's diverse geography includes forests, mountains, beaches, and high desert plains:

• Highest Point: Mount Hood (11,239 feet).
• Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean (sea level).
• Major Rivers: Columbia River, Willamette River, and Rogue River.

A Brief History of Oregon

Oregon's history is as rich as its landscapes:

• Oregon was part of the Oregon Trail, a key route for pioneers heading west in the 1800s.
• It became the 33rd state on February 14, 1859.
• The Columbia River was a major trade route for Native Americans and early explorers.
• Portland became a hub for lumber and trade in the late 19th century.

Top 20 Things to Do in Oregon

1. Visit Crater Lake National Park.
2. Explore Mount Hood's hiking trails and ski slopes.
3. Drive through the Columbia River Gorge.
4. Relax on Cannon Beach and see Haystack Rock.
5. Tour the Portland Japanese Garden.
6. See Multnomah Falls.
7. Hike in Silver Falls State Park.
8. Play on the Oregon Dunes.
9. Climb at Smith Rock State Park.
10. Tour wineries in the Willamette Valley.
11. Climb the Astoria Column.
12. Wander Powell's City of Books.
13. Learn at the High Desert Museum.
14. Raft through Hells Canyon.
15. Visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
16. See the Painted Hills.
17. Tour the Tillamook Creamery.
18. Explore the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.
19. Discover the Oregon Caves.
20. Visit the John Day Fossil Beds.

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Oregon, visit the state's official tourism site: Travel Oregon