Oregon Tidbits

by Wendy on February 8, 2016

We can’t tell you enough about the best places in Oregon. They’re tucked away in our mountains, along our rugged coastline and among our spectacular waterfalls. A back country run, a hidden fishing-hole, a secluded fire lookout, a teeming tide pool, a local trail head you stumble upon – they’re the things that bring visitors back.

Did You Know…no-sales-tax_icon_400

  • Oregon is pronounced OR-UH-GUN, never OR-EE-GONE.
  • Oregon has no sales tax.
  • Oregon contains more than 5,900 registered campsites along with 230 state parks and 13 national forests.
  • Oregon fuel stations are not self-service; they are required by law to have attendants pump their fuel for you.

Natural Wonders

  • Oregon offers some example of every geographic terrain on the planet within its borders, with snow-dusted mountains, dramatic river canyons, lush valleys, rugged coast, arid plains and fertile fields.
  • Nearly half of Oregon’s total area is forested – close to 30 million acres.
  • The highest elevation point is Mt. Hood at 11,239 feet, and the lowest is at sea level.
    Historic-Crater-Lake-Lodge-by--Josemaria-Toscano

    Crater Lake by Josemaria Toscano

  • At 1,932 feet, Crater Lake, located in Southern Oregon is the deepest lake in the United States.
  • Oregon has four National Historic Trails and 14 National Historic Districts.
  • Oregon has more than 7,000 bridges, including 53 covered bridges.
  • There are more than 6,000 lakes and 112,000 miles of rivers and streams.
  • There are nine lighthouses and one light ship along the Oregon Coast.
  • There are 16 known hot springs in Oregon.
  • There are currently 17 ghost towns in Oregon.
  • In the Klamath Forest National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can view more than 1,000 majestic bald eagles – the largest concentration of wintering bald eagles in the U.S.
  • Luring rock climbers from around the globe with more than 1,400 climbing routes, Smith Rock towers above Central Oregon, challenging all who come to conquer its craggy surface.
  • Located in the Northeastern corner of the state, Hells Canyon is the deepest river-carved gorge in North America. At 7,900 feet, it’s deeper than the Grand Canyon.
  • The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is one of the richest fossil bed sites in the world.
  • The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is home to the largest freshwater marsh in the U.S.
  • Naturally carved within an outcropping of solid marble, Oregon Caves National Monument is one of southern Oregon’s oldest attractions.
  • Oregon has 12 commercial downhill ski areas, with 400 trails in three mountain ranges.

Fun Facts

  • The Oregon hazelnut is the state’s official nut, and Oregon grows 99 percent of the entire U.S. commercial crop.
  • The pear is Oregon’s state fruit, ranking as the top-selling tree fruit crop.
    Pinot_Grapes_by_Jamie_Hooper_hi

    Pinot Grapes by Jamie Hooper

  • There are more than 700 vineyards in Oregon, planted on about 13,700 acres. Oregon produces more than 40 different varietals of wine grapes.
  • The population of Oregon is only 3.4 million, with 1.5 million living in the Portland area.
  • Oregon is the 10th largest state in the union, covering 97,073 square miles.
  • Oregon’s birthday is Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1859.

 

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