Discover the Fascinating Facts about Oregon
Oregon has more ghost towns than any other state in the United States.
The name Oregon comes from the French and originally referred to the Columbia River.
The world’s largest mushroom, an Armillaria solidipes, can be found in Oregon’s Malheur National Forest.
Oregon is the only state in the United States with an official state nut, the hazelnut.
The tallest waterfall in Oregon is Multnomah Falls, which stands at a height of 611 feet.
Oregon is home to the deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake, which was formed by a collapsed volcano.
The largest sea cave in the world, the Sea Lion Caves, is located in Oregon.
Oregon is the leading producer of Christmas trees in the United States.
The Oregon Trail, which stretched from Missouri to Oregon in the 19th century, helped pioneer the way for westward expansion.
Oregon is the only state in the United States with a two-sided state flag.
The Oregon Coast is famous for its rugged beauty and is considered one of the most scenic drives in the country.
Oregon is home to some of the best pinot noir wine in the world.
The world’s oldest breeding pair of great horned owls is located in Oregon’s Rogue River Valley.
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival held in Ashland is one of the largest and oldest regional theaters in the United States.
Oregon has more ghostly legends and haunted places per capita than any other state.
Oregon is the birthplace of the first successful American chess master, Paul Morphy.
Oregon has the largest wilderness area in the Pacific Northwest, the Eagle Cap Wilderness.
Oregon is the only state with an official state microbe, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, used in brewing and baking.
The Tillamook Cheese Factory in Oregon produces over 171,000 pounds of cheese per day.
The deepest vertical cave in the United States, the Mystery Cave, is located in Oregon.
Oregon is the leading producer of blackberries in the United States.
Mount Hood, located in Oregon, is the second most climbed mountain in the world.
Oregon has more breweries per capita than any other state in the United States.
The world’s smallest park, Mill Ends Park, is located in Portland, Oregon.
The Oregon Vortex, located in Gold Hill, is a popular tourist attraction known for its optical illusions and mysterious phenomena.
Oregon is one of the few states where it is legal to pump your own gas.
The world’s first portable computer, the Osborne 1, was invented in Oregon.
Oregon was the first state in the United States to have enacted a bottle return law.
The Douglas fir, also known as Oregon pine, is the state tree of Oregon.
Crater Lake, located in Oregon, is considered one of the most pristine lakes in the world.
Oregon is the birthplace of the Nike brand, which was originally named Blue Ribbon Sports.
The Pacific Crest Trail, a scenic hiking trail that stretches from Mexico to Canada, passes through Oregon.
Oregon is home to the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America.
The Rogue River in Oregon is famous for its world-class whitewater rafting.
The Oregon Berry Festival celebrates the state’s bountiful berry harvest each year.
The Heceta Head Lighthouse in Oregon is considered one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States.
Oregon is home to the deepest river gorge in North America, Hells Canyon.
The Pendleton Round-Up, held annually in Pendleton, Oregon, is one of the oldest rodeos in the United States.
Oregon is the only state with a flag that features a different design on each side.
The Oregon State Capitol in Salem is home to the only state’s House of Representatives with a circular chamber.
The Painted Hills in Oregon, part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, showcase unique colorful rock formations.
Oregon boasts more than 250 waterfalls, including the famous Silver Falls State Park with multiple cascades.
The Columbia River Gorge in Oregon is one of the largest concentrations of waterfalls in North America.
The world’s largest cargo ship, the MV Berge Stahl, is named after Oregon’s Berge Larsen Stahl, a 19th-century Norwegian businessman.
Oregon has the deepest known cave in the United States, the Leviathan Cave.