Oregon is the ninth largest state located in in the Pacific Northwest region of the Western United States. Oregon is bordered by 4 other states and the Pacific Ocean: Washington state to the north, Idaho to the east, Nevada and California to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The beaver state is the nickname of Oregon. To know more about Oregon, let’s take a look at 10 interesting facts about “the Beaver State” in this article.
1. Oregon is One of the Most Geographically Diverse States in the United States
There are volcanoes, abundant bodies of water, dense evergreen and mixed forests, as well as high deserts and semi-arid shrublands in Oregon that make it one of the most geographically diverse states in the United States. As it comes with diverse landscapes and waterways, the economy of Oregon is largely powered by various forms of agriculture, fishing, and hydroelectric power.
2. The Capital City of Oregon is Salem and Its Largest City is Portland
Salem is the capital city of Oregon while the largest city of Oregon is Portland. Portland Metropolitan Area is also the largest metro area of Oregon that extends to neighbouring state, Washington. Portland Metropolitan Area is also the 25th most populous metropolitan area of the United States. Besides Portland as the largest city, there are also other cities in Portland Metropolitan Area: Gresham, Hillsboro (Oregon) and Vancouver, Beaverton (Washington).
3. Crater Lake in Oregon is the Deepest Lake in the United States
With 1,949 feet (594 m) maximum depth, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. Crater Lake is the main feature of Crater Lake National Park that is located in south-central Oregon. It’s a volcanic crater lake that is famous for its deep blue color and water clarity. The lake was formed by the collapse of the volcano Mount Mazama around 7,700 years ago.
4. Malheur National Forest in Oregon is the Home to the Single Largest Organism in the World
A fungus species, Armillaria ostoyae, that runs beneath 2,200 acres (8.9 km2) of the Malheur National Forest in Oregon is the largest single organism in the world. Armillaria ostoyae is pathogenic to trees. It’s common on both hardwood and conifer wood in forests west of the Cascade Range in Oregon, United States. We can’t easily notice that the bulk of the organism from the surface as Armillaria ostoyae grows and spreads primarily underground.
5. Oregon is the Top Producer of Softwood Lumber in the United States
Oregon is the largest producing state of softwood lumber in the United States. Oregon produces around 16% of the nation’s softwood. Oregon is also the top producer of Plywood. Around 50% of the total landmass of Oregon is covered by forest. Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine are two main softwood tree species of Oregon. Douglas fir is also the official state tree of Oregon.
6. Oregon is the Largest Producing State of Blackberries, Hazelnuts and Peppermint
Oregon produces more blackberries, hazelnuts and peppermint than any other state in the United States. Oregon produces more than 40 million pounds of blackberries each year. Oregon also supplies around 99% of the Hazelnuts of the United States. 35% of peppermint of the United States are also supplied by Oregon. Oregon is also one of the top producing states of cranberries, rhubarb and grass seed.
7. Oregon Has More Ghost Towns than any Other State in the United States
There are more than 200 ghost towns in Oregon that makes Oregon has more ghost town than any other state in the United States. Many ghost towns in Oregon are abandoned mining and lumber camps. Some of the popular ghost towns of Oregon are: Golden Ghost Town and Buncom Ghost Town in Southern Oregon, Shaniko Ghost Town, Antelope Ghost Town and Hardman Ghost Town in Northern Oregon, Sumpter Ghost Town and Greenhorn Ghost Town in Eastern Oregon, Granite Ghost Town, Millican Ghost Town and Canyon City Ghost Town in Central Oregon.
8. Mount Hood is the Highest Natural Point of Oregon
With 11,249 ft (3,428.8 m) elevation, Mount Hood is the highest natural point of Oregon. Mount Hood is located about 50 mi (80 km) east-southeast of Portland. It’s on the border between Clackamas and Hood River counties. Mount Hood is a potentially active stratovolcano that offers the only year-round lift-served skiing in North America.
9. Western Meadowlark is the Official State Bird of Oregon
The official state bird of Oregon is the western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta). It was chosen as the state bird in 1927. The western meadowlark is a medium-sized bird that nests on the ground in open grasslands across western and central North America. Besides the state bird of Oregon, the western meadowlark is also the state bird of Montana, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming.
10. The Oregon Grape is the Official State Flower of Oregon
The official state flower of Oregon is the Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium). It was designated as the state flower in 1899. The Oregon grape is a species of flowering plant native to western North America. It can grow 1–3 meters (3–10 feet) tall and 1.5 m (5 ft) wide. Dense clusters of yellow flowers come in early spring that are followed by dark bluish-black berries.
If you know other interesting facts about Oregon, feel free to share with us here. There are surely many interesting facts about Oregon that we haven’t talked about in this article.