Oregon is a state of beautiful natural beauty and diverse culture. Located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, Oregon encompasses an area of 98,381 square miles and is the ninth largest state in the nation. It is bordered by Washington to the north, Idaho to the east, California to the south, and Nevada and California to the east. Oregon has a population of 4.2 million people, making it one of America’s most populous states.
Oregon has a varied geography that includes mountains, forests, high desert plateaus, rivers, lakes, and coastline. The Cascade Mountains run through northwest Oregon and are home to Crater Lake National Park which is home to the deepest lake in America at over 1 mile deep. The Columbia River Gorge forms part of Oregon’s eastern border with Washington State and offers some of the most spectacular scenery in all of North America with waterfalls plunging hundreds of feet into narrow canyons below. The Pacific Coastline offers some of Oregon’s most beautiful beaches such as Cannon Beach near Astoria or Bandon Beach near Coos Bay. Portland is located on both sides of Willamette River in northwest Oregon and serves as its largest city with over 2 million people calling it home.
Oregon has a rich cultural history that dates back centuries before European settlers arrived in what would become Oregon Territory in 1848. Native Americans have lived here for thousands of years prior to European contact with tribes such as Chinookans inhabiting what would become modern day Portland area or Kalapuya living along Willamette Valley. Today there are nine federally recognized tribes who call Oregon home including: Burns Paiute Tribe; Confederated Tribes Coos Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians; Confederated Tribes Grand Ronde Community; Confederated Tribes Klamath Tribes; Confederated Tribes Siletz Indians; Cow Creek Band Umpqua Tribe; Coquille Indian Tribe; Klamath Indian Tribe; Rogue River Indian Tribe & Warm Springs Confederented Tribes
The culture that greets visitors today reflects this long history as well as more recent influences from around the world thanks to immigration from other parts of America and beyond its borders. This mix makes for an exciting cultural experience no matter where you go in Oregon whether it be Portland’s hip music scene or Ashland’s world-renown Shakespeare Festival held every summer since 1935 or Bend’s craft breweries featuring local ales made from locally sourced ingredients which have made it one of America’s top beer cities.
Oregon has long been known for its progressive politics with strong support for liberal causes such as environmental protection (Oregon was first state in nation to pass bottle bill), LGBT rights (first state legalize same-sex marriage without court order), women’s right (Equal Rights Amendment passed by legislature 1975), labor laws (state minimum wage currently highest US ), gun control laws (ban assault weapons 2019), death penalty abolition (abolished 1984) plus many more initiatives aimed at protecting rights all citizens. This commitment continues today with Governor Kate Brown leading push towards renewable energy sources like wind & solar power as well green infrastructure projects like high speed rail lines connecting major cities.
From its stunning natural beauty to its vibrant culture and progressive politics there’s no doubt why so many people choose to make their homes here. From snowcapped mountains cascading into lush valleys below, vast deserts stretching towards horizon sunsets, crystal clear rivers meandering through dense forests & crashing waves heralding arrival nightfall on coast -Oregon truly has something to offer to everyone. Whether you’re looking to hike majestic peaks explore ancient volcano craters or simply relax to enjoy laidback lifestyle this place has it all. So come visit to see why so many people call this place home!
Main Counties in Oregon
According to countryaah, the state of Oregon has the following major counties:
1. Multnomah County: Located in the northwest corner of Oregon, Multnomah County is the most populous county in the state. It includes the cities of Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, and Fairview.
2. Washington County: Washington County is located in the northwest corner of Oregon and includes the cities of Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Tigard.
3. Clackamas County: Clackamas County is located in northern Oregon between Multnomah and Marion counties. It includes the cities of Oregon City, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Gladstone, and Estacada.
4. Marion County: Marion County is located in north-central Oregon and includes the cities of Salem (the state capital), Keizer, Woodburn, Stayton, Silverton and Detroit.
5. Lane County: Lane County is located in western Oregon and includes the cities of Eugene (the second most populous city in Oregon), Springfield, Cottage Grove and Florence.
6. Jackson County: Jackson County is located in southern Oregon and includes the cities of Medford (the third most populous city in Oregon), Ashland (home to Southern Oregon University) Grants Pass (the county seat) Eagle Point and Rogue River.
