Facts over Oregon
State: Oregon
Abbreviation: OR
Capital: Salem
State Since: February 14, 1859
Area Codes: 503, 541, 971
Bird: Western Meadowlark
Flower: Oregon Grape
Largest City: Portland
Motto: Alis volat propiis – She flies with her own wings
Nickname: Beaver State
Population: 3,421,399
Song: Oregon, My Oregon
Tree: Douglas Fir
Time Zone: -7/-8
Adjacent States:
- Washington
- Idaho
- Nevada
- California
Oregon Travel Information
Oregon is one of the states of the United States. The standard abbreviation for the “Beaver State”, as it is nicknamed, is OR. The capital is Salem.
History
The present-day state of Oregon was originally part of a much larger area under shared British-American administration, the Oregon Country, but from 1846 the region was split up. South of the 49th parallel, the American Oregon Territory then emerged. Oregon became the 33rd state of the United States on February 14, 1859.
Geography and Climate
The state of Oregon covers 255,026 km², of which 248,849 km² is land. The state belongs to the Pacific time zone, except for a small portion to the east which is in the Mountain time zone. Oregon is located on the Pacific Ocean and is bordered to the north by Washington State, to the east by Idaho and to the south by California and Nevada. From north to south runs the Coastal Mountains, a mountain range whose highest point is the peak of the stratovolcano Mount Hood (3,426 m). A lot of rain falls west of this. The southeast of the state is drier and flatter.
Particularities
The area along the John Day River is one of the most famous fossil sites in the world. The Lava Lands are also geologically interesting. In the national park, a gloomy honey fungus was discovered in 2003 with an underground wire system of 8.9 km². This makes it the largest organism in the world.
Mount Hood
One of the main attractions is Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States. The approximately 600 meters deep lake was created around 5700 BC from the volcano Mount Mazama. Oregon has many other lakes, such as Malheurmeer and Upper Klamathmeer. The major rivers are the Columbia, which defines most of the border with Washington, and the Snake, which makes up much of the border with Idaho.
Columbia River Gorge en Multnomah Falls
The spectacular Columbia River Gorge runs right through the Cascade Mountains. This canyon, carved by the Columbia River, is almost 130 kilometers long and has depths of up to 1200 meters. Due to the enormous length of the gorge, it officially falls under two states: the northern part of the gorge belongs to Washington State and the southern part to Oregon. The area is known for its many recreational opportunities. You can hike, cycle, play golf, fish, raft and surf here. The many waterfalls and wild flowers make the Gorge a breathtaking place. One of the absolute highlights in the gorge is the Multnomah Falls. This is the highest of the 77 falls in the southern part of the Gorge. This waterfall thunders down almost 200 meters in two stages.www.crgva.org
Mt. Hood en TImberline Lodge
Half an hour away from Portland lies the dormant volcano Mount Hood, the highest point in the state at 3426 meters in the mountains. You can even ski and snowboard here 365 days a year. The Timberline Lodge, built in the 1930s, located near Mount Hood and known from Stanley Kubrick’s film The Shining, is also worth a visit. www.mthoodgorge.com
Coastline
Oregon has a beautiful coastline, which is characterized by rugged nature and many recreational opportunities. In addition, unlike other states, all Oregon beaches are freely accessible to the public. Visit the many lighthouses, sand dunes and see sea lions, seals and whales all year round. It is a coast that is unique in the world and that you have to see to understand why. Beautiful wide beaches, sometimes a rough sea, beautiful rocks and a wide collection of driftwood. Here you can sunbathe to your heart’s content, (kite)surf, walk in the dunes, go horseback riding and fishing. In the cozy seaside resorts you will find shops, art, museums and a wide variety of accommodation options and restaurants. Some attractions worth visiting include the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport,www.visittheoregoncoast.com
Central Oregon
In the central part of Oregon, forests and lakes alternate with volcanic peaks. And the climate is fantastic in this area: lots of sun in the summer, thick layers of snow in the winter. It is not for nothing that it is a true sports paradise. Looking for an outdoor vacation? Then Bend is the place to be. www.visitcentraloregon.com
Southern Oregon with Crater Lake National Park
The rolling green of the valleys, the beauty of the desert land – that and more, you will find in the diverse south of Oregon. Rafting, mountain biking, hiking and last but not least; the unique Crater Lake National Park. The volcano Mt. Mazama exploded 7,700 years ago, resulting in a giant crater lake. This 600 meter deep lake is the deepest lake in the United States. It is highly recommended to take a boat trip on this clear blue lake in the summer: a beautiful view is guaranteed. www.southernoregon.org
Eastern Oregon with Hells Canyon
Experience the Wild West in the desert in eastern Oregon. Where snowcapped peaks look down on the dusty plains and the sharp red rocks look down on rolling hills bordering wild rivers and fertile wheat fields. Visit several Native Indian ghost towns and reservations. Also visit Hells Canyon National Park, the deepest canyon in America, unlike the Grand Canyon, which many believe is the deepest canyon. www.eova.com
Portland
The capital of Oregon is Salem, but Portland is the largest and most important city in the state with more than half a million inhabitants. This city has an environmentally friendly and progressive character. In 1905, the mayor of Portland proposed making the city even greener by replacing the buildings every other street with trees and roses. For example, Portland has been nicknamed the ‘City of Roses’. The city also has many parks. Buildings over 40 stories high are prohibited. Portland is an hour from the coast and the mountains are also within easy reach.
Wine region
If people know wine from America, it is usually wine from California. Less well known, but just as good, are the Oregon State wines. This state is therefore well on its way to conquering its place in the wine market. The climate and soil in this region provide an excellent basis for fine wines. The nice thing is that they are very proud of this and like to let their guests enjoy it. Willamette Valley is at the heart of all agricultural activity and is the ideal area for growing wine grapes. The 22 wineries in Willamette Valley account for significant wine production. The Pinot Noir is the grape that produces a top wine in Oregon. But Willamette Valley is also very worthwhile for people who love exercise and nature. A lovely bike ride through the flat country between the vineyards and the many colored tulip fields (!) is the way to visit a number of wineries. Events take place in Willamette Valley throughout the year and you can soak up the local atmosphere with a glass of fine wine. Learn more about Oregon’s wine region go towww.oregonwinecountry.com
Demography and economy
In 2000 Oregon had 3,421,399 inhabitants (13 per km²). The population density in Oregon is greatest in the strip between the coast and the Coastal Mountains. Here are the largest cities, Portland, Salem and Eugene. The gross product of the state in 2001 was $120 billion. Oregon is known for being relatively progressive. Many environmental measures have been implemented for the first time in this state.
CRATER LAKE
Oregon
Facts over Crater Lake
Name: Crater Lake National Park
Location: Southwest Oregon
Nearest Town: Medford
Opening: May 22, 1902
Admission: $10.00 per person
Hours:
April – November: 9.00 am- 5.00 pm
November – April: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Number of visitors: 388,972
Crater Lake Travel Information
Crater Lake is located in a caldera, a volcanic basin that formed about 7,700 years ago when the 3,660-meter-high Mount Mazama collapsed as a result of a volcanic eruption. Lava flows closed the bottom of the caldera, and a long period of cooling followed. Rain and snow filled the caldera with deep blue water.
The Lake in Oregon has a diameter of 8 kilometers and is surrounded by steep rock walls that rise up to 600 meters above the surface of the water. On average, the lake is 457 meters deep. At one point, the lake reaches a depth of 589 meters, making it the deepest lake in the United States and the seventh deepest in the world. There are no streams or rivers that flow into the lake, but it does snow a lot in this area (about 1,350 centimeters per year). The water that evaporates from the lake is therefore mainly supplemented by snow. This makes Crater Lake one of the clearest lakes in the world, and it has a beautiful, striking deep blue color. During the very long winter many roads in the park are impassable, the best months to visit here are July, August and September.
