Everyone loves these kinds of things, right?
Interesting or funny facts about a certain area of the world – an area where they live, or where they are traveling to? It lends a personal flair to the whole thing, and let’s face it – it’s a great icebreaker at parties.
Or maybe not – I really have no idea what people talk about at parties anymore. I’m too busy trying to write y’all some tasty blog posts.
Nevertheless, I’ve compiled some pretty fun facts about Oregon. I hope you enjoy. And for goodness sake, if you have a funny or interesting fact that I’ve left out, I expect you to share!
Let’s Get Started…
Beer, Beer and more Beer, Baby! I know that Oregon has its fair share of micro-breweries, but I was surprised to learn that Portland has more breweries within its city limits than any other in the world!
We have a LOT of strip clubs. (sigh) I really couldn’t leave this notable fact out. But it’s true. Portland has more strip clubs per capita than any other city in the country. And I hear tell a few of them even serve up a killer steak.
The Deepest Lake in the US. The illustrious Crater Lake, located in Oregon’s only National Park, is quite a sight to behold. Just be sure to visit during late Spring through early Autumn, as the elevation makes weather a bit tricky, with lots of road closures, during the winter months.
Oregon owns a full ¼ of America’s llama populations. This is completely useless information, I know. And personally, I find llamas to be a bit standoffish.
Moving On…
Oregon has the most ghost towns in the nation. The National Register logs over 80 ghost towns in the state. A direct result of eastern Oregon’s once-booming and now-defunct gold rush. One of them is named – I kid you not – Idiotville. Hmm. Idiotville is actually located in the western Tillamook forest and may be a bit hard to find, as nothing remains at the site.
That’s a LOT of cheese. Speaking of Tillamook, this city has the largest cheese factory in the WORLD. The ice cream is pretty killer, also.
The Deepest River Gorge. Hell’s Canyon is the deepest river gorge in America, at over 8,000 feet deep. Hugging the borders of northeastern Oregon and Idaho, you can go whitewater boating, hiking, and horseback riding, with some of the most spectacular scenery in the Pacific Northwest.
The Insanity Continues…
Are You Nuts? Oregon is the only state that has an official nut. No, it’s not a person (although that would be hilarious) it is, in fact, the noble Hazelnut. Also known as the filbert. The state supplies 99 percent of the nation’s crop.
That Swoosh Company. The world-famous Nike was started right in Beaverton, a suburb of Portland. You literally cannot go anywhere in the world (even outer Mongolia) without seeing someone wearing a Nike-branded product. Their reach is far and wide. That could be a good or bad thing – I’m still conflicted.
So why ‘Oregon?’ What kind of a name is that, anyway? Well, it is believed that the word originated from the French word ‘ouragan’, meaning “hurricane,” or “windstorm,” which refers to the powerful Columbia River winds.
What does Oregon have in common with New Jersey? These two states are the ONLY states in the Union where you cannot pump your own gas. Having said that, recent laws have been passed in Oregon wherein certain rural areas, you are allowed to pump your own gas.
Oregon heavily influenced The Simpsons. It’s only fitting, because the long-running show’s creator, Matt Groening, was born in Portland. Springfield, OR is actually the real-life inspiration for the fictional cartoon town, and many streets in northwest Portland are named after some of the show’s characters: Thurman, Burnside, Flanders, Kearney, Lovejoy and Quimby streets.
And Finally…
At Least You Know Where the Barber Shop Is. The world’s tallest barbershop pole, measuring in at 72 feet, is located in Forest Grove, OR – about a 20-minute drive west of Portland. Although I’m pretty sure there isn’t a barbershop there any longer.
Dig for Fossils! The John Day Fossil Beds in central Oregon is one of the richest fossil sites in the world. There is even a tiny town called Fossil, where you can dig for your own! However, don’t get your hopes up, the public fossil digging site is actually directly behind a high school, and things have been pretty picked over.
Portland is one of three cities in the U.S. with an extinct volcano. The dormant Mt Tabor is within its city limits. Mt. Tabor Park is a great city park with lots of places to hike and a gorgeous view of the city skyline.
Oregon Vortex. More funhouse of perceptive trickery than a paranormal phenomenon, this unusual attraction is worth checking out, nonetheless. It is a tilted house with a distorted sense of perception, where objects do bizarre things. Located in central Oregon.
