Guide Note

Oregon is located in the Northwest region of the United States, between Washington and Northern California on the Pacific Coast. Oregon also shares a border with Nevada and Idaho.

Oregon is known for it diverse landscape with its scenic coastal areas, to the dense forests, boasting some of the tallest Red Woods in the world. Oregon is also home to Mount Hood, the highest point in the United States reaching 11,239 feet. Oregon is dotted with ancient volcanoes with some still active today. Other area of Oregon are arid and desert like, which cover nearly half of the state. Oregon's nickname is the Beaver State.

Fast Facts

1. Capital: Salem
2. Governor: Ted Kulongoski
3. Population: 3,421,399 (2000)
4. Admission to Union: February 14, 1859
5. 33rd state
6. Time zones: Primarily Pacific, some in Mountain

The western mountain regions of Oregon were formed by the volcanic activity from the de Fuca Plate, which still poses a threat for earthquakes and volcanic activity in Oregon today. The most recent activity was the 1700 Cascadia earthquake with a magnitude 8.7. And seen from Portland, Washington's Mount St. Helens which erupted in 1980.

1. Oregon Coast—west of the Coast Range
2. Willamette Valley
3. Rogue Valley
4. Cascade Mountains
5. Klamath Mountains
6. Columbia River Plateau
7. Basin and Range

• Portland: 568,380
• Eugene: 153,690
• Salem: 152,290
• Gresham: 99,225
• Hillsboro: 88,300
• Beaverton: 85,560
• Bend: 77,780
• Medford: 75,675
• Springfield: 57,320
• Corvallis: 54,890

• State Flower: Oregon-grape
• State Song: "Oregon, My Oregon"
• State Bird: Western Meadowlark
• State Tree: Douglas-fir
• State Fish: Chinook salmon
• State Animal: American Beaver
• State Dance: Square dance
• State Insect: Oregon Swallowtail