There is a US state of Oregon, which is famous for its amazing nature. Located near the Pacific Ocean, it borders the states of Idaho, California, Washington and Nevada. Here you can see deserts, steppes and mountain ranges, amazingly beautiful lakes and dormant volcanoes. There are several nature reserves, cave complexes and turbulent rivers. There is still controversy over the name "Oregon". The main existing version says that the word means "hurricane" in French. But not all language researchers agree with this assumption.
Description
Oregon has an area of approximately 250,000 square kilometers and is one of the ten largest states in terms of territory (ranking ninth in this indicator). As for the population, here the region cannot be compared with California and other leading regions. Oregon occupies only 27th position. The population is approaching 3.9 million inhabitants. In accordance with the traditions of the country, the state has an original motto, which sounds like: "Flies on its wings." Officially adopted in 1854.
The capital is the small city of Salem. But there is a settlement several times larger. This is Portland, or the City of Roses, which is famous for its annual flower festivals.
Characteristic
The exact time in Oregon is Pacific, UTC-7. The population is mostly white people, but there is a certain percentage of Hispanics and African Americans. Approximately 1.3% of the Indians who originally lived in Oregon remained in these parts.
In major cities, you can see a lot of foreigners and people of mixed race. The main religion is Christianity, but according to the results of sociological research, it can be concluded that the inhabitants are not too religious. Church attendance is rare, a high proportion of atheists. There is a town of Woodburn on the territory of the state, where a significant part of the population is represented by Russian Old Believers. In former times, these people left Russia because of the persecution of the church. Now the community has grown and is the largest in the States.
Interesting facts
The second name of the state of Oregon is jokingly considered "Beaver". The reason lies in the fact that the beaver is the official symbol of the region. Animals are satisfied with the climate of the territory, clean air and the presence of many rivers. And people treat inventive animals with respect. The beaver can even be seen on the Oregon flag. By the way, the flag is also special: it has two sides.
Another state symbol is the labradorite stone. There are deposits of a certain variety of it, capable of the effect of iridescence. In bright light, the surface of the stone casts in different shades, which is especiallynoticeable after polishing operations. Therefore, the mineral was nicknamed "sun stone".
Zone division
Several areas can be distinguished by geographical and natural features. The ocean coast and coastal range are to the west. It rains more often here, but the climate is milder. Closer to the center, in the southwest, rises the Klamath Range. In these places there are peaks of 2700 m and above, amazing forests with a wide variety of tree species, alpine meadows. Opposite, on the north side, is the Willamette Valley. This is where most of the people of the US state of Oregon live. The inhabitants are engaged in winemaking. Even special tours are organized for visitors, where you can see how grapes are grown and how the drink is obtained. Local wine is highly regarded not only in the United States, but also in Europe.
In the northeast lies the Columbia Plateau with the river of the same name flowing through it. Nearby is a chain of the Blue Mountains, with an area of almost 50 thousand km2. Finally, the last zone is called the High Desert. It has such an unusual name due to the fact that it is located on a small upland, about 1200 m above sea level.
History
The territory was inhabited by people 15 thousand years ago. It is known that in the 16th century Indian tribes lived here: the Klamath, Ne-Perse, Bannocks and some others. The Nez Perce people still exist, but now their representatives can be found only in Idaho. And the Klamath families can still be found in Oregon. Thisthe people, by agreement with the Europeans, agreed to move to the reservation for the Indians.
Since the 18th century, the first British expeditions visited the region. The region began to be studied, and Astoria became the first city founded. There was a fort founded by the Pacific Fur Company. Since the 19th century, conflicts began between Indians and Europeans, then between the countries of Great Britain and the USA. Oregon was officially recognized as a state in 1859
During the Second World War, the territory was somewhat damaged by the bombing of Japanese soldiers. As a result, fires broke out in the forest, which were quite successfully extinguished.
State Attractions
Travelers arriving in Oregon seek to see Mount Hood, the highest point in the state. Its peak is at around 3426 m. The panorama of the area leaves an indelible impression. The snowy peak rises above the numerous trees and clear waters of the lakes. There is a possibility that the volcano will still erupt: it is included in the list of potentially active. The purpose of visiting most visitors are ski resorts. On the territory there are many trails of varying difficulty. Attracts the volcano and professional climbers.
There are other attractions in Oregon. You should definitely visit the Pacific coast. Perhaps the most amazing place here is Thor's well.
Education on the ocean looks like a deep funnel. The water flowing there is like a small waterfall,lost in the depths between the stones. This point on the map is a favorite place for all photographers.
Oregon Cities
One of the largest settlements should be called Eugene. The second largest city after Portland is famous for its annual Bach Festival. There is another attraction: the country's famous University of Oregon. Students receive a quality education, the opportunity to seriously engage in scientific research and find a good job in this field.
The list of Oregon cities includes Springfield, Gresham, Medford, and that's not all. The first is known to many on the TV series "The Simpsons", where, according to the plot, the action took place in a town with the same name. Every year Gresham hosts an event dedicated to jazz music. Medford is small in area, the population in it is mainly engaged in agriculture, growing juicy pears for sale. Nearby there are several National Parks and beautiful lakes. You can get to the city by car or bus from Eugene Airport.
Does the US state of Oregon, the city of Gravity Falls? This is the name of the cartoon about the Pines twins and their summer adventures. The action takes place in Gravity Falls, but in fact the city is fictional.
Portland
It is worth talking about Portland separately. The city has many unique features and extraordinary places. For example, here is the smallest park in the world, with an area of only 0.3 m2. The object even got into the Guinness Book of Records several decades ago. Various plants are constantly planted in this place: flowers,small shrubs, cacti.
Portland Eastbank Esplanade, built at the turn of the 20th-21st centuries, offers a gorgeous view of the river and the historic part of the city. The coastline stretches for several kilometers, passers-by can walk under the bridges and enjoy the city panorama. There are often group tours along the way as this is one of the most popular destinations in Portland, Oregon.
There are about 40 breweries in the city. Portland surpassed even German Cologne in this. Visitors can try beer of different sorts and tastes. Some establishments are located in historical buildings.
What else to see?
For those who wish to visit the wild, camping in the fresh air, we can recommend a trip to the mountains of Siskaya. They belong to the Klamath Range zone. The climate is humid, it often rains, which caused the growth of coniferous trees in a large number. The highest point of the mountain system is Mount Ashland (2296 m).
Among the Oregon National Parks in the United States, the area near the Jefferson volcano should be highlighted. This stratovolcano, named after the American president, last erupted only in 950 BC. Mountain tourists are recommended to make ascents in the summer months of the year or in May. A physically prepared person can easily climb the peak, with the necessary equipment (cramps, ice axes, safety ropes).
The Three Sisters volcano complex poses a certain danger to the inhabitants of the state. These are three mountains.of different ages, the “youngest” of which is only 50 thousand years old. Therefore, this volcano is considered active. US geologists are constantly monitoring changes in the natural object and nearby lands.
Caves
Scientists from the University of Oregon are engaged in research in the field of archeology. In particular, some archaeological sites are being studied, such as Fort Rock Cave. It was here that the oldest shoes on the planet were found. The sandals found in the grotto are about 10 thousand years old! They were made from the bark of wormwood, as shown by the results of archaeological analyses. The cave itself is located in Lake County. There is a similar cave complex near the city of Paisley. And a whole reserve with a complex system of underground tunnels can be found next to the forests of Siskaya. The trails are well equipped for hikers. Numerous groups are accompanied by a guide who tells about the history of the object on the way. When visiting, you should pay attention to safety rules and a warning to people with chronic diseases (lungs, heart, and others). Children below a certain height are not allowed to enter the caves.
Oregon Lakes
Reservoirs in Oregon - more than 150. The large Upper Klamath is located at 1200 m above sea level. Plus, it is in Oregon that the deepest lake in the country, Crater Lake, is located. To reach its bottom, you need to descend 589 meters! The reservoir was formed on the site of a former volcano more than 7 thousand years ago. To see the sights, you should come to the local National Park, from whereoffers stunning views of the lake.
Summer, or "Summer Lake", is also popular to visit. Earlier in the same place there was another majestic reservoir. Its area was 1190 m2. These days, Summer has gotten smaller. The lake is full of birds. More than 200 varieties of them live on the shores. Here you can meet the blue heron, Canada goose and take great photos of the state of Oregon, giving an idea of the flora and fauna of the region. People should be wary of possible dust storms near the lake.
Local celebrities
Few people know that several famous writers come from Oregon or lived here for a certain period of their lives. At the beginning of the last century, Beverly Cleary was born here. The future children's writer lived in the small village of Yamhill, and at a more mature age she moved to Portland. The American reader knows her books about Henry Huggins and a mouse named Ralph. Studied and worked briefly in Portland and bestselling author of Fight Club Chuck Palahniuk.
His name was recognized all over the world after the release of the film based on the work, starring Brad Pitt and Edward Norton. The motion picture has had a huge impact on popular culture.
The state is also home to some famous scientists. The 1954 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Portlander Linus K. Pauling. The scientist was one of the founders of molecular biology. And in 2001, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to a man from the town of Corvallis - Karl Wiman.
