Here are five fun and quirky facts about Oregon that most people don’t know.
There’s a Llama to Love
Did you know that Oregon residents own 25% of the total llama population in the whole United States? Most of the llamas are in Clackamas county, though they’re closely followed by Washington, Yamhill and Marion counties. You can even invite a llama to attend your special event in Oregon — all dressed up!
Portland, Oregon, Got its Name with the Flip of a Coin
Portland’s got its name in a coin toss. Yep. If the coin had landed on its other side, the city would have been named Boston instead. The momentous flip happened in 1845 when two politicians, originally from New England — Asa Lovejoy from Massachusetts and Francis Pettygrove from Maine — each wanted to respectively name the city Boston and Portland. The coin went up and it was all decided as it came down. You’ll notice on The Oregon Trail of Waterfalls map we’ve crossed out Boston and written Portland, to mark the historical event.
Crater Lake is the Deepest Lake in the United States
Located in south-central Oregon, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in all of the United States and one of the top 10 deepest lakes in the world. Crater Lake is is famous for its water clarity and deep blue color. The lake was formed when a volcano collapsed more than 7700 years ago. Crater Lake is approximately 2,000 ft deep. It’s home to two islands: Wizard Island (a cinder cone near the western shore) and Phantom Ship (a natural rock pillar near the southern shore).
The Oregon Flag has TWO designs
The Oregon flag is the only state flag that has a different design on each side. The front of the Oregon flag has the escutcheon from the state seal in blue and gold. The other side of the flag has a gold beaver, the state animal. See the flag here.
The Largest Living Thing on Earth is in Oregon
Can you guess what it is? it’s a GIGANTIC mushroom! More specifically, it’s a specific honey fungus and measures more than 2-miles across. You’ll find in Oregon’s Blue Mountains.
Looking for an Oregon Bucket List?
There’s no shortage of things to do in Oregon! How many of these authentic Oregon experiences can you c
Click here to print your own Oregon Bucket List!
The Oregon trail of Waterfalls represents countless hours, many sketches, and endless conversations to help make your next Oregon road trip one to remember. We look forward to seeing you soon. View, and print, a digital version of the map, click here.
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We’re your home base for exploring and enjoying the Hood River Valley and beyond. After a full day, you’ll love the peace and tranquility of the Old Parkdale Inn. Relax in the gardens, perhaps with your favorite beverage, by the bonfire, roast some s’mores, weather permitting of course.
What’s to do
The Hood River Fruit Loop is located in the beautiful Hood River Valley at the foot of majestic Mt. Hood offering you a variety of wines, fruits, vegetables, flowers, ciders, and food. Many outdoor adventures, such as kayaking, windsurfing, skiing, snow boarding, and hiking, await. Mt. Hood Meadows, Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, and Timberline Ski areas are only a short drive away, as is the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood National Forest where trails and wildlife abound.
