On March 8, National Oregon Day recognizes the 33rd state to join the union.

Also known as The Beaver State, Oregon’s climate enjoys the warm Pacific air west of the Cascade Mountains and in the lush Willamette Valley. More extreme temperature ranges are experienced in Oregon’s high desert.

Populations of Nez Perce, Chinook, Mollalla, and others settled along the Columbia River Gorge, Klamath Basin, and points east. Many of the first European explorers to arrive sought the elusive Northwest Passage
The Corps of Discovery Expedition followed the Colombia River Gorge, reaching the Pacific Ocean in November of 1805. They would winter at Ft. Clatsop. Soon, pioneers would follow along what would become the Oregon Trail.
The gorge was created from volcanic lava flows and glacial floods.

Windsurfers flock to the Columbia due to the powerful, steady winds off of the Cascade Mountains. Kayaking, biking, hiking, skiing and many other outdoor adventures can be found up and down the Gorge, but its icy crown is Mt. Hood. The Stratovolcano’s last eruption occurred in 1865 and was named after Lord Samuel Hood.

South along the Cascade Range, a sleeping volcano forms the mysterious Crater Lake.  A well-planned hike along the trails to the remote brilliant, blue waters of the deepest lake in the U.S. is worth the effort. The pristine volcano is a wonder to see. Eastern Oregon takes on the color of a sunset in the undulating Painted Hills near Mitchell.

Hidden Treasures

The Great Salt Lick – Baker City

Enchanted Forest – Turner

The Wreck of Peter Iredale – Warrenton

Haystack Rock – Cannon Beach

Mills End Park – Portland

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Famous….

Chief Comcomly – Tribal Leader – (1765 – 1830)

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Tsin-is-tum (Jennie Michel) – Folklorist – (1814 – 1905)

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George Dantzig – Mathematician – (November 8, 1914 – May 13, 2005)

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Minoru Yasui – Attorney – (October 19, 1916 – November 12, 1986)

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Linus Pauling – Chemist – (February 28, 1901 – August 19, 1994)

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James Beard – Cook – (May 5, 1903 – January 21, 1985)

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Bill Bowerman – Coach – (February 19, 1911 – December 24, 1999)

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Beverly Cleary – Author (April12, 1916)

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Douglas Engelbart- Engineer – (January 30, 1925 – July 2, 2013)

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Steve Prefontaine – Athlete – (January 25, 1951 – May 30, 1975)

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Explore More…

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalOregonDay

Explore all the wonders of Oregon!  Join us in celebrating the 33rd state’s history, people and culture. Uncover hidden treasures and explore Oregon’ diverse landscapes!

Use #NationalOregonDay to share on social media.