Oregon: Beaver State

Oregon, in the Pacific Northwest, is known for rugged coastline, Cascade Mountains, craft beer, progressive politics (especially Portland), and pioneering spirit. The state features dramatic landscapes from coast to mountains to high desert.

Oregon has beautiful Pacific coastline with rocky shores, sea stacks, and beaches. Crater Lake, the deepest US lake, fills a volcanic caldera with intensely blue water. Portland is a liberal, quirky city known for food trucks, coffee, bikes, and "Keep Portland Weird" culture. Salem is the capital. Mount Hood offers skiing. The Columbia River Gorge has waterfalls. Eastern Oregon is high desert ranching country.

Oregon's economy includes technology (Silicon Forest), agriculture, timber, fishing, and outdoor industry (Nike headquarters). The state has no sales tax but high income tax. Portland's progressive reputation includes environmental leadership and social activism. Oregon Trail brought pioneers west in the 1840s. The state values environmentalism and outdoor recreation. Craft beer and wine industries thrive. Political divide between liberal Portland and conservative rural areas creates tension. Oregon maintains independent character.