Here are 8 quirky and unusual things no one typically tells you about living in Oregon:
- You Can’t Pump Your Own Gas In Oregon, it’s illegal for drivers to pump their own gas. Instead, gas station attendants do it for you, which is unusual compared to most other states.
- Oregon Residents Own a Quarter of the U.S. Llama Population Oregonians own about 25% of the country’s llamas, mostly in Clackamas County. You can even have a llama attend special events dressed up in costumes.
- Portland Was Named by a Coin Toss The city’s name was decided in 1845 by a coin flip between two settlers who wanted to name it either Portland or Boston. Portland won, and the coin is now displayed at the Oregon Historical Society.
- Exploding Whale Day Every November 12th, Oregonians commemorate a bizarre 1970 event when a beached whale in Florence was blown up with explosives to dispose of it. The explosion scattered whale chunks everywhere, creating a memorable and strange local holiday.
- Home to the Largest Living Organism on Earth Oregon is home to a massive honey fungus in the Malheur National Forest that covers over 2,300 acres, making it the largest living organism on the planet.
- No State Sales Tax Oregon is one of the few states with no sales tax, so purchases are tax-free, which is a significant financial perk for residents.
- Underground “Shanghai Tunnels” in Portland Beneath Portland’s Old Town lies a network of tunnels called the Shanghai Tunnels, rumored to have been used to kidnap people to serve as forced labor on ships in the early 1900s. Today, you can take tours to explore this dark part of the city’s history.
- Oregon’s Beaches Are All Public Thanks to the Oregon Beach Bill, no part of the state’s coastline can be privatized, ensuring that all beaches are public and accessible to everyone. This is unusual compared to many other states where private beachfront ownership is common.
These quirky facts highlight Oregon’s unique culture, history, and natural wonders that make living there an unusual and memorable experience.
Sources:
- https://oregonessential.com/interesting-facts-about-oregon/
- https://www.hoodriverlodging.com/blog/5-fun-and-quirky-facts-about-oregon
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDpjAI7qJRc
- https://oregonessential.com/moving-oregon-living/
- https://www.obbg.org/blog/2022/03/5-fun-and-quirky-facts-about-oregon/