Oregon became a state of the US in 1859. A state which started of as a collection of New England missionaries and French and British trappers is now one of the populated states of the US. Oregon has a mixed culture of people who are pro-logging, ant-gay conservatives to ex-hippy liberals. Oregon became one of the world’s largest shipment points in 1890, when the railroads reached Portland. Oregon is located on the Pacific coast of the northwestern US. Oregon ranks 10th in size among the 50 states covering a total area of 97,073 sq mi (251,419 sq km), with land comprising 96,184 sq mi (249,117 sq km) and inland water 889 sq mi (2,302 sq km).

Oregon is surrounded by Washington on the North, by Idaho on the East ;by Nevada and California on the South; and on the West by the Pacific Ocean. The state's geographic center is in Crook County, 25 mi (40 km) SSE of Prineville.

Oregon is divided into seven distinct regions which provide a variety of recreational activities, historical places, shopping centers, parks, rivers, and gardens. Kayak-friendly waterways, mountains, vineyards and a dozen of urban parks and green spaces will welcome you at Portland Metro. Some of the important attractions of this region include Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), Oregon Zoo and the Portland Children’s Museum, and Portland Classical Chinese Garden. Oregon is comprised of nearly 400 miles of serene coastline. When at Oregon Coast you can explore a variety of landscapes which include Sahara like dunes, sandy beaches and evergreen forests. Prime attractions in Mt. Hood and the Gorge include Multnomah Falls, the Columbia River Gorge (the King of Roads) and Mt. Hood. This region is also home to four important ski areas which include historic Timberline Lodge, a classic WPA-era mountain lodge, Heart of Oregon’s agriculture country, the Willamette Valley comprises of towns like Eugene and Corvallis. Southern Oregon offers its visitors recreational activities like skiing, hiking and biking. It is here that you can indulge on chocolates to your heart’s content at the Ashland Chocolate Festival. Important places to explore in Central Oregon are Old Mill District, Deschutes Historical Museum, and Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Snowcapped peaks, rolling hills, and wild rivers make up Eastern Oregon.