Oregon is a state located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is bordered by Washington to the north, Idaho to the east, Nevada and California to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. With an area of 98,381 square miles, Oregon is the ninth largest state in the country and has a population of over 4 million people. The state is known for its diverse landscape, including forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, and the Pacific coastline.
One of the best ways to understand the geography of Oregon is through its county map. The state is divided into 36 counties, each with its own unique character and attractions. In this essay, we will focus on the top 20 counties in terms of population and highlight some of the key features and attractions of each county.
- Multnomah County is the most populous county in Oregon and is located in the northwest part of the state. The county is home to Portland, the largest city in the state and one of the largest cities in the United States. Portland is known for its thriving arts and culture scene, excellent food, and diverse neighborhoods.
- Washington County is located in the western part of the state and is home to the city of Hillsboro, the fifth-largest city in Oregon. The county is known for its high-tech industry and is home to several large corporations, including Intel, the world’s largest maker of computer chips.
- Clackamas County is located in the northern part of the state and is known for its scenic beauty, including the Clackamas River, Mount Hood, and several lakes and forests. The county is home to the city of Oregon City, which is the oldest city west of the Mississippi River.
- Lane County is located in the central part of the state and is home to the city of Eugene, the second-largest city in Oregon. The county is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including the Willamette National Forest and the McKenzie River.
- Marion County is located in the central part of the state and is home to the city of Salem, the state capital. The county is known for its rich history, including the Oregon State Capitol building and the Oregon State Fairgrounds.
- Jackson County is located in the southern part of the state and is home to the city of Medford, the fourth-largest city in Oregon. The county is known for its scenic beauty, including Crater Lake National Park and the Rogue River.
- Deschutes County is located in the central part of the state and is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including Mount Bachelor and the Deschutes River. The county is home to the city of Bend, which is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene and outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Linn County is located in the central part of the state and is home to the city of Albany, the ninth-largest city in Oregon. The county is known for its rich history, including the Linn County Courthouse and the Oregon State Penitentiary.
- Yamhill County is located in the northwestern part of the state and is home to the city of McMinnville, the 11th-largest city in Oregon. The county is known for its wine industry and is home to several vineyards and wineries.
- Benton County is located in the central part of the state and is home to the city of Corvallis, the third-largest city in Oregon. The county is known for its diverse economy, including technology, agriculture, and manufacturing. The county is also home to Oregon State University, one of the largest universities in the state.
- Douglas County is located in the southern part of the state and is known for its scenic beauty, including the Umpqua River and the Umpqua National Forest. The county is also home to the city of Roseburg, which is known for its historic downtown and outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Polk County is located in the central part of the state and is home to the city of Dallas, the 12th-largest city in Oregon. The county is known for its agriculture industry and is home to several vineyards and wineries.
- Klamath County is located in the southern part of the state and is known for its scenic beauty, including Crater Lake National Park and the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges. The county is also home to the city of Klamath Falls, which is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and strong manufacturing industry.
- Hood River County is located in the northwestern part of the state and is known for its scenic beauty, including the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood. The county is also home to the city of Hood River, which is known for its thriving arts and culture scene and outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Umatilla County is located in the northeastern part of the state and is known for its diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and energy. The county is home to the city of Pendleton, which is known for its rich history and western heritage.
- Josephine County is located in the southwestern part of the state and is known for its scenic beauty, including the Rogue River and the Siskiyou National Forest. The county is also home to the city of Grants Pass, which is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and strong tourism industry.
- Coos County is located in the southwestern part of the state and is known for its scenic beauty, including the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and the Coos Bay. The county is also home to the city of Coos Bay, which is known for its thriving arts and culture scene and strong fishing industry.
- Columbia County is located in the northwestern part of the state and is known for its scenic beauty, including the Columbia River and the Columbia River Gorge. The county is also home to the city of St. Helens, which is known for its strong manufacturing industry and rich history.
- Curry County is located in the southwestern part of the state and is known for its scenic beauty, including the Pacific coastline and the Rogue River. The county is also home to the city of Brookings, which is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and strong tourism industry.
- Union County is located in the northeastern part of the state and is known for its agriculture industry and scenic beauty, including the Blue Mountains and the Grande Ronde River. The county is also home to the city of La Grande, which is known for its thriving arts and culture scene and strong education industry.
In conclusion, the county map of Oregon highlights the diverse geography and attractions of each county in the state. From the bustling city of Portland in Multnomah County to the scenic beauty of Crater Lake in Klamath County, there is something for everyone in Oregon. Whether you are interested in outdoor recreation
