State Capital - The state capital is Salem, located in the Willamette Valley.

Oregon State Motto - The state motto is "She Flies With Her Own Wings". Adopted in 1987, it replaces "The Union", which was the previous state motto adopted in 1957.

State Flag - The state flag is navy blue, with gold lettering and symbols. Adopted in 1925, the flag has the legend, "STATE OF OREGON" on the face, written above a shield surrounded by 33 stars. The 33 stars symbolize the fact that Oregon was admitted as the 33rd state. The shield, which is part of the state seal, has the number 1859 written below it. 1859 is the year that Oregon was admitted as a state. The reverse side of Oregon's flag shows a beaver. Oregon is the only state in the union that has a different pattern on the reverse side of their flag.

State Seal - The state seal is a shield surrounded by the legend, "State Of Oregon 1859". The crest of the shield is the American eagle. The shield has 33 stars around the bottom, and is divided by a ribbon with the inscription "The Union". Above the ribbon are depicted the mountains and forests of Oregon, a covered wagon and ox team, an elk, the Pacific Ocean with the setting sun, and a departing British man-of-war, showing the ascent of American power. Below the ribbon, a quartering with a sheaf of wheat, a plow and a pickaxe represent Oregon's agricultural and mining resources.

State Song - "Oregon, My Oregon", written by J.A. Buchanan of Astoria and Henry B. Murtahg of Portland was designated the state song in 1927. The lyrics are as follows: Oregon, My Oregon Land of the empire builders, land of the golden west; Conquered and held by free men, fairest and the best. Onward and upward ever, forward and on and on; Hail to thee, land of Heros, my Oregon. Land of the rose and sunshine, land of the summer's breeze; Laden with health and vigor, fresh from the Western seas. Blest by the blood of martyrs, land of the setting sun; Hail to thee, land of Promise, my Oregon.

State Animal - Castor canadensis, the American Beaver, was named the Oregon state animal in 1969. Oregon is also known as "The Beaver State". Formerly trapped for its fur, its dam building activities can be seen throughout the state.

State Bird - The Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) was chosen as Oregon's state bird by Oregon's school children in a poll sponsored by the Audubon Society in 1927. The Western Meadowlark is known for its beautiful song.

State Fish - The Chinook salmon, (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) the largest of the Pacific salmons, was declared the state fish in 1961.

State Insect - The native Oregon Swallowtail (Papilio oregonius) was designated the state insect in 1979. The Oregon Swallowtail lives mainly in the lower sagebrush canyons of the Columbia River and its tributaries.

State Flower - In 1899, Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium) was declared the Oregon state flower by the Legislature. The plant, with its holly like foliage and yellow flowers can be found mainly on the Pacific Coast.

State Gemstone - The Oregon sunstone is the official state gemstone. The large, brightly colored stone in the feldspar family is found in southeastern Oregon counties.

State Rock The Thunderegg is the official state rock. These geodes contain minerals of many different colors and/or crystals, and are popular items to cut and polish to reveal the beautiful designs inside.

State Nut - The Oregon hazelnut (Corylus avellana) was named the state nut in 1989. Oregon grows 99 percent of the commercial hazelnut crop produced in the US. Due to its unique flavor and texture, the hazelnut is preferred world wide by food preparation specialists.

State Tree - Pseudotsuga menziesii, the Douglas Fir, was declared the state tree in 1939. This evergreen conifer is the source of most of Oregon's softwood lumber production. Douglas fir is used for plywood, lumber, pulp and Christmas trees.

Altitudes - Lowest - Pacific Ocean, sea level. Highest - Mt. Hood, 11,240 feet.

Counties Oregon has 36 counties. The largest in area (square miles) are Harney (10,228), Malheur (9,926), Lake (8,359), Klamath (6,135) and Douglas (5,071). The smallest in area (square miles) are Multnomah (465), Hood River (533), Benton (679), Columbia (687), and Yamhill (718).

Electoral Votes for President - Oregon has 7 electoral votes for president.

Geyser and Gorge - Oregon's geyser is Old Perpetua. It is 60 feet high, and is located on the edge of Lakeview. Oregon's deepest gorge is the Hell's Canyon - 7,900 feet. It is located between Oregon and Idaho on the Snake River.

Deepest Lake - Oregon's deepest lake is Crater Lake. At 1,932 feet, it's the deepest lake in the U.S.

Land Area - Oregon's land area is 97,060 square miles, or 251,418 km. It is ranked 10th in size in the U.S.

Population - Oregon Population (by official census)

• 1850 - 12,093
• 1900 - 413,536
• 1920 - 783,389
• 1950 - 1,521,341
• 1970 - 2,091,533
• 1990 - 2,842,321
• 1994 - 3,082,000
• 1996 - 3,181,000
• 2000 - 3,421,299
• 2003 - 3,541,500
• 2004 - 3,582,600
• 2005 - 3,631,440

Precipitation - The average yearly precipitation at Salem is 39.16".

Rivers - Oregon's longest rivers (partially or fully in the state) are:

• Columbia - 1,243 miles
• Snake - 1,038 miles
• Willamette - 309 miles
• John Day - 281 miles
• Klamath - 250 miles

Temperatures - Record Temperatures are:

• Highest - 119 degrees F, August 10, 1898 in Pendleton (elevation 1,200')
• Lowest - minus 54 degrees F, Feb. 10, 1933 in Seneca (elevation 4,666')

Highest Waterfall - Multnomah Falls is the highest waterfall in Oregon, at 620 feet.

These facts, and many others, can be found in the Oregon Blue Book, "an official state directory and manual of facts and figures concerning state, county, city and federal governments, with related information." Copies may be ordered from:

• Secretary of State
• Attention: Oregon Blue Book
• P.O. Box 3370
• Portland, OR 97208-3370

Oregon Blue Book web site