Did you know March 8 is National Oregon Day? Oregon, also known as The Beaver State, became the 33rd state to join the union on February 14, 1859. Oregon is known for its diverse landscape of mixed forests, volcanoes, mountains, beaches and more!

To celebrate our beautiful state in the Pacific Northwest, our team would love to share some of their favorite places (and photos) with you!

Wreck of the Peter Iredale

Photo by Cindy, Director of Member Services at Forrit CU

A landmark on the North Oregon Coast, Peter Iredale Shipwreck, located within Fort Stevens State Park, the wreckage is considered one of the most accessible and long-lasting in the world.¹

The remains of the sailing ship became one of the popular attractions on the Oregon Coast. Just a few miles south of Astoria, you will see this impressive view of the wreck, including the rusted bow of the ship, which occurred more than a century ago.

Seaside Oregon

Photo by Callie, Branch Lead at Forrit CU

Seaside has been one of Oregon’s most visited resort cities located about 80 miles northwest of Portland. The city bursts with shops, great restaurants and tons of outdoor activities; you will never get bored exploring the town, from hiking to kayaking to Jazz Festival — this oceanfront resort has a lot to offer.

Lost Lake

Photo by Kathy, Vice President/CFO at Forrit CU

Located in Mount Hood National Forest, which is about 10 miles northwest of Hood River County, it is known for its breathtaking view of Mount Hood. Lost Lake is also a popular campground with 125 primitive campsites, the facility is open between May through October with peak season from July to August. One of the many attractions at Lost Lake Campground is the old growth boardwalk, which is a short hike that takes you through the giant cedars and hemlocks.

Timothy Lake

Photo by Forrit CU hiking group

Timothy Lake is about 50 miles southeast of Portland. It has seven campgrounds which provides about 200 campsites and a few picnic areas along the lake. The hiking trail around the lake is about 13 miles which is perfect for a day hike. This 1,500-acre lake is very popular for visitors as it has a lot of recreational activities to offer — camping, hiking, paddling, horseback riding and more!

Painted Hills

Photo by Andrew, Director of IT at Forrit CU

Painted Hills is one of the three units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, located 9 miles northwest of Mitchell, Oregon. The painted hills got its name after the colorful layers of its hills which correlating to different geological eras. The colors may appear to change from one visit to another, as the claystones differ with ever-changing light and moisture levels.²

Laurelhurst Park

Photo by Courtney, Support Services at Forrit CU

Laurelhurst Park is a city park located in the Laurelhurst neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. The park was named the most beautiful park on the West Coast by Pacific Coast Parks Association in 1919. In 2001, Laurelhurst park was the first city park ever listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The 26-acre park includes a basketball court, picnic site, playground, soccer field, tennis court, volleyball court, and dog off-leash area.

Crater Lake

Photo by Yuki, Marketing Specialist at Forrit CU

Crater Lake was formed from a violent eruption triggered the collapse of the volcano Mount Mazama about 7,700 years ago. Its deep blue color water and the many recreational activities it has to offer made Crater Lake one of Oregon’s most popular tourist attractions.

Visitors will find endless recreational activities all year round, including fishing, skiing, hiking, camping and more!