89-825: U.S. Route 101 ( US 101 ), is a major north–south U.S. Highway in Oregon that runs through the state along the western Oregon coastline near the Pacific Ocean . It runs from the California border, south of Brookings , to the Washington state line on the Columbia River , between Astoria, Oregon , and Megler, Washington . US 101 is designated as the Oregon Coast Highway No. 9 ( see Oregon highways and routes ), as it serves
178-486: A tectonic plate that poses a continued threat of volcanic activity and earthquakes in the region. The most recent major activity was the 1700 Cascadia earthquake . Washington 's Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980 , an event visible from northern Oregon and affecting some areas there. The Columbia River, which forms much of Oregon's northern border, also played a major role in the region's geological evolution, as well as its economic and cultural development. The Columbia
267-581: A "g". Another possible source is the Spanish word oregano , which refers to a plant that grows in the southern part of the region. It is also possible that the area around the Columbia River was named after a stream in Spain called "Arroyo del Oregón", located in the province of Ciudad Real . Another early use of the name, spelled Ouragon , was by Major Robert Rogers in a 1765 petition to
356-629: A 100-buoy commercial wave park in the ocean near Reedsport fell through in 2014, when Ocean Power Technologies (OPT), a renewable energy company based in New Jersey , abandoned the project. The park, which would have been built in an area known for high-value fishing and crabbing, was opposed by the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission. OPT listed high costs, technical challenges, and complicated negotiations with governments and stakeholders among its reasons for cancelling
445-622: A cost of $ 25 million to construct. The state government built several new sections of US 101 in the 1950s and 1960s as part of a $ 30 million modernization program that shortened the length of US 101 by 25 miles (40 km). These projects reconstructed 165 miles (266 km) of the highway to more modern standards, including 53-mile (85 km) of new highway from Brookings to Gold Beach that opened in December 1961 and eliminated 398 existing curves. A direct route from Bandon to Coos Bay to bypass Coquille opened in December 1960;
534-510: A probate government was proposed. Doctor Ira Babcock of Jason Lee 's Methodist Mission was elected supreme judge. Babcock chaired two meetings in 1842 at Champoeg , (halfway between Lee's mission and Oregon City ), to discuss wolves and other animals of contemporary concern. These meetings were precursors to an all-citizen meeting in 1843, which instituted a provisional government headed by an executive committee made up of David Hill , Alanson Beers , and Joseph Gale . This government
623-622: A railroad in 1851 from St. Helens, through the Cornelius pass and across Washington County to the city of Lafayette, which was at the time the big town of the Willamette Valley. In December 1844, Oregon passed its first black exclusion law , which prohibited African Americans from entering the territory while simultaneously prohibiting slavery . Slave owners who brought their slaves with them were given three years before they were forced to free them. Any African Americans in
712-586: A refuge from disputes over slavery, Oregon had a "whites only" clause in its original state Constitution. At the outbreak of the American Civil War , regular U.S. troops were withdrawn and sent east to aid the Union . Volunteer cavalry recruited in California were sent north to Oregon to keep peace and protect the populace. The First Oregon Cavalry served until June 1865. Beginning in the 1880s,
801-550: A água , Oregon. Yet another account, endorsed as the "most plausible explanation" in the book Oregon Geographic Names , was advanced by George R. Stewart in a 1944 article in American Speech . According to Stewart, the name came from an engraver's error in a French map published in the early 18th century, on which the Ouisiconsink (Wisconsin) River was spelled " Ouaricon-sint ", broken on two lines with
890-603: Is Florence on the Siuslaw River . The next stretch of US 101 (between Florence and Newport) closely follows the coastline, providing a wide view of the ocean. Towns between these two cities include Yachats , Waldport , and Seal Rock . Eventually, the highway crosses the Yaquina Bay Bridge into Newport . Just before the bridge lies the Oregon Coast Aquarium ; on the other side of
979-464: Is 15 miles (24 km) southeast of Reedsport. On July 20, 2016, Alex Hirsch , creator of the Disney animated series Gravity Falls , released clues for a global scavenger hunt known as Cipher Hunt to find a real-life statue of the show's villain, Bill Cipher . The statue was finally discovered on August 2, 2016, in the woods south of Reedsport Community Charter School , but it was removed from
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#17327876047161068-539: Is evidence supporting inhabitants in the region at least 15,000 years ago. By 8000 BC, there were settlements throughout the state, with populations concentrated along the lower Columbia River, in the western valleys, and around coastal estuaries. During the prehistoric period , the Willamette Valley region was flooded after the collapse of glacial dams from then Lake Missoula , located in what would later become Montana . These massive floods occurred during
1157-461: Is in this region of the state. Typical of a western state, Oregon is home to a unique and diverse array of wildlife. Roughly 60 percent of the state is covered in forest, while the areas west of the Cascades are more densely populated by forest, making up around 80 percent of the landscape. Some 60 percent of Oregon's forests are within federal land. Oregon is the top timber producer of
1246-839: Is now Oregon's Pacific coast in the early to mid-16th century. As early as 1564, the Spanish began sending vessels northeast from the Philippines , riding the Kuroshio Current in a sweeping circular route across the northern part of the Pacific. In 1592, Juan de Fuca undertook detailed mapping and studies of ocean currents in the Pacific Northwest, including the Oregon coast as well as the strait now bearing his name. The Lewis and Clark Expedition traversed Oregon in
1335-473: Is now allowed in Oregon, gas stations are not required to offer it and many currently do not. New Jersey is the only state remaining where self serve gas stations are not allowed. Oregon is 295 miles (475 km) north to south at longest distance, and 395 miles (636 km) east to west. With an area of 98,381 square miles (254,810 km ), Oregon is slightly larger than the United Kingdom . It
1424-730: Is one of North America's largest rivers, and one of two rivers to cut through the Cascades (the Klamath River in southern Oregon is the other). About 15,000 years ago, the Columbia repeatedly flooded much of Oregon during the Missoula Floods ; the modern fertility of the Willamette Valley is largely the result. Plentiful salmon made parts of the river, such as Celilo Falls , hubs of economic activity for thousands of years. Today, Oregon's landscape varies from rain forest in
1513-487: Is probable some still move into eastern Oregon from Idaho. Oregon is home to what is considered the largest single organism in the world, an Armillaria solidipes fungus beneath the Malheur National Forest of eastern Oregon. Oregon has several National Park System sites , including Crater Lake National Park in the southern part of the Cascades, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument east of
1602-460: Is rounded down phonetically, from Ouve água —Oragua, Or-a-gon, Oregon—given probably by the same Portuguese navigator that named the Farallones after his first officer, and it literally, in a large way, means cascades: "Hear the waters." You should steam up the Columbia and hear and feel the waters falling out of the clouds of Mount Hood to understand entirely the full meaning of the name Ouve
1691-406: Is the abandoned community of Kernville , followed by Lincoln City . The stretch of US 101 through Lincoln City is infamous for its clogged traffic; the city is over seven miles (11 km) long (but only a few blocks wide in spots), and is sandwiched between the ocean on the west, and Devils Lake and mountains to the east. In many parts of town, the highway is a two-lane road. Adding to
1780-532: Is the ninth largest state in the U.S. Oregon's highest point is the summit of Mount Hood, at 11,249 feet (3,429 m), and its lowest point is the sea level of the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon Coast. Oregon's mean elevation is 3,300 feet (1,006 m). Crater Lake National Park , the state's only national park, is the site of the deepest lake in the U.S. at 1,943 feet (592 m). Oregon claims
1869-484: Is the state's highest point. Oregon's only national park, Crater Lake National Park , comprises the caldera surrounding Crater Lake , the deepest lake in the U.S. The state is also home to the single largest organism in the world, Armillaria ostoyae , a fungus that runs beneath 2,200 acres (8.9 km ) of the Malheur National Forest . Oregon's economy has historically been powered by various forms of agriculture, fishing, logging, and hydroelectric power. Oregon
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#17327876047161958-606: Is the third-most populous city in Oregon, with 175,535 residents. Portland , with 652,503, ranks as the 26th among U.S. cities. The Portland metropolitan area , which includes neighboring counties in Washington, is the 25th largest metro area in the nation, with a population of 2,512,859. Oregon is also one of the most geographically diverse states in the U.S., marked by volcanoes, abundant bodies of water, dense evergreen and mixed forests, as well as high deserts and semi-arid shrublands . At 11,249 feet (3,429 m), Mount Hood
2047-605: Is the top lumber producer of the contiguous U.S. , with the lumber industry dominating the state's economy during the 20th century. Technology is another one of Oregon's major economic forces, beginning in the 1970s with the establishment of the Silicon Forest and the expansion of Tektronix and Intel . Sportswear company Nike, Inc. , headquartered in Beaverton , is the state's largest public corporation with an annual revenue of $ 46.7 billion. The origin of
2136-562: The -sint below, so there appeared to be a river flowing to the west named " Ouaricon ". According to the Oregon Tourism Commission , present-day Oregonians / ˌ ɒr ɪ ˈ ɡ oʊ n i ə n z / pronounce the state's name as "or-uh-gun, never or-ee-gone". After being drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2002, former Oregon Ducks quarterback Joey Harrington distributed "Orygun" stickers to members of
2225-495: The 2020 census , the population was 4,310. It is located about 73 miles northwest of Roseburg . Reedsport was established on the estuary of the Umpqua River on January 7, 1852. It was named for a local settler, Alfred W. Reed, who founded the city in 1912. The post office was established July 17, 1912. The building of Southern Pacific Railroad lines extending south to Coos Bay led to the development of Reedsport. Before
2314-545: The Bureau of Land Management and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife provides an opportunity to view 60 to 100 Roosevelt elk in their natural habitat year round. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area interpretive center is located at the intersection of Oregon Route 38 and U.S. Route 101 . It features interpretive panels, short films, and information about the local area and attractions. Loon Lake
2403-789: The Columbia Plateau , the High Desert , and the Blue Mountains . Oregon lies in two time zones . Most of Malheur County is in the Mountain Time Zone , while the rest of the state lies in the Pacific Time Zone . Western Oregon's mountainous regions, home to three of the most prominent mountain peaks of the U.S. including Mount Hood, were formed by the volcanic activity of the Juan de Fuca Plate ,
2492-517: The Columbia River delineating much of Oregon's northern boundary with Washington , while the Snake River delineates much of its eastern boundary with Idaho . The 42° north parallel delineates the southern boundary with California and Nevada . The western boundary is formed by the Pacific Ocean . Oregon has been home to many indigenous nations for thousands of years. The first European traders, explorers, and settlers began exploring what
2581-648: The D River as the shortest river in the world, though the state of Montana makes the same claim of its Roe River . Oregon is also home to Mill Ends Park (in Portland), the smallest park in the world at 452 square inches (0.29 m ). Oregon is split into eight geographical regions. In Western Oregon : Oregon Coast (west of the Coast Range ), the Willamette Valley, Rogue Valley , Cascade Range and Klamath Mountains ; and in Central and Eastern Oregon :
2670-934: The Kingdom of Great Britain . The term referred to the then-mythical River of the West (the Columbia River). By 1778, the spelling had shifted to Oregon . Rogers wrote: ... from the Great Lakes towards the Head of the Mississippi, and from thence to the River called by the Indians Ouragon ... One suggestion is that this name comes from the French word ouragan ("windstorm" or "hurricane"), which
2759-597: The Lewis and Clark and Astor Expeditions. Few stayed permanently such as Étienne Lussier, often referred to as the first "European" farmer in the state of Oregon. Evidence of the French Canadian presence can be found in numerous names of French origin such as Malheur Lake , the Malheur , Grande Ronde , and Deschutes Rivers , and the city of La Grande . Furthermore, many of the early pioneers first came out West with
U.S. Route 101 in Oregon - Misplaced Pages Continue
2848-703: The North West Company and the Hudson's Bay Company before heading South of the Columbia for better farmland as the fur trade declined. French Prairie by the Willamette River and French Settlement by the Umpqua River are known as early mixed ancestry settlements. The Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled through northern Oregon also in search of the Northwest Passage . They built their winter fort in 1805–1806 at Fort Clatsop , near
2937-618: The Oregon Coast region. Much of the highway runs between the Pacific Ocean and the Oregon Coast Range , thus US 101 is frequently mountainous in character. For most of its length it is a two-lane undivided highway. Many parts of the highway are subject to closure due to landslides caused by excessive rainfall, and in many parts of the coast, US 101 is the only viable route connecting certain coastal communities. Thus, in many cases when landslides block US 101,
3026-517: The United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 2.31 square miles (5.98 km ), of which, 2.05 square miles (5.31 km ) is land and 0.26 square miles (0.67 km ) is water. Reedsport has a rainy Mediterranean climate ( Köppen Csb ), with mild dry summers and mild, very wet winters. Although 26.3 mornings will fall below 32 °F or 0 °C, only 0.9 afternoons reach 90 °F or 32.2 °C, and
3115-432: The forced relocation of the native population to Indian reservations in Oregon . The first Oregon proposition for a railroad in Oregon was made in 1850 by H. M. Knighton, the original owner of the townsite of St. Helens . Knighton asserted that this would fulfill his township's belief that it should be the supreme metropolitan seaport in that area upon the Columbia River, as opposed to Portland. He suggested building
3204-519: The last glacial period and filled the valley with 300 to 400 feet (91 to 122 m) of water. By the 16th century, Oregon was home to many Native American groups, including the Chinook , Coquille (Ko-Kwell), Bannock , Kalapuya , Klamath , Klickitat , Molala , Nez Perce , Shasta , Takelma , Umatilla , and Umpqua . The first Europeans to visit Oregon were Spanish explorers led by Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo , who sighted southern Oregon off
3293-423: The Cascades, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park on the north coast, and Oregon Caves National Monument near the south coast. Other areas that were considered for potential national park status in the 20th century include the southern Oregon Coast, Mount Hood, and Hells Canyon to the east. Reedsport, Oregon Reedsport is a coastal town in northwest Douglas County , Oregon , United States. As of
3382-548: The Coast Range to barren desert in the southeast, which still meets the technical definition of a frontier . Oregon's geographical center is further west than any of the other 48 contiguous states (although the westernmost point of the lower 48 states is in Washington). Central Oregon 's geographical features range from high desert and volcanic rock formations resulting from lava beds . The Oregon Badlands Wilderness
3471-597: The Hudson's Bay Company, reversed the Hudson's Bay Company's long-standing policy of discouraging settlement because it interfered with the lucrative fur trade. He directed that some 200 Red River Colony settlers be relocated to HBC farms near Fort Vancouver, (the James Sinclair expedition), in an attempt to hold Columbia District. Starting in 1842–1843, the Oregon Trail brought many new American settlers to
3560-557: The Oregon Country. Oregon's boundaries were disputed for a time, contributing to tensions between the U.K. and the U.S., but the border was defined peacefully in the 1846 Oregon Treaty . The border between the U.S. and British North America was set at the 49th parallel . The Oregon Territory was officially organized on August 13, 1848. Settlement increased with the Donation Land Claim Act of 1850 and
3649-741: The Pacific Northwest was particularly affected by the 1973 oil crisis , with Oregon suffering a substantial shortage. In 1972, the Oregon Beverage Container Act of 1971, popularly called the Bottle Bill, became the first law of its kind in the United States. The Bottle Bill system in Oregon was created to control litter. In practice, the system promotes recycling, not reusing, and the collected containers are generally destroyed and made into new containers. Ten states currently have similar laws. In 1994, Oregon became
U.S. Route 101 in Oregon - Misplaced Pages Continue
3738-779: The Pacific coast in 1543. Sailing from Central America on the Golden Hind in 1579 in search of the Strait of Anian during his circumnavigation of the Earth , the English explorer and privateer Sir Francis Drake briefly anchored at South Cove, Cape Arago , just south of Coos Bay , before sailing for what is now California. Martín de Aguilar , continuing separately from Sebastián Vizcaíno 's scouting of California, reached as far north as Cape Blanco and possibly to Coos Bay in 1603. Exploration continued routinely in 1774, starting with
3827-583: The Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq Veterans Memorial Highway by the state legislature. Note: mileposts do not reflect actual mileage because of realignments. Oregon Oregon ( / ˈ ɒr ɪ ɡ ən , - ɡ ɒ n / ORR -ih-ghən , -gon ) is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is a part of the Western U.S. , with
3916-563: The Rainbow Plaza over Fathers Day Weekend. Chainsaw Carvers from three continents compete at the event. The Umpqua Discovery Center , along the Umpqua River in downtown Reedsport, features regional natural and cultural history information, including interactive media and displays. The Dean Creek Wildlife Area is 3 miles (5 km) east of Reedsport on Oregon Route 38 . This 1,000-acre (4 km ) preserve jointly managed by
4005-407: The West, although the periodic fluctuations in the U.S. building industry have hurt the state's economy on multiple occasions. Portland, in particular, experienced a population boom between 1900 and 1930, tripling in size; the arrival of World War II also provided the northwest region of the state with an industrial boom, where Liberty ships and aircraft carriers were constructed. During the 1970s,
4094-550: The abundance of fur-bearing animals in the area. Also in 1811, New Yorker John Jacob Astor financed the establishment of Fort Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia River as a western outpost to his Pacific Fur Company ; this was the first permanent European settlement in Oregon. In the War of 1812 , the British gained control of all Pacific Fur Company posts. The Treaty of 1818 established joint British and American occupancy of
4183-405: The average family size was 2.71. In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.6% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 19.9% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 26.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.6 males. The median income for a household in the city
4272-482: The border with California , south of the twin cities of Brookings and Harbor (and north of Crescent City, California ). The highway is mostly a two-lane road, running along the Southern Oregon coastline. Access to this section (other than 101) is via U.S. Route 199 or Oregon Route 42 . Access is also possible through National Forest Route 23 (NF-23 - Bear Camp) but that route is not maintained through
4361-405: The bridge is the famed Newport waterfront. Also in Newport, US Route 20 has its western Terminus at US 101. The next stretch of 101, between Newport and Lincoln City, is rather mountainous, as the Coast Range protrudes into the ocean. Cities on the route include Depoe Bay , Otter Rock (accessible via a side road), and the Gleneden Beach / Salishan area, famed for its resorts. Near Siletz Bay
4450-425: The city of Coos Bay , US 101 becomes an expressway after an interchange with Oregon Route 42, then soon enters the downtown core. It continues through Coos Bay (the city) along the western edge of Coos Bay (the bay), soon entering the city of North Bend . North of North Bend, it crosses over the bay on the Conde McCullough Memorial Bridge , followed by a second bridge over Haynes Inlet . North of Coos Bay,
4539-440: The city. The population density was 2,026.3 inhabitants per square mile (782.4/km ). There were 2,207 housing units at an average density of 1,076.6 units per square mile (415.7 units/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 93.0% White , 0.3% African American , 1.1% Native American , 1.1% Asian , 0.1% Pacific Islander , 1.3% from other races , and 3.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.9% of
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#17327876047164628-430: The city. The population density was 2,126.6 inhabitants per square mile (821.1/km ). There were 2,178 housing units at an average density of 1,057.9 units per square mile (408.5 units/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 93.92% White, 0.02% African American, 1.23% Native American, 0.43% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 2.15% from other races, and 2.22% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.68% of
4717-524: The closing of the International Paper plant in nearby Gardiner . Recently, Reedsport has seen a rise in tourism due to recreation at the nearby Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area in Winchester Bay . A number of businesses catering to all-terrain vehicles have opened in Reedsport to serve the needs of this growing activity. Reedsport is at the junction of Oregon Route 38 and U.S. Route 101 , 3 miles (5 km) north of Winchester Bay and 54 miles (87 km) northwest of Roseburg . According to
4806-508: The coastline through rugged terrain until it reaches the city of Cannon Beach . Unlike most coastal cities in Oregon, a bypass (in two-lane freeway configuration) was built around Cannon Beach; US 101 follows the bypass alignment. A few miles north of Cannon Beach is an interchange with U.S. Route 26 , followed by the city of Seaside . (Until recently, U.S. 26 continued north towards Astoria, sharing an alignment with US 101; however ODOT truncated U.S. 26 to its current terminus at
4895-437: The collapse of the Oregon timber industry. In the last two decades, Reedsport has seen an increase of tourism. Part of this is due to its close proximity to the fishing of the Umpqua River. Another part of the recent surge in tourism is due to the sand dunes that are near Reedsport. Although the U.S. Forest Service maintains a local office in the town, Reedsport's historic connection with the timber industry ended in 1999 with
4984-455: The detour requires traveling inland over the Coast Range to alternative north–south routes in the Willamette Valley and then back west over the Coast Range again. US 101 is often the main street through coastal towns in Oregon, which can cause significant traffic delays. This is especially true in Lincoln City , where geography and tourism combine to create traffic problems. The run of US 101 in Oregon (from south to north) starts at
5073-465: The early 1800s, and the first permanent European settlements in Oregon were established by fur trappers and traders. In 1843, an autonomous government was formed in the Oregon Country , and the Oregon Territory was created in 1848. Oregon became the 33rd state of the U.S. on February 14, 1859. Today, with 4.2 million people over 98,000 square miles (250,000 km ), Oregon is the ninth largest and 27th most populous U.S. state. The capital, Salem ,
5162-492: The early 20th century and formalized as the Roosevelt Coast Military Highway, which was approved for construction in 1919 as part of a statewide highway development program funded by a one-cent gas tax . Construction of the highway began in 1921 and was later designated as part of US 101 in 1926 and renamed the Oregon Coast Highway in 1931. The highway originally had six ferry crossings at major rivers and bays that were operated by private companies until their acquisition by
5251-415: The expedition of the frigate Santiago by Juan José Pérez Hernández , and the coast of Oregon became a valuable trade route to Asia. In 1778, British captain James Cook also explored the coast. French Canadians , Scots , Métis , and other continental natives (e.g. Iroquois ) trappers arrived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, soon to be followed by Catholic clergy. Some traveled as members of
5340-439: The first U.S. state to legalize physician-assisted suicide through the Oregon Death with Dignity Act . A measure to legalize recreational use of marijuana in Oregon was approved on November 4, 2014, making Oregon only the second state at the time to have legalized gay marriage , physician-assisted suicide, and recreational marijuana. Self service gasoline was banned in Oregon from 1951 until August 2023. Although self-serve
5429-424: The fish hatchery and overflowed the fish troughs allowing hundreds of thousands of smallmouth bass to be introduced into the Umpqua River. According to fishing reports small-mouth bass became the most abundant fish in the river. Every few years, high water induces city employees to close the dikes to prevent low-lying areas of the city from flooding. In the last quarter of the 20th century, Reedsport struggled with
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#17327876047165518-420: The growth of railroads expanded the state's lumber , wheat , and other agricultural markets, and the rapid growth of its cities. Due to the abundance of timber and waterway access via the Willamette River, Portland became a major force in the lumber industry of the Pacific Northwest , and quickly became the state's largest city. It would earn the nickname "Stumptown", and would later become recognized as one of
5607-423: The highway crosses the river on the Bullards Bridge . The stretch of US 101 between Brookings and Gold Beach includes the highest bridge in Oregon, the Thomas Creek Bridge . With its roadbed at 345 feet (105 m) above Thomas Creek, it is the 15th highest bridge in the U.S. North of Bandon, US 101 heads inland for a while, while a spur route provides access to the Charleston Peninsula. Approaching
5696-415: The highway runs along the eastern flank of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area , through the communities of North Bend , Hauser , Lakeside , and Winchester Bay before coming into the city of Reedsport on the mouth of the Umpqua River . The highway continues north from there, passing through the dunes and through the towns of Gardiner , Westlake , Dunes City , and Glenada . The next major town
5785-479: The hottest temperature recorded is only 97 °F (36.1 °C) on August 29, 1944, and September 5, 1973. Only 0.2 afternoons fail to top freezing each year, and the coldest temperature is 11 °F (−11.7 °C) on December 8, 1972. The wettest month record is November 1973 with 26.07 inches (662.2 mm), whilst June to September have on occasions been rainless. As of the census of 2010, there were 4,154 people, 1,948 households, and 1,138 families residing in
5874-495: The interchange with 101 several years ago.) North of Seaside, US 101 follows the coastal plain through cities such as Gearhart ; a spur route ( Oregon Route 104 ) provides access to Fort Stevens State Park . US 101 soon enters the city of Warrenton, Oregon (where Business 101 , which is more of a scenic route, providing access to the Astoria-Warrenton Airport , Fort Clatsop , and Miles Crossing ) and then crosses Youngs Bay into Astoria, Oregon . 101 passes through
5963-433: The lower 48 states. Moose have not always inhabited the state but came to Oregon in the 1960s; the Wallowa Valley herd numbered about 60 as of 2013 . Gray wolves were extirpated from Oregon around 1930 but have since found their way back; most reside in northeast Oregon, with two packs living in the south-central part. Although their existence in Oregon is unconfirmed, reports of grizzly bears still turn up, and it
6052-429: The media as a reminder of how to pronounce the name of his home state. The stickers are sold by the University of Oregon Bookstore . While there is considerable evidence that Paleo-Indians inhabited the region, the oldest evidence of habitation in Oregon was found at Fort Rock Cave and the Paisley Caves in Lake County . Archaeologist Luther Cressman dated material from Fort Rock to 13,200 years ago, and there
6141-415: The most dangerous port cities in the United States due to racketeering and illegal activities at the turn of the 20th century. In 1902, Oregon introduced direct legislation by the state's citizens through initiatives and referendums , known as the Oregon System . On May 5, 1945, six civilians were killed by a Japanese balloon bomb that exploded on Gearhart Mountain near Bly . They remained
6230-466: The mouth of the Columbia River, staying at the encampment from December until March. British explorer David Thompson also conducted overland exploration. In 1811, while working for the North West Company, Thompson became the first European to navigate the entire Columbia River. Stopping on the way, at the junction of the Snake River, he posted a claim to the region for Great Britain and the North West Company. Upon returning to Montreal , he publicized
6319-445: The northwestern edge of Astoria, until an intersection with the western terminus of U.S. Route 30 . At this intersection, 101 climbs an access road onto the Astoria-Megler Bridge over the Columbia River and crosses into the state of Washington . The Oregon Coast had historically been isolated and relied on boats and beach routes as their primary means of inter-city transportation. Plans to build an automobile highway were formed in
6408-493: The old alignment serving Coquille was re-designated as OR 42 and OR 42S . US 101 was realigned between Seaside and Astoria in 1964 using a new bridge over Youngs Bay. In 1966, Oregon legislators proposed adding US 101 or a parallel corridor to the Interstate Highway System as part of road upgrades between Coos Bay and Astoria . In 2015, all of US 101 in Oregon was designated as
6497-539: The only people on American soil whose deaths were attributed to an enemy balloon bomb explosion during World War II . The bombing site is now located in the Mitchell Recreation Area . Industrial expansion began in earnest following the 1933–1937 construction of the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River. Hydroelectric power , food, and lumber provided by Oregon helped fuel the development of
6586-440: The population. There were 1,948 households, of which 20.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.8% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.6% were non-families. 35.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
6675-407: The population. There were 1,978 households, out of which 23.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.5% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.0% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and
6764-407: The post office was established in 1912, Reedsport was a camp for railroad construction workers. Built on marshy ground, for much of its history Reedsport has struggled with frequent flooding; most of its early buildings were elevated 3 to 8 feet (0.9 to 2.4 m) above ground. After a devastating flood in 1964 , a dike was constructed to protect the lower town. During this flood, the waters reached
6853-438: The property the next morning. It was formerly located at 43°41′22″N 124°06′57″W / 43.689551°N 124.115804°W / 43.689551; -124.115804 . It was later moved to Bicentennial Park and then it was moved again to Confusion Hill . Reedsport is served by the two-school Reedsport School District , which includes Highland Elementary School and Reedsport Community Charter School . Plans for
6942-410: The region after the law was passed were forced to leave, and those who did not comply were arrested and beaten. They received no less than twenty and no more than thirty-nine stripes across the back if they still did not leave. This process could be repeated every six months. Slavery played a major part in Oregon's history and even influenced its path to statehood. The territory's request for statehood
7031-584: The region west of the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. By the 1820s and 1830s, the Hudson's Bay Company dominated the Pacific Northwest from its Columbia District headquarters at Fort Vancouver (built in 1825 by the district's chief factor, John McLoughlin , across the Columbia from present-day Portland ). In 1841, the expert trapper and entrepreneur Ewing Young died leaving considerable wealth and no apparent heir, and no system to probate his estate. A meeting followed Young's funeral, at which
7120-440: The state government in 1927. The state ran these ferries on extended schedules to cope with demand, but they proved inadequate for the growing number of motorists on the coast. A set of five bridges designed by state engineer Conde B. McCullough and funded by the federal government's New Deal programs were constructed between 1934 and 1936 to replace the ferries. The Oregon Coast Highway was declared complete on October 3, 1936, at
7209-421: The state's name is uncertain. The earliest geographical designation "orejón" (meaning "big ear") comes from the Spanish historical chronicle Relación de la Alta y Baja California (1598), written by Rodrigo Montezuma of New Spain ; here it refers to the region of the Columbia River as it was encountered by the first Spanish scouts. The " j " in the Spanish phrase " El Orejón " was eventually corrupted into
7298-487: The towns of Cloverdale , Hebo , Beaver and Hemlock . The next major town is the city of Tillamook . North of Tillamook, the highway passes on the eastern shore of Tillamook Bay , through towns such as Bay City and Garibaldi , before reuniting with the ocean. It then continues north along the Pacific through towns such as Rockaway Beach and Nedonna Beach; the next major towns are Nehalem and Manzanita , both on Nehalem Bay . The highway then continues north along
7387-658: The traffic is a casino in the northern part of town. Much of the traffic departs US 101 north of Lincoln City, at an interchange with Oregon Route 18 . North of Lincoln City is the town of Neskowin and the Nestucca Bay area. A side road, the Three Capes Scenic Route , provides access to the seaside towns of Pacific City and Sandlake , then goes over Cape Lookout and on to Netarts , Oceanside and Cape Meares before meeting 101 again at Tillamook . 101 instead heads inland, passing through
7476-536: The winter months. Other coastal towns in this stretch of US 101 include Pistol River , Gold Beach , Wedderburn , and Port Orford . North of Port Orford is the Cape Blanco region, and the westernmost point in the U.S. Highway system. After passing through Sixes , Denmark , and Langlois , US 101 enters the resort town of Bandon on the mouth of the Coquille River . Just north of Bandon,
7565-443: Was $ 26,054, and the median income for a family was $ 33,689. Males had a median income of $ 33,214 versus $ 20,734 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 16,093. About 11.7% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line , including 21.5% of those under age 18 and 10.9% of those age 65 or over. The Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Sculpting Championships was started in 1999 and held every year since 2000 at
7654-437: Was 2.11 and the average family size was 2.68. The median age in the city was 51.2 years. 17.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 17.8% were from 25 to 44; 29.9% were from 45 to 64; and 27.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.6% male and 50.4% female. As of the census of 2000, there were 4,378 people, 1,978 households, and 1,265 families residing in
7743-724: Was applied to the River of the West based on Native American tales of powerful Chinook winds on the lower Columbia River, or perhaps from first-hand French experience with the Chinook winds of the Great Plains . At the time, the River of the West was thought to rise in western Minnesota and flow west through the Great Plains. Another suggestion comes from Joaquin Miller , who wrote in Sunset magazine in 1904: The name, Oregon,
7832-574: Was delayed several times, as members of Congress argued among themselves whether the territory should be admitted as a "free" or "slave" state. Eventually politicians from the South agreed to allow Oregon to enter as a "free" state, in exchange for opening slavery to the Southwestern U.S. Oregon was admitted to the Union on February 14, 1859, though no one in Oregon knew it until March 15. Founded as
7921-501: Was the first acting public government of the Oregon Country before annexation by the government of the United States. It was succeeded by a Second Executive Committee, made up of Peter G. Stewart , Osborne Russell , and William J. Bailey , and this committee was itself succeeded by George Abernethy , who was the first and only Governor of Oregon under the provisional government. Also in 1841, Sir George Simpson , governor of
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