From the Oregon Coast and Southern Oregon to the Willamette Valley and Eastern Oregon, our state is home to a variety of diverse regions. While each part of the Beaver State is unique, the western and eastern portions of Oregon are vastly different. Here’s a look at some of the undeniable differences between rainy western and arid eastern Oregon.
- The climate
Flickr/Andrew E. Larsen One of the most obvious differences between the eastern and western parts of our state is the climate. In the east, a dry, high-desert type climate dominates. A wet, oceanic climate prevails in the west.
- Precipitation
Flickr/54WilliamGJusto54 (weather enthusiast) Speaking of climate, we can’t forget to mention precipitation. While Oregon has a reputation for being a rain-drenched state, eastern Oregon is home to deserts that get as little as 5 inches of precipitation a year.
- Winter weather
Flickr/MPD01605 Eastern Oregon often sees more snow during the winter months. Need proof? Just watch western Oregonians try to drive when snow arrives.
- Population
Flickr/selena marie Combined, Oregon’s western counties account for nearly 87% of the state population. Eastern Oregon is large in area, but has just 13% of the state’s population.
- The landscape
Flickr/Baker County Tourism From the vegetation to the mountains, there are plenty of noticeable differences to be found on either side of the Cascades.
- Food
Flickr/Michele Dorsey Walfred As the home of the Oregon Coast, western Oregon claims to have the freshest seafood in the state. In the east, mouthwatering steaks reign supreme.
- Pace of life
Flickr/ While charming small towns can be found all over Oregon, most of our bustling urban centers are located in the western part of the state.
Do you agree with these differences? Tell us which ones we missed in the comments below!
Flickr/Andrew E. Larsen
One of the most obvious differences between the eastern and western parts of our state is the climate. In the east, a dry, high-desert type climate dominates. A wet, oceanic climate prevails in the west.
Flickr/54WilliamGJusto54 (weather enthusiast)
Speaking of climate, we can’t forget to mention precipitation. While Oregon has a reputation for being a rain-drenched state, eastern Oregon is home to deserts that get as little as 5 inches of precipitation a year.
Flickr/MPD01605
Eastern Oregon often sees more snow during the winter months. Need proof? Just watch western Oregonians try to drive when snow arrives.
Flickr/selena marie
Combined, Oregon’s western counties account for nearly 87% of the state population. Eastern Oregon is large in area, but has just 13% of the state’s population.
Flickr/Baker County Tourism
From the vegetation to the mountains, there are plenty of noticeable differences to be found on either side of the Cascades.
Flickr/Michele Dorsey Walfred
As the home of the Oregon Coast, western Oregon claims to have the freshest seafood in the state. In the east, mouthwatering steaks reign supreme.
Flickr/
While charming small towns can be found all over Oregon, most of our bustling urban centers are located in the western part of the state.
For more laughs about life in the Beaver State, check out our previous article: 12 Things Longtime Oregonians Wish They Could Tell Newcomers.
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