The population of Oregon is concentrated in the Willamette Valley. This region stretches from the southern city of Eugene to the northern city of Salem. As of the 2010 census, the state's population was over 3.8 million people, an increase of about 12% from 2000. While Oregon has many other urban areas, the Willamette Valley is the most densely populated. Eight of the state's top ten cities are located within its boundaries.
The state's diverse landscape includes wind-swept coastal plains, volcano-studded Cascade Range, and abundant bodies of water. Tourism in the state is strong, with evergreen mountain forests, pristine lakes, and scenic beaches. Ashland is home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which complements the scenic beauty of southern Oregon. Other popular activities include boating, hiking, and fishing. Whether you're in search of a vacation spot or looking for some new activity to do, Oregon is a great place to visit.
In the 1880s, Oregon's railroads expanded agricultural markets and facilitated the rapid growth of cities. A rich supply of timber and access to the Willamette River helped spur the state's growth. Portland became a lumber industry powerhouse and the largest city in the state. The city grew rapidly and today is one of the state's most diverse. The growth of Portland's economy was fueled by the city's thriving timber industry.