The most amazing thing about states in the west is that they contain such a variety of landscapes, and Oregon is a prime example of that phenomenon. Snow-capped mountains, colorful desert, lush forests, and a rugged Pacific coastline, collide together to form the diverse natural beauty of the United States' thirty-third state. The Cascade Mountains divide the state creating two distinct climates: a marine (mořské) climate on the west, and a high desert on the east.
    The way of life in Oregon is outdoor recreation oriented. Mountain biking, hiking, skiing, camping, and other outdoor activities are extremely popular here. The outdoors is a big part of this state. The lifestyle and culture is driven by it. Whether you'd like to ski or snowboard on Mt. Hood (open all year!), to take a hike along the scenic Columbia River Gorge, to fish in a mountain stream, to explore the John Day fossil beds, or simply to bike around a town, there is always something going on outdoors in Oregon. The only thing preventing Oregonians from enjoying themselves too much is the weather. It rains a lot here. The rain makes everything green, but it can be depressing because you don't see sunshine for weeks.
    The promise of this green paradise-on-earth inspired over 53,000 people to travel westwards along the Oregon Trail between 1840 and 1850. Before these pioneers settled in Oregon, the land was inhabited by about 80 Native American tribes. The European settlers introduced diseases such as smallpox (neštovice) and diphtheria (záškrt) which killed many Native Americans. Also, the settlers began taking over the tribal lands, causing tension between the two cultures. The Land Domination Law allowed white pioneers to have large pieces of land, which encouraged people to move to the west where land was plentiful, but obviously this was not a law that favored the Native Americans.
    Despite these rough beginnings, Oregon is now viewed as an environmental state, with liberal politics. Portland, Oregon biggest city, exemplifies this friendly and easy-going attitude. Everyone who loves cities should visit Portland. It is one of the cleanest and most beautiful cities in the United States, and a model for other cities because of its extensive parks. Portland has an efficient public transportation system which is uncommon for a U.S. city of its size, and many Oregonians are devoted to recycling and other environmental causes. Oregonians are especially concerned with the issue of deforestation (odlesnění), which is a controversial subject in this heavily forested state.

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