Growing up in Oregon is a unique experience, and the lessons you learn along the way are sure to have an impact on the person you become later in life. From wearing sweaters on the beach to refusing to use an umbrella, here are 11 traits and habits you might’ve picked up if you grew up in the Beaver State:
- You don’t honk your horn when you drive unless absolutely necessary.
flickr/ Ian Sane When you learn to drive in Oregon, you’re taught that the car horn is to be used only when necessary. In my opinion, this keeps our roads a little more pleasant and quiet.
- You’d rather swim in lakes and creeks than pools.
flickr/ Thomas Shahan Forget pools and waterparks – Oregon is full of amazing lakes and rivers that are perfect for a swim on a hot summer day.
- You always bring a sweatshirt to the beach.
flickr/ Alejandro Rdguez If you grew up in Oregon, it’s likely you spent a considerable amount of time at the coast. Even on the sunniest days, Oregon’s beautiful beaches can stay pretty chilly due to the air blowing in off the cold water.
- You don’t use an umbrella.
flickr/ Craig Sunter For a reason not many of us can explain, many Oregonians choose not to use an umbrella all through the rainy winter months. There’s an old saying that if you spot someone with an umbrella, they’re probably a tourist.
- The moment the sun breaks through the clouds, you head outdoors.
flickr/ Jim Choate From fall through spring, much of Oregon is hidden under a blanket of clouds, so the minute the sun breaks through everyone is quick to leave the house and take advantage of it.
- You’re an adventurous eater.
flickr/ Justin.li Oregon is known nationally for it’s amazing, creative foods. If you grew up here, the idea of bacon-covered doughnuts or olive oil ice cream won’t scare you a bit.
- You have a deep love and respect for the great outdoors.
flickr/ Bureau of Land Management With so much amazing scenery in every direction, how could you not?
- You’re an avid recycler.
flickr/ Chris Phan When I was in school in Portland, I had the phrase “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” drilled into my head. And what a great lesson to learn! In general, Oregonians are pretty good at translating their love for nature into sustainable actions that reduce negative environmental impact.
- You don’t let the rain get you down.
flickr/ gsloan Yes, it rains. Not all the time, not everywhere, but it really does rain. Can a little drizzle get in the way of someone who grew up in Oregon? Nope.
- You know how to pitch a tent.
flickr/ Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington Remember all those family camping trips you took as a kid? If so, you probably have your fair share of experience pitching tents and cooking on campfires.
- You’ll always love your team.
flickr/ Wolfram Burner Whether it’s the Ducks, the Beavers, the Timbers, the Blazers, or your local softball team, you’ve most likely attached yourself to an Oregon sports team that you’ll support unto death.
Growing up in Oregon is a unique experience, and it’s different for everyone. Which of these did you most relate to? Let us know in the comments.
flickr/ Ian Sane
When you learn to drive in Oregon, you’re taught that the car horn is to be used only when necessary. In my opinion, this keeps our roads a little more pleasant and quiet.
flickr/ Thomas Shahan
Forget pools and waterparks – Oregon is full of amazing lakes and rivers that are perfect for a swim on a hot summer day.
flickr/ Alejandro Rdguez
If you grew up in Oregon, it’s likely you spent a considerable amount of time at the coast. Even on the sunniest days, Oregon’s beautiful beaches can stay pretty chilly due to the air blowing in off the cold water.
flickr/ Craig Sunter
For a reason not many of us can explain, many Oregonians choose not to use an umbrella all through the rainy winter months. There’s an old saying that if you spot someone with an umbrella, they’re probably a tourist.
flickr/ Jim Choate
From fall through spring, much of Oregon is hidden under a blanket of clouds, so the minute the sun breaks through everyone is quick to leave the house and take advantage of it.
flickr/ Justin.li
Oregon is known nationally for it’s amazing, creative foods. If you grew up here, the idea of bacon-covered doughnuts or olive oil ice cream won’t scare you a bit.
flickr/ Bureau of Land Management
With so much amazing scenery in every direction, how could you not?
flickr/ Chris Phan
When I was in school in Portland, I had the phrase “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” drilled into my head. And what a great lesson to learn! In general, Oregonians are pretty good at translating their love for nature into sustainable actions that reduce negative environmental impact.
flickr/ gsloan
Yes, it rains. Not all the time, not everywhere, but it really does rain. Can a little drizzle get in the way of someone who grew up in Oregon? Nope.
flickr/ Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington
Remember all those family camping trips you took as a kid? If so, you probably have your fair share of experience pitching tents and cooking on campfires.
flickr/ Wolfram Burner
Whether it’s the Ducks, the Beavers, the Timbers, the Blazers, or your local softball team, you’ve most likely attached yourself to an Oregon sports team that you’ll support unto death.
Looking for awesome things to do this summer? Check out our list of 13 things to do under the summer sun in Oregon.
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