Heys folks in Oregon...

[Redwookie]

So the Mrs. and I are considering making a move or may have to move for her work and one of the places that seems interesting and high on our list is Oregon. So I was curious how is it there? How's the weather? Rains a lot on the west side eh? Is rust a big problem there? That would be a bummer. Does it snow often during the winter? And most importantly is there lots of good wheeling!? I personally prefer trail rides. Not necessarily super easy but not the stuff that's gonna smash yer fenders into dust either. Do some mild rock climbing here in Az. Just like to putz along trails with good scenery and be left alone! So how is it guys? Any input would be great! Oh and is there lots of places to go? Is the BLM land and such open for ORV? Are the cops and such tough on us wheelers? Is there lots of good trails? Thanks again!

 

[twiget]

Any idea where in Oregon you are thinking about settling? In the Portland metro area, we usually don't get a lot of snow, though we do get some. We do get a fair amount of rain for 7 - 8 months of the year. June to September is usually pretty dry and warm. The weather guessers are saying 104F on Monday. I know Bend, in central Oregon sees a fair amount of snow in the winter, as do the Siskiyou mountains.

Dispite all the rain, rust is not much of a factor out here. Washington and Oregon use sand on the roads during the winter, so we do not have to worry about salt rusting out your rig. I just bought a '90 Subruban with 225k on it. According to the Carfax report, it has been in the North West since it was originally purchased. I've gone over it top to bottom, front to back and I have not found even a speck of rust. A friend of mine actually came all the way out here from Michigan to buy a truck because they are so clean and rust free, especially compared to Michigan trucks.

I'm not much into wheeling, but both Mount Hood, and Mt. St. Hellens are about 1 hour away from Portland. From what I've heard there are some good trails in those areas.

 

[y5mgisi]

If your anything like most red blooded americans you will love Oregon. I would have a pretty hard time moving form this state. I live in portland. And while it is a larger metro area its still not rediculous like alot of other big cities. Not too over crouded. An hour and a hlaf to the west is beautiful coast, and an hour and half the other way is mt hood! Past that you get into desert country. You just cant beat it in my opinion.

Far as rust goes, If it lived its life on the coast it probably has lots of rust. If not probably nothing major. THere is a decent amount of wheeling around too. Tillamook state forest (TSF) is an hour away and is a BFGoodrich sponsered area.

I cant say enough good things about oregon. I would say forget wondering if you want to live here becasue i can assure you, you do!

 

[us74k5]

One of the best places in America hands down. I have been to almost every state in this country, and managed to spend some quality time in most of them. Currently I am stationed up in washington, but I grew up on Mt. Hood, Oregon. The trails are great, the people are great (minus the hippies, but they arent all that bad). Other than the rain, its a great state to live in. No sales tax either! And a lot of places are open to recreational use. The only time I have ever had any issues with the police is when I was a teen, and that was probably my own fault:-)

 

[Redwookie]

Well guys thanks for the heads up! Sounds nice and yeah moving to Portland would probably where her job would take us! And as for being a bit crowded, for us it's a step down in population! That would be very nice! We live in downtown Phoenix right now and it's soo crowded! I love Az but man is it ever crowded! When I moved here it was like just under a million people and now it's over five million! Ridiculous! Again sounds as beautiful as I had hoped. And a 180 from the lack of rain here! Can't wait!

 

[jonathon]

Vancouver is right across the river and there are less taxes, better schools, better roads, etc

 

[twiget]

Vancouver is right across the river and there are less taxes, better schools, better roads, etc

Plus, if you want to buy something expensive, go across the river to Portland and you dont have to pay sales tax.

Just dont work in Oregon and live in Washington. Paying Oregon income tax just for the privelage of working in Oregon sucks. Just because you pay Oregon income tax, does not mean you get to vote in Oregon...

 

[us74k5]

Being an Oregon resident, living in Washington I will say these things.... Things are not cheaper here, sales tax. Gas is more expensive even though it is self serve... Do not quite understand that one... As for the school's, I will know better about that later this year after my daughter starts school up here. And as for the roads, helll no. Have you ever driven the Washington side of I-5 with a trailer? Bumpiest ride of my life. So far the only benefits to living in Washington (i am in the tacoma area) is that the drive on I-5 is much more scenic than it is down in Oregon. Traffic is worse here too, by far.

 

[Redwookie]

Well guys I appreciate all the info! Big help, all of you! And feel free to keep the opinions rolling in. That's how ya really get a feel for an area ya never been! From folks like you all that are fairly like minded to myself. Ya can't rely on tourist type sites on the net er anything. That stuff is one sided. It's like a propaganda campaign! lol

 

[COCHEV]

Bend and Central oregon is nice. Bend is a little over 100k people i think. very little rain here- high desert climet. some snow in the winter, but mostly in the higher elevations. Mt bachlor is only 25 min away.

of course, being from colorado originally, i'd vote for the roaring fork valley... i will return some day...

 

[Redwookie]

Sounds nice guys! Hey if you guys have some random scenery or picks of the city or even trails ya wanna throw up here or give me a link to I wouldn't completely hate it