Lisa O
Oregon is one of those places where nature, creativity, and strong local pride all come together. From misty coastlines and snowy mountains to quirky towns and indie coffee shops, people in Oregon tend to live life with purpose—and they really don’t like it when others make assumptions about their state. If you ever meet someone from Oregon, here are 15 things you might want to avoid saying unless you’re ready for a long conversation or a sharp side-eye.
“It’s pronounced Or-eh-GONE, right?”
Mispronouncing Oregon is the fastest way to make someone cringe. Locals say “OR-uh-gun,” with a soft ending—not “gone,” “gawn,” or “gin.” Getting it wrong makes it sound like you’ve never even looked at a map. While they might politely correct you, they’ve already heard it too many times from tourists, and it still grates on their nerves every single time.
“Does it rain there every single day?”
It rains often, yes—but it doesn’t pour nonstop. Oregon rain is more of a soft drizzle or mist, and Oregonians just learn to live with it instead of letting it stop their plans. They don’t carry umbrellas, they just wear good jackets. So when people act like it’s a wet, gloomy wasteland, locals are quick to point out the green trees and waterfalls that come from all that moisture.
“So, do you live in Portland?”
Not everyone in Oregon lives in Portland—and not everyone even likes Portland. The state has stunning coastlines, laid-back mountain towns, university cities like Eugene, and high desert areas like Bend. Assuming all of Oregon is just one city completely ignores how diverse the rest of the state really is. Locals outside the metro area don’t love it when everything gets lumped into one place.
“You guys are all super weird, right?”
This one comes from that famous slogan, “Keep Portland Weird,” but it doesn’t mean every Oregonian is a kombucha-drinking, unicycling artist with neon hair. People in Oregon value individuality and creativity, but most are just regular folks who love nature, good food, and their community. Calling them weird as a blanket statement feels lazy, even if you think it’s meant as a compliment.
“So you’re basically like California, but smaller.”
Comparing Oregon to California almost always leads to an eye roll. Yes, they’re neighbors—but they’re very different places. Oregon has its own vibe, with fewer crowds, slower living, and more connection to the outdoors. Locals are proud of not being flashy or overbuilt, and they don’t love it when outsiders treat their home like a discount version of the state next door.
“Do you even get snow there?”
Oregon is home to serious snow, especially in the mountains. Places like Mount Hood and the Cascades are full of winter sports and powder days, and eastern Oregon gets regular snow in the colder months. While coastal or city areas like Portland don’t see much, locals know their state has every kind of weather—so assuming it’s all rain and no snow just isn’t accurate.
“You must hike every weekend.”
Oregonians do love their outdoors, but not everyone is scaling cliffs or chasing waterfalls every Saturday. Life still includes grocery shopping, work, and weekend chores. While there’s a strong appreciation for nature and outdoor culture, assuming every person is some sort of rugged trail guide oversimplifies how people live. Plenty of them prefer staying in with a book or watching the Blazers.
“Why does everyone dress like they’re going camping?”
What you’re seeing is functional fashion. In Oregon, it’s normal to wear flannel, rain jackets, beanies, and hiking shoes, even to work or dinner. The weather is unpredictable, and people like to be ready for whatever the day throws at them. So if someone’s wearing layers and boots, it’s not because they’re headed to a trail—it’s just practical style that actually makes sense here.
“Isn’t the whole state just a bunch of forests?”
Oregon has thick forests, yes, but it also has beaches, deserts, farmland, and mountains. The high desert of Bend feels completely different from the Columbia Gorge or the coast near Cannon Beach. Assuming the whole state looks the same is like thinking Texas is just cowboy hats. Oregonians are proud of how many different landscapes they can enjoy without ever leaving the state.
“You must love coffee from Starbucks.”
Oregonians are serious about their coffee, but they’re much more into small local roasters than big chains. Places like Stumptown, Coava, and Heart are loved not just for flavor but for the care they put into every cup. While you’ll find Starbucks around, most locals are loyal to the indie coffee scene, and they’ll probably take you to a hidden spot that blows any drive-thru latte out of the water.
“I bet everyone there smokes weed all the time.”
Yes, it’s legal in Oregon, but that doesn’t mean everyone’s lighting up on every corner. It’s treated like alcohol: some people use it, some don’t, and most aren’t making a big deal about it. Reducing the whole culture of Oregon to cannabis is not only inaccurate, but it also ignores the deeper, more thoughtful lifestyle most locals live. They’re not all wandering around in a cloud.
“Isn’t Oregon full of hipsters?”
The hipster stereotype never seems to die, but Oregon isn’t one big ironic mustache convention. While Portland had a wave of trendy cafes and fixie bikes, most people in the state are just normal folks who like local food, good music, and sustainable living. Painting the entire population with that one brush misses the rural communities, older generations, and quiet creatives who call the state home.
“Your food scene can’t be that exciting.”
This is just flat-out wrong. Oregon has a world-class food scene, with everything from creative food carts and fresh seafood to farm-to-table dining and wild mushroom dishes. Portland alone has more flavor in one neighborhood than most cities pack into their downtowns. Even smaller towns are known for killer bakeries, craft breweries, and locally sourced meals. Underestimating the food here means you’re missing something amazing.
“Don’t you guys hate everyone who moves there?”
Oregonians don’t hate newcomers—they just don’t love when people move in and try to change everything. There’s a strong sense of place, and locals want their communities to keep their character. People are more likely to get annoyed if you show up and act like your way is better. If you respect the culture, enjoy the outdoors, and shop locally, they’ll welcome you just fine.
“So what do you even do for fun there?”
Oregonians might laugh at this one because the real question is what don’t they do? Between river floats, trail runs, camping trips, music festivals, brewery hopping, and winter sports, there’s something for every kind of energy level. They don’t need a big city skyline or a packed nightclub to have a good time. Fun in Oregon is about fresh air, great food, and just enjoying the moment.
