Oregon was founded on February 14, 1859. It was the 33rd state admitted into the union, and in 1860 was home to over 54,000 residents. Today, around 4.27 million people call Oregon home. The Oregon Association of Independent Inns welcomes you.. Here are five fun and quirky facts about Oregon that most people don’t know.
There’s a Llama to Love
Did you know that Oregon residents own 25% of the total llama population in the whole United States? Most of the llamas are in Clackamas county, though they’re closely followed by Washington, Yamhill and Marion counties. You can even invite a llama to attend your special event in Oregon — all dressed up! The woolly camelids have joined the team of therapy dogs at Portland International airport, brought in periodically to cheer and soothe harried passengers confronting the protracted panic attack that air travel often feels like nowadays.
Portland, Oregon, Got its Name with the Flip of a Coin
Portland’s got its name in a coin toss. Yep. If the coin had landed on its other side, the city would have been named Boston instead. The momentous flip happened in 1845 when two politicians, originally from New England, Asa Lovejoy from Massachusetts and Francis Pettygrove from Maine, each wanted to respectively name the city Boston and Portland. The coin went up and it was all decided as it came down.
Crater Lake is the Deepest Lake in the United States
Located in south-central Oregon, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in all of the United States and one of the top 10 deepest lakes in the world. Crater Lake is famous for its water clarity and deep blue color. The lake was formed when a volcano collapsed more than 7700 years ago. Crater Lake is approximately 2,000 ft deep. It’s home to two islands: Wizard Island (a cinder cone near the western shore) and Phantom Ship (a natural rock pillar near the southern shore).
The Oregon Flag has TWO designs
The Oregon flag is the only state flag that has a different design on each side. The front of the Oregon flag has the escutcheon from the state seal in blue and gold. The other side of the flag has a gold beaver, the state animal. See the flag here.
The Largest Living Thing on Earth is in Oregon
Can you guess what it is? it’s a GIGANTIC mushroom! More specifically, it’s a specific honey fungus found in Oregon’s Blue Mountains and it’s footprint covers more than 3 square miles.
Oregon Association of Independent Inns are ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved member of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns.
Gift certificates are no longer available for purchase through our organization. We encourage you to contact our member inns directly to purchase gift certificates.
If You Currently Hold an OAII or OBBG Gift Certificate:
- Your gift certificate does not expire
- Certificates may be redeemed at participating Oregon Association of Independent Inns properties.
Thank you for supporting Oregon’s Independent Inns and lodging properties over the years. We’re grateful to everyone who has shared the gift of lodging through the OAII Lodging Gift Voucher Program.
As of June 1, 2026, the Oregon Association of Independent (formerly the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild – OBBG) discontinued the program, and gift certificates are no longer available for sale. However, existing gift certificates remain valid and may still be redeemed.
The Oregon Association offers a wide variety of inns, from a small guest cottage or two-room bed and breakfast to a larger country inn or dude ranch. If you need assistance locating a participating property or have difficulty redeeming your certificate, please contact us—we’re happy to help.
Important Notes:
- All OAII properties accept association gift certificates. Click here to view participating properties.
- Gift certificates are treated as cash and cannot be replaced if lost, stolen, or destroyed.
- Certificates may only be redeemed at active OAII properties
- Individual property policies apply, including restrictions on availability, packages, or special offers.
Questions or Assistance:
If you have questions about redeeming a gift certificate or need help planning your stay, please contact E-mail info@obbg.org or call OAII at 503-893-4210. Please leave a message as this line is monitored by our busy innkeepers.
Since 1989, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has served as a statewide information network for its member properties, providing a unified voice for the industry with state regulatory and tourism agencies.
Now known as The Oregon Association of Independent Inns, we’re the same trusted organization, with a new name, a fresh look, and an expanded focus on independent lodging properties beyond traditional bed and breakfasts. Member properties represent a wide range of accommodations, from small guest cottages, cabins, and intimate two-room B&Bs to larger country inns, boutique hotels and dude ranches.
