Oregon is the most beautiful state in the nation, no doubt about it. We enjoy some seriously scenic places here...but some of them are also dangerous, and even deadly. From car crashes to floating logs (yes...logs!), here are eight of the most deadly and dangerous places in Oregon.
1. US 26 And I-405, Portland
The Oregon Department of Transportation reports that this is the most dangerous intersection in all of Oregon.
2. Driftwood Shelters
Driftwood seems harmless, right? People have been seriously injured and have even died by playing in old driftwood shelters that have collapsed. If you didn’t build it, you have no idea how old it is, or if it’s stable.
3. Columbia River Gorge
Oregon’s beauty is unparalleled, but our wild places are just that... wild. Hikers in the Columbia River Gorge area are exposed all kinds of dangerous and even fatal conditions. People suffer from hypothermia and also fall to their deaths of the gorge’s steep cliffs. Dress appropriately for fast-changing weather, and stay on the trail!
4. Oceanside Cliffs
Oregon’s coastal cliffs are stunning... but they can also be very dangerous. The edges can crumble right under your feet...and falls are dangerous and even deadly.
5. Medford
With a population of 85,824, Medford has a combined rate of violent and property crime that is very high compared to other places of similar population size.
6. The Dalles
Historically, The Dalles has ranked on several "most dangerous" lists, with violent crimes higher than usual. Recently, however, this town has become a bit safer (statistically speaking), according to Movato.
7. Logs In The Water
Logs? Yes...logs. They look perfectly harmless, but when a wave hits a floating log and throws it at you, the result is devastating. Don’t play in the water near floating logs, and keep an eye on the tide, which can creep up on you.
8. Southeast Division Street, Portland
Portland is America’s Best Bike City, so it only follows that it also has a high number of bicycle-auto accidents. The Oregon Department of Transportation reports that Southeast Portland had the most bicycle-auto crashes, and of the top 10 most dangerous, Southeast Division Street was the worst, with 59 accidents during a five-year period.
Now that we’ve given you some of the most dangerous places in Oregon, here’s the good news. You might need take a few safety precautions here and there, but Oregon is simply gorgeous. Check out these 12 Scenic Overlooks. (Just don't get too close to the edge!)
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