Capital Salem Became a State February 14, 1859 (33rd) Location Pacific Northwest region Area 98,381 sq. miles (9th) Population 3,831,074 (27tth) Major Cities Portland, Salem, Eugene, Gresham, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Bend, Medford Products potatoes, peppermint, hops, applies, hazelnuts, wine, cattle, sheep, dairy products, eggs, poultry, coal, timber Climate generally mild, but periods of extreme hot and cold influenced by Pacific Ocean Yearly Precipitation averages 37 inches Professional Sports Teams Portland Trail Blazers (National Basketball Association) Major Waterways Pacific Ocean, Columbia River, Snake River Willamette River, John Day River Most Famous Citizens Jane Powell (actress) Doc Severinsen (band leader) Chief Joseph (Indian leader) Home Davenport (cartoonist) Edwin Markham (poet)