Oregon is a state known not only for its stunning landscapes and rich history but also for its delightfully quirky and unusual town names. Some of these names are so strange, funny, or obscure that your GPS might momentarily question its existence while trying to navigate to them. Here are 10 Oregon towns with names that are sure to surprise, amuse, or mystify.
1. Timbuktu
Named after the far-off city in Mali, Africa, Timbercut’s Timbuktu in Washington County got its name because it was “way off in the back of the beyond.” It was originally a logging camp considered extremely remote.
2. Boring
Despite its name, Boring in Clackamas County is anything but dull. Named after pioneer William Harrison Boring, this place even paired up as a sister-city with Dull, Scotland, and Bland, Australia. It’s known for its volcanic geology and quirky pop culture references.
3. Idiotville
Situated near the Wilson River in the Coast Range, Idiotville earned its name because “only an idiot would work there”—a logging camp deep in the wilderness that nobody really wanted to be at.
4. Nimrod
Nimrod is a tiny spot on the McKenzie River, named after either a biblical hunter-king or an early homesteader infamous in local lore. Though the name today colloquially means “buffoon,” Nimrod retains a historic and natural charm.
5. Drain
Located about 50 miles east of the Pacific, Drain’s name comes from a pioneer settler, John Drain. Despite the name, it has a lively community vibe, Victorian architecture, and natural beauty, making it a worthy stop.
6. Riddle
Riddle, Oregon was named after John Bouseman Riddle. It’s a small town with a rich railroad and mining history, and its name often sparks double takes.
7. Scissorsville
This mysterious name comes from a mining locality high in the Ochoco National Forest. Named after nearby Scissors Creek, it’s a place with old mine camps and rugged highlands.
8. Yallderdog
Originally part of two settlements called Rawdog and Yallderdog, this town now known as Hardman has one of the most amusingly long and odd names on the list.
9. Jackass Butte
Two different Jackass Buttes exist in Oregon, named after feral donkeys that roamed around early mining settlements. Definitely a name that makes you pause.
10. Boo Boo Lake
A lake rather than a town, Boo Boo Lake got its whimsical name after trout were accidentally stocked there by plane in the 1960s. It’s a perfect example of how mistakes sometimes give places memorable names.
Oregon’s collection of towns with unusual names adds humor and character to the state’s rich tapestry. From remote logging camps to historic mining towns and quaint communities, these places exemplify Oregon’s unique blend of history, nature, and quirky culture. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, exploring these oddly named spots is a fun way to experience the state’s personality beyond its breathtaking landscapes.
Sources
[1] https://thatoregonlife.com/2020/07/funny-town-names-oregon/
[2] https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/7-bizarrely-named-towns-in-oregon.html
[3] https://929thebull.com/11-mispronounced-city-names-in-oregon/
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/oregon/comments/1f6rfpp/a_cool_guide_to_the_most_oddly_named_town_in_each/
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ghost_towns_in_Oregon
[6] https://www.iheart.com/content/2021-06-07-the-most-mispronounced-cities-towns-in-oregon/
