>>2397615Consider population density. California ranks 11th. There are 20 cities with a population of over 200k people. No matter where you are, you’re only a stones throw from a large town (or even a legit city; 200k is pretty big). As such, a lot of the public spaces are downright crowded.
Oregon is a good contrast. It ranks 39th in density. And it has a single city over 200k. The others you’ve heard of (Salem, Eugene, and Bend) are pretty small. Bend is under 100k. It’s a lot easier to find solitude in Oregon than California.
Washington is similar to Oregon, but with a higher density because Seattle is just bigger than Portland. Just like Oregon, that’s basically where everyone lives, with the rest of the cities being pretty small and the state nearly empty.
t. Travels to all three for work semi-frequently and stays for recreation.
