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| The world's largest forest of lava-cast trees is located on the slopes of Newberry Volcano in Deschutes National Forest, south of Bend. The imprint of pine bark is still visible on the insides of many casts, which were formed about 6,000 years ago when molten lava flowed into a living pine forest. The lava cooled against the tree trunks, which caught fire and burned away, leaving perfect molds. The forest covers about 4 square miles (10 square kilometers). |
| The first state antilitter law affecting nearly all beverage containers was passed by the Oregon legislature on July 2, 1971, and became effective on Oct. 1, 1972. The “Oregon bottle bill” outlaws pull-tab cans and requires that all beverage cans and most types of bottles be returnable for a cash refund. |
| The world's smallest official park is located on a traffic island on S. W. Front Avenue in Portland. Mill Ends Park is 24 inches (61 centimeters) across and has a total area of 452 square inches (2,916 square centimeters). A Portland journalist, Dick Fagan, created the park on St. Patrick's Day, 1948, as a colony for leprechauns and a site for snail races. It became a city park in 1976. |