The names of cities are usually tied to their history. Maybe they’re named after the pioneer who settled the land. Maybe it’s a particular event that inspired the moniker. But then there are other names that make you say, huh? Most of us are aware of at least one or two such towns in Oregon. Here, a few more to make you chuckle.

10) Boring
"Boringorcity" by User Clipdude on en.wikipedia. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This place is just about as boring as it sounds. Promise.
9) Riddle
"Riddle Grocery" by Visitor7 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Can we solve the riddle of this town's name?
8) Drain
"Grangepark pool drain below water". Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikipedia
OK, well this place was at least named after someone, Charles Drain, a local politician.
7) Remote
"Toshiba Remote Control CT-9863" by Muband - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Is this place called Remote because it's far-removed, or.....
6) Zigzag
"Zigzag Ranger Station - Zigzag Oregon" by Ian Poellet(User:Werewombat) - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
It has to have something to do with zigzagging up the mountain.

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5) Clackamas
"Clackamas, Oregon" by Visitor7 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Reminds me of clacking of horse hooves on cobblestone roads?
4) Milton Freewater
"Milton-Freewater Chamber" by Bobjgalindo - Own work. Licensed under GFDL via Wikimedia Commons
Who does this guy think he is?
3) Sisters
Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
Hey, it's the sisters again. So nice to see you!
2) Umpqua
Flickr
Not so much oddball, but rather a Native American word that confuses non-native people.
1) Powder
"Talcum Powder" by Mattman723 - Self-photographed. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Powder for powdery snow?

I’m sure you know of some towns in your area that have real head-scratchers for names. Tell us about them in the comments below!

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