Brightwood, Oregon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brightwood
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Clackamas |
| Elevation | 1,145 ft (349 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP codes |
97011
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| GNIS feature ID | 1167849 |
Brightwood is a small, unincorporated community located in Clackamas County, Oregon, in the United States. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's governed by the county.
Brightwood is nestled in the beautiful Mount Hood Corridor, a scenic area near Mount Hood. It sits between the communities of Wemme and Sandy, right off U.S. Route 26. The community is about 1,165 feet (355 meters) above sea level. It is also part of a group of communities known as the Villages at Mount Hood.
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History of Brightwood's Name
The area where Brightwood is now was first settled in the late 1800s. In 1891, a post office was opened here. It was originally named "Salmon" after the nearby Salmon River. This river is known for its salmon fish.
However, in 1910, the post office and the community's name were changed to Brightwood. A local resident, Mr. Alcorn, is said to have suggested the name. He thought "Brightwood" sounded lovely because of how the sun shone on the cottonwood trees in the spring. The bright sunlight on the trees created a very pleasing view.
What is Brightwood's Climate Like?
Brightwood experiences a type of weather known as a warm-summer Mediterranean climate. This is often shortened to "Csb" on climate maps.
Understanding a Warm-Summer Mediterranean Climate
- Warm and Dry Summers: In Brightwood, summers are usually warm and very dry. The average monthly temperature during summer doesn't go above 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius).
- Mild, Wet Winters: While not mentioned in detail here, this type of climate typically has mild, wet winters. This means it doesn't get extremely cold, and there's more rain.
This climate is common in areas like parts of California and countries around the Mediterranean Sea.
Who are Some Notable People from Brightwood?
Brightwood has been home to some interesting people.
Brenda Strong: An Actress from Brightwood
- Brenda Strong is an actress who grew up in Brightwood. She is known for her roles in various television shows and movies.
