Most people driving through Clackamas County on their way to Mt. Hood probably blink and miss it. It’s just a stretch of Highway 212 with some trees and a few local shops. But then you see the sign. Boring. No, it isn't a critique of the scenery. It is the name of the town. Honestly, Boring, Oregon (zip code 97009) has turned a dull name into a global brand, proving that sometimes, being unexciting is the best marketing strategy ever conceived.
Named after W.H. Boring, a Union soldier who settled here in the 1870s, the community was never meant to be a joke. It was just a place for timber and farming. But in the age of the internet, Boring became a meme before memes were even a thing. People began flocking to the 97009 zip code just to take a picture with the "Boring Middle School" sign or to grab a beer at a place that proudly claims to be, well, boring.
The Sisterhood of "Paired" Cities
You can’t talk about Boring without mentioning its "Pair for the Ages" with Dull, Scotland. In 2012, Elizabeth Leighton, a resident of Aberfeldy, Scotland, was cycling through Oregon when she saw the sign for Boring. She called her friend back in Dull, and the rest is history.
This isn't just some loose association. It's official. The Oregon State Legislature actually passed a bill in 2013 to make August 9th "Boring & Dull Day." A year later, Bland, Australia joined the mix. They call themselves the Trinity of Tedium. It’s brilliant. These towns have leaned into their lackluster names to drive tourism that would otherwise never exist.
Think about it. If the town was named "Pineview," no one would care. But because it's Boring, people buy shirts that say "Boring, Oregon: It's better than it sounds." It's a masterclass in turning a perceived negative into a massive local asset.
Living in 97009: Is it Actually Boring?
If you ask the locals, they’ll tell you it’s actually pretty great. You're roughly 20 miles from Portland, but you feel like you're in the deep country. The 97009 zip code covers a lot of ground, much of it unincorporated.
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It’s quiet.
Really quiet.
The community is anchored by the Boring Planning Council and the Boring Community Planning Organization. There aren't many sidewalks. You’ll see a lot of nurseries—this area is one of the biggest producers of nursery stock in the United States. If you like trees, Boring is heaven. If you like high-speed nightlife, you're going to be miserable.
The Boring Station Trailhead of the Springwater Corridor is a major draw. You can bike or walk all the way from Boring to downtown Portland on a paved trail. It follows the old rail line. It’s scenic, lush, and—ironically—far from boring for anyone who enjoys the Pacific Northwest outdoors.
The Real Estate Reality
The 97009 zip code isn't cheap anymore. Like everywhere else in the Portland metro area, prices have spiked. You aren't buying a starter home here for $200,000. Most properties are on acreage. You're looking at ranch-style homes, farmhouses, and newer luxury builds tucked away behind Douglas firs.
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People move here because they want to disappear a little bit. They want goats. They want a workshop. They want a zip code that makes people chuckle when they write it on an envelope.
The Pop Culture Phenomenon
Did you know the Disney Channel show Gravity Falls was partially inspired by Boring? The creator, Alex Hirsch, wanted to capture that weird, spooky, Pacific Northwest vibe. While the show takes place in a fictional town, the "nothing-to-see-here" energy of Boring was a major influence.
Then there was the Netflix show Everything Sucks!. It was set in Boring during the 1990s. It captured the quintessential teenage angst of being stuck in a town with a name that literally describes your mood. While the show only lasted one season, it cemented the town's place in the "oddities of America" Hall of Fame.
Why 97009 Stands Out in the SEO World
From a search perspective, "Boring Oregon" and "97009" are fascinating. People search for these terms out of pure curiosity. They want to know if it's real. They want to know if people are actually bored there.
For a business in the area, the keyword is a double-edged sword. You get the traffic, but you have to fight the "joke" aspect of it. But local spots like the Boring Brewing Co. have mastered it. They make high-quality craft beer, using the name as a hook but keeping the quality high enough that the joke doesn't get old.
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Misconceptions to Clear Up
- It’s not a ghost town. It’s a thriving community with thousands of residents.
- The name isn't a joke. As mentioned, it’s a family name. W.H. Boring was a respected pioneer.
- It’s not "empty." It’s agriculturally dense.
If you’re planning a visit, don't expect a theme park. There is no "Boring Land." There is, however, a very nice park called Boring Station Community Park. There’s a giant map of the world where you can see the distance to Dull and Bland. It’s humble. It’s self-aware.
What to Do if You Visit Boring
Don't just drive through. Stop at the Boring Beer taproom. Grab a coffee at one of the local stands. Walk a mile of the Springwater Corridor.
The best part about the 97009 zip code is the lack of pretension. In a world where every town is trying to be "the most vibrant" or "the fastest-growing," Boring is perfectly happy just being Boring. There’s a lesson there.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit or Research
- Photography: The best "Boring" signs for photos are near the Boring Station Trailhead and the Middle School.
- Timing: Visit on August 9th if you want to see the "Boring & Dull Day" festivities. It’s the one time of year the town really leans into the spectacle.
- Logistics: If you're hiking the Springwater Corridor, start in Boring and head west toward Gresham. It’s a slight downhill grade, making for an easier ride.
- Real Estate: If you are looking at the 97009 zip code for a move, check the zoning carefully. Much of the land is EFU (Exclusive Farm Use), which limits what you can build.
Boring proves that a name is only as powerful as the story you tell about it. By embracing the "dullness," this Oregon town has ensured it will never be forgotten. It’s a quiet, green, slightly eccentric slice of the American West that deserves more than just a passing glance at a highway sign. It's a place where the people are kind, the trees are tall, and the name is—honestly—the least interesting thing about it.