So I know from history that Oregon has deserts and until one gets across the mountains, one was not at safety across the Old West ... but that just puts it into perspective ... that's two different worlds indeed!
Most definitely two worlds. The west side of the Cascades is where most of the rain storms from the Pacific leave their moisture. Here on the east side, the Cascades act as a rain shadow limiting the moisture we receive.
I know that from study, but it is a real thing to see it -- all that rain in the Pacific Northwest, and YET, there is a desert!