Oregon comes in 35th in a ranking we don't believe in

How it works: The news outfit ranks states on a number of factors — health care, education, the economy and infrastructure, among others — to come up with a composite score.

• Our state came in 37th for the economy, 41st for education and 39th for opportunity.
• It's no secret we have some room for improvement.

Yes, but: Somehow, U.S. News decided we're 44th for natural environment, which kinda calls all the other scores into question.

• We certainly have some work to do when it comes to air quality and pollution, but you're telling me there are 43 other states with better mountains, trails, coastlines and wildlife? Seems fishy to me.

The bottom line: We're going to give this ranking some side eye and go for a hike.