Oregon trees are something special. Glad you enjoyed looking at some from your old stomping grounds.
Sweetgums can be a problem, for sure! I posted a photo showing how they keep trying to take over land at my parents' place in Arkansas. My family used to have a Christmas centerpiece made of Sweetgum balls, stacked like a Christmas tree and spray-painted white. I wonder what the other 4 dreaded front-yard trees are!