Hi LaVerda- Yes, these prehistoric plants are really something to look at, although some consider them invasive. They are called "horsetail" and the part you saw is the first of a two stage cycle of growth. I'm attaching an article that shows pictures of the second stage and gives more information about the plants.

They ARE native to Oregon, although they spread so well in wet areas that some people want to remove them (like the gardeners who cut yours down). And they have silica particles in the green growth which the pioneers used to use to clean pots, kind of like a grow-your-own scrubbie.

So thanks for your great pictures and curiosity about our local plants.

Oops, here's the website I mentioned.

https://horticulture.oregonstate.edu/weed/field-horsetail

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You are very welcome!