About the Author

Eileen Garvin

Eileen Garvin lives and writes in Hood River. When she’s not hunched over her keyboard or digging in the garden, you can find her mountain biking, kiteboarding, hiking, skiing or camping somewhere in Oregon.

Fly to Your Oregon Adventure

November 22, 2019
For some trips you want to take the road less traveled, get off the beaten path and explore unknown back roads and hidden byways. Other times, well, you just want to get there already. Whether you’re looking to maximize your time or don’t feel like facing the drive (especially in winter, when road conditions can be unpredictable), why not fly into or near your destination? I More
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Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

Winter Fun at Crater Lake and Beyond

November 21, 2019
The first time I ventured into this secret winter wonderland, I went big — circumnavigating Crater Lake on skis. That meant three days and nights of snow camping. The unencumbered night skies and bluebird days exceeded my wildest expectations in their beauty. More
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Southern Oregon , Diamond Lake , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

Fabulous Wineries Near Portland

April 18, 2019
Just a stone’s throw from Portland, the Tualatin Valley is a great place to celebrate the seasons. With 40 wineries to explore, it's a sipping paradise. More
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Portland Region , Wine & Wineries , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

Riding the Truly Epic North Umpqua Trail

August 30, 2018
Since I first heard of it, I’ve wanted to explore this 79-mile trail winding through the Umpqua National Forest between Diamond Lake and Roseburg. Completed in 1997, the trail follows the high ridgeline above the river, snakes through towering forests of hemlock, fir and pine, and skirts multiple waterfalls as it follows the shining rapids of the river. More
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Southern Oregon , Glide , Mountain Biking ,

On the Bumble Bee Trail

June 8, 2018
I’m walking slowly with my eyes trained on the ground. I’m noting the wildflowers scattered along the path — huckleberry blossoms, bear grass and avalanche lilies. I’m “wandering” through this patch of woods, which is exactly what the Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Atlas project says I should do in my role as citizen scientist. Here in the Mount Hood Wilderness, I scan the woods for furry winged bodies as part of the organization’s tri-state effort to survey the habitat of these important and often unrecognized... More
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Nature & Wildlife Events , Sustainable Travel ,

Discover Eastern Oregon This Spring

March 22, 2018
From the depths of Hells Canyon to the heights of Steens Mountain, Eastern Oregon’s ancient landscapes burst at the seams with rugged beauty and teeming wildlife. And spring just might be the perfect time to visit. More
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Eastern Oregon , Trip Ideas ,

Winter Wonders in the West Cascades

November 27, 2017
The Willamette Valley has a wintry secret: When the cool ocean air hits the backbone of the Cascade Range, the west-facing slopes transform into a powdery playground. Mountain peaks tower above the Willamette National Forest, with its hidden caches of snow. The rushing McKenzie River and companion creeks burble along, laced with ice. While most people head to Oregon’s better-known winter destinations, the Willamette Valley lures adventurous travelers to a quiet wonderland with fewer crowds and plenty of stoke. Whether you seek vertical velocity, groomed... More
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Willamette Valley , Oakridge , Cross-Country Skiing , Sno-Parks , Mountains , Snowshoeing , Ski Areas , Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding , Ski Areas & Sno-Parks , Wilderness & Natural Areas , Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing , Snow Sports , Outdoor Recreation ,

Sweets (and Savory) for the Sweet

February 2, 2017
Time for comfort food? These Oregon bakers, chocolatiers, cheesemakers and pastry chefs have your back. More
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Culinary Events , Artisan Producers , Beer & Breweries , Culinary Experiences , Restaurants , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink , Events ,

Winter Snow Song

January 13, 2017
This winter, she came early and with fury: The siren song of snow. While we’ve had great flurries of powder where we live and work, it’s a true winter wonderland at Oregon’s ski areas, with their snowy peaks, loaded cornices and deep powder stashes. Around the corner, there’s a layer of white carpeting the bunny… More
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Sporting Events , Snow Sports , Trip Ideas , Events ,

Road Trip: Keizer

December 29, 2016
Located less than 4 miles from Oregon’s capital city, the town of Keizer is often thought of together with Salem. But this independent little community has an identity all its own. Originally named for two immigrant farmer brothers, Keizer has become regionally known for its annual iris festival in May — a flower-focused celebration with a… More
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Willamette Valley , Keizer , Kayaking , Museums , Bicycling , Trip Ideas , Attractions ,