About the Author

Grant McOmie

Grant McOmie is a Pacific Northwest broadcast journalist, teacher and author who writes and produces stories and special programs about the people, places, outdoor activities and environmental issues of the Pacific Northwest. A fifth generation Oregon native, Grant’s roots run deepest in the central Oregon region near Prineville and Redmond where his family continues to live.

The Secrets of Northwest Steelheaders

January 30, 2018
Tillamook County is blessed with an abundance of rivers. Each hides secret prizes and angling adventures — like winter steelhead, the silver-sided prizes that anglers will endure tough outdoor conditions to catch. More
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Oregon Coast , Tillamook , Fishing ,

Here Comes the Candy Cane Express

December 5, 2017
The steam engine pulls three passenger cars, plus the caboose. That’s where you’ll find Oregon Coast Scenic railroad conductor Dennis Murphy. He says the rail ride is “big, noisy and bounces around,” but it’s also “every kid’s dream!” “It’s one thing to read about a railroad in a book or see them in a museum, but quite a different experience to see them come alive with the steam billowing out of the auxiliary systems and pistons,” he exclaims. “When you see that, you never forget...
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Oregon Coast , Garibaldi , Family Fun , Trip Ideas ,

Fishing with Team Wraptor

November 2, 2017
For the all-female fishing team Team Wraptor, it isn't the size of the catch that matters the most but rather it's the memories you make, memories that last long after the fishing gear is put away. More
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Oregon Coast , Fishing , Trip Ideas ,

Quilt Barn Trail of Washington County

July 21, 2017
It’s not a sign, billboard or advertisement, but something far more important! It’s called a Quilt Block and it’s a new tie that binds Mark Grossen to his family peach farm. “A friend of mine has one and I thought, ‘Well, he can’t have one if I can’t have one.’ So it was simple!" says… More
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Portland Region , North Plains , Historic Sites & Oregon Trail , Trip Ideas ,

Portland’s Floating Museum

July 14, 2017
Not so many decades ago, before there was an interstate built of concrete and asphalt, Oregon’s commerce moved on liquid highways like the Willamette and Columbia rivers, churning atop steam-powered vessels. While those distant days have passed, it’s still possible — in fact, it’s rather easy — to reconnect with Oregon’s maritime past and have a… More
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Portland Region , Portland , Culture & Heritage Events , Historic Sites & Oregon Trail , Museums , Trip Ideas , Culture & History , Attractions , Events ,

Fish Eggs to Fry

June 23, 2017
There is so much water running under the covered bridges of Linn County that it’s no surprise when you cross paths with some real whoppers at the Roaring River Hatchery in Scio. Here the rainbow trout tip the scales at 15 pounds. Roaring River is one of several facilities run by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Department… More
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Portland Region , Scio , Trip Ideas , Events ,

Sitka Sedge State Natural Area

June 2, 2017
It is hard to argue with Oregon State Park Manager Kirk Barham’s decree that he has “the best office in the world.” His "office" is Sitka Sedge State Natural Area, Oregon’s newest state park opening in July 2017. Prized for its lack of development, Sitka Sedge is just south of Sand Lake in Tillamook County. Barham says there's a… More
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Oregon Coast , Pacific City , Kayaking , State Parks , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Towns to Trails: Mosier Plateau Trail

May 12, 2017
As spring reaches full bloom, Oregonians are eager to hit a hiking trail. Fortunately in the Columbia River Gorge there's a new way to discover the nooks and crannies of the region, one that encourages visitors to try local flavors too. I consider the Mosier Plateau Trail a “back-pocket hike” because it’s handy and easy to reach.… More
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Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Mosier , Cider & Cideries , Hiking & Backpacking , Wine & Wineries , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

Plug + Pinot in the Willamette Valley

May 5, 2017
It's always nice to get away from the city hub-bub for a trip across Willamette Valley wine country, but this particular trip was extra special. I traded in my gas-powered car for an electric vehicle and discovered that EV travel is easy, reliable and there’s no reason to worry about running out of juice in the Willamette… More
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Portland Region , Amity , Culinary Events , Electric Vehicle Trips , Sustainable Travel , Wine & Wineries , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink , Events ,

Estuary Expeditions Near Cascade Head

April 28, 2017
Sometimes spring seems to switch from downpour to sun-filled skies in a heartbeat, demanding you to take advantage of each dry break and head outdoors. This week, we take on two estuary expeditions for the price of one getaway on Oregon's North Coast. The Salmon River is a sinuous braid work of channels and sloughs… More
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Oregon Coast , Tillamook , Kayaking , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,