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.

Alsea River Back Country Byway

April 11, 2014
It’s the trails less traveled that I like to explore, and at the southern end of the Willamette Valley there is a dandy marked by spring wildflowers, gorgeous forested scenery and a spectacular waterfall whose prime time is passing along the Alsea River Backcountry Byway. At long last, winter has given way to a sun-filled… More
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Willamette Valley , Trip Ideas ,

Oregon’s Capitol in Bloom

April 4, 2014
History runs deep across Oregon’s varied landscapes where you often find fascinating, colorful and surprising stories. You really can touch Oregon history at three state parks rolled into one Salem visit surrounding our capitol building: Willson Park, the Capitol Park and the Capitol Mall combine for over 20 acres of unique urban property that’s been… More
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Willamette Valley , Salem , Trip Ideas , Attractions ,

Oregon’s 7 Wonders

March 29, 2014
There are many splendid places to see in Oregon where you can let your spirit for outdoor adventure soar. The biggest challenge may be finding enough time to discover them all. There are seven statewide destinations that are easy to reach for newcomers and longtime residents alike. They are places where you can find adventure… More
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7 Wonders , Trip Ideas ,

Driftboat Steelhead Fishing

March 21, 2014
The silver-sided prizes often require you to endure tough outdoor conditions – especially when the rain falls in buckets. It must be worth it, for Oregon is home to an abundance of anglers who accept the challenge each March and April and go fishing for steelhead. Some say ‘March Madness’ takes place on the hardwood… More
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Oregon Coast , Fishing , Trip Ideas ,

Rolling Through History: Banks-Vernonia State Trail

March 10, 2014
I’m a big believer in exploring Oregon’s back roads and learning something new about my home state at the same time. There are many ways to explore Oregon’s back roads and byways and a growing favorite way to see the sights and hear the sounds of the state is by rolling on two wheels. Winter’s… More
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Portland Region , Vernonia , Trip Ideas ,

Peanuts…Naturally at the World Forestry Center

February 20, 2014
Located in Portland’s West Hills adjacent to the Oregon Zoo, the World Forestry Center offers more than 100 exhibits that will open your eyes and perhaps capture your imagination. You can go aboard a whitewater raft, climb into a tree lift that soars more than 50 high for a bird’s eye view into a tree… More
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Portland Region , Educational Activities , Trip Ideas , Events ,

Eagle Convocation

February 18, 2014
I think I know much about Oregon’s varied wildlife species, but I have to admit, when it comes to the names we give “collections” of wildlife I am often stumped. Did you know that many deer are called a “herd,” but they can also be called a “bevy?” A collection of elk is not a… More
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Willamette Valley , Corvallis , Birding , Trip Ideas ,

Golden Age of Aurora

February 2, 2014
The Oregon story is filled with distinct chapters about people seeking freedom and a fresh start in a new territory. We are a state of immigrants and it has been that way since the state’s earliest days. Oregon has always drawn folks seeking a better life. You can tell a lot about an Oregon town… More
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Willamette Valley , Aurora , Historic Sites & Oregon Trail , Museums , Trip Ideas , Culture & History , Attractions ,

Oregon Truffle Hunt

January 21, 2014
The best adventures are the ones that entice and intrigue you down the trail – the ones that promise yet unseen rewards, perhaps a treasure for your efforts. It’s a different sort of field hunting that relies on a keen canine sense of smell – come along as we join man’s best friend and go… More
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Willamette Valley , Eugene , Culinary Experiences , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

Winter Bird Watching in Oregon

January 3, 2014
I love travel across Oregon in winter for one particular reason: the unexpected treats that come when waterfowl put on quite a show. “Waterfowl are distinct, colorful and just the most in-your-face animals that are around us… and the number you can see is just so much higher than other wildlife,” according to Metro Naturalist,… More
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Portland Region , Lakes & Reservoirs , Birding , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Rivers & Streams , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions , Events ,