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.

On the Trail of Erratic Rocks

March 16, 2012
Imagine a when gigantic icebergs floated across the broad-shouldered Willamette Valley. Rick Thompson is a detective of Oregon geologic history and he’s on trail of one of the region’s oldest mysteries: how hundreds of Montana granite stones ended up in farm fields in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. “They’ve been in the ground a very long time,”… More
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Portland Region , Tualatin , Historic Sites & Oregon Trail , Family Fun , Museums , Trip Ideas , Culture & History , Attractions ,

ODFW Habitat Conservation Stamp Contest

March 9, 2012
Wildlife watching is big business in Oregon! It generates hundreds of millions of dollars to Oregon’s statewide economy. But the habitats where hundreds of fish and wildlife species live are disappearing. Grant McOmie reports that may be changing thanks to a new and unique program that brings art and nature together to save species. Oregonians… More
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Birding , Family Fun , Sustainable Travel , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Fort to Sea Trail

March 8, 2012
Walking in the footsteps of legendary American explorers Lewis and Clark on the Fort to Sea Trail. More
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Oregon Coast , Astoria , State Parks , Historic Sites & Oregon Trail , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Camping , Family Fun , Hiking & Backpacking , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Culture & History , Attractions ,

Walks on the Wild Side

March 6, 2012
As the winter winds down more people will explore the great outdoors, the best place to start may be just down the road beyond the next hill. At Hillsboro’s Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserveyou’ll find wildlife at every turn: a solitary eagle perched on watch, scurrying shorebirds probing muck of the marshes or v-shaped flocks winging… More
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Birding , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Storm Watching on the Oregon Coast

February 10, 2012
Wintertime in Oregon offers a weather roller coaster ride of sorts when the gray shaded days of wind and rain are quickly followed by breaks of soothing warmth and sunshine. There's never a dull moment this time of year.  Winter is the perfect time to check out the powerful natural drama that is found along… More
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Oregon Coast , Tillamook , Fishing , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

January 26, 2012
Some call it the "rugged edge of the Oregon Coast," where the sun and surf meet to leave you spellbound and breathless. At the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, the Coast slows down. That's easy to understand – few distractions, few folks around…especially along Oregon's rugged edge of life. It's more than 40 miles of Oregon coastline, beginning at… More
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Oregon Coast , Yachats , State Parks , Aquariums & Zoos , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Camping , Family Fun , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Tubing at Ski Bowl

January 12, 2012
If you want to have winter fun but you're not into downhill skiing or snowboarding, tubing is perfectfor its ease and simplicity -- plus, it's perfect for youngsters and those young at heart. On a sunlit day without a cloud in the sky, the crowds at Ski Bowl East near Mt Hood were eager for… More
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Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding , Family Fun , Snow Sports , Trip Ideas ,

Grant’s Getaways: Willamette Sturgeon Fishing

January 6, 2012
This week, I headed to the Willamette River with a rod, reel and spirit of adventure to learn more about Oregon's famous dinosaur fish species called "sturgeon." Steve Williams says his fishing doesn't slow despite what the calendar shows. He and fishing partner, Rick Hargrave, are hearty anglers who don't mind winter's bone chilling cold… More
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Fishing , Trip Ideas ,

Adventures Without Limits

December 23, 2011
Most folks are fortunate to be able to explore the Oregon outdoors anytime they wish, but what if your reality is that an outdoor escape a million miles away? Recently, I went on a getaway with folks who believe that there is no such thing as limitations and anyone – regardless of ability - gets… More
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Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Government Camp , Hiking & Backpacking , Snow Sports , Trip Ideas ,

Road Trip to Belknap Hot Springs

December 8, 2011
This week, I took the McKenzie River Scenic Byway into heart of the Oregon cascades east of Eugene and discovered a hot shot for a cold spell – Belknap Hot Springs. State Highway 126 is timeless transition on western approach into Oregon's Cascade Mountains that offers absolutely scenic beauty, crystal clear river views and covered… More
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Willamette Valley , Eugene , Covered Bridges , Favorite Trips , Historic Sites & Oregon Trail , Trip Ideas ,