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.

Home on the Road at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park

December 3, 2016
We packed up our gear and loaded it aboard one of the finest ways to explore the great Oregon outdoors, an RV we call our "Home on the Road.” And it's easy to make home in Washington County, where the Oregon Coast Range leaves you feeling a million miles away from city hub-bub. Just 20 miles… More
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Portland Region , Buxton , State Parks , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Bicycling , Sports , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions , Events ,

South Coast Dunes and Estuaries

November 25, 2016
It’s a road once taken, you’ll never want to leave: the Cape Arago Beach Loop skirts a lonesome section of Oregon's South Coast. It leads you past so many intriguing sights and sounds that you may wonder, "Why have I never come this way before?" When Marty Giles comes a-knocking, you better be ready because… More
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Oregon Coast , Coos Bay , Hiking & Backpacking , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Visit the Charleston Marine Life Center

November 18, 2016
Along the Cape Arago Beach Loop, gorgeous vistas, marked by landmark buildings like the Cape Arago Lighthouse, make sea side travel worth your time. At Cape Arago State Park, Shell Island is alive with marine life. It's a good place to bring a spotting scope or binoculars so you can watch the wildlife show. Marty Giles of… More
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Oregon Coast , Charleston , Aquariums & Zoos , Museums , Educational Activities , Trip Ideas , Attractions , Events ,

Sights of the Season at Oregon’s Adventure Coast

November 11, 2016
If travel is a state of mind, Oregon sure makes you think, how can one state offer such varied scenery and recreation? Even for the seasoned traveler, there's endless supply of secret places ripe for exploring. Which brings us to a unique section of the Oregon Coast — best known as Oregon's Adventure Coast — where… More
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Oregon Coast , Coos Bay , Lakes & Reservoirs , Culture & Heritage Events , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Fairs & Festivals , Rivers & Streams , Waterfalls , Theater & Performing Art , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions , Events ,

Kids Explore Outdoors with Ticket2Ride

November 4, 2016
When you have a Ticket2Ride, there’s no telling how far you can travel! Twenty-six 5th grade students from Portland’s Marysville Elementary School gather for science class along the Maple Ridge Trail at Tryon Creek State Natural Area in Lake Oswego. Their field trip teacher for the day is Julie Baweja, a science expert from Ecology Classrooms Outdoors… More
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Portland Region , Lake Oswego , State Parks , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

A Hotbed of History in the High Desert

October 28, 2016
I am always on the lookout for places that offer “touchable history,” where interesting, unique lessons can teach me more about the place that I call home. This week, we get in touch with a real historic hotbed across a landscape that was once a zone of volcanic eruptions, magma flows and the birthplace of mountains.… More
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Central Oregon , Bend , Historic Sites & Oregon Trail , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Museums , Hiking & Backpacking , Educational Activities , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Culture & History , Attractions , Events ,

Oregon Chanterelles, a Gleam of Gold

October 7, 2016
There’s nothing better than a stroll in the woods, especially when there’s treasure underfoot. Forager Steve Fick figures it’s simple: if you want to harvest wild mushrooms, learn their habitat. In the Tillamook State Forest, where sun and shadow dance through the towering Douglas fir trees, Fick’s well-trained eyes are fixed down close to the… More
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Oregon Coast , Culinary Experiences , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

Tourist No. 2 Comes Home

September 30, 2016
In 2016, it might be hard to recall a time not long ago when long wooden, concrete or steel bridges were not common features across Oregon rivers. But back in the late 1800s, only short-span covered wooden bridges were a part of the Oregon landscape. Instead more than 500 ferries carried people, wagons and agriculture across the state's… More
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Oregon Coast , Astoria , Historic Sites & Oregon Trail , Trip Ideas ,

Fall Expedition in the Coast Range

September 23, 2016
September sunrise across the Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area is cool and crisp and quiet… but not for long! Elk “bugling” is unlike any trumpet that you’ve ever heard. It's a sign that elk breeding season is here. “All bull elk will bugle, but the majority of the bugling that you hear out here during the rut… More
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Oregon Coast , Seaside , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Fishing Day for Kids with Disabilities

September 16, 2016
When it comes to catching trout, it’s hard to beat the bite at Whiskey Creek Fish Hatchery. And on this particular day, fishing at the hatchery is free for more than 300 kids with special needs. Volunteer Tony Cham is helping a youngster catch a trout with a rod, reel and bait. He chuckles as he says,… More
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Guides & Charters , Fishing , Sports , Trip Ideas , Events ,