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 Oregon HooDoos

September 9, 2016
What is it about Oregon’s rivers? There is nothing like a cool, restful moment along the shady shoreline of a Oregon river. That sentiment is shared for an exciting outdoor adventure, fishing or paddling along one of our prized waterways. All this is especially true near Camp Sherman, where the Metolius River bubbles from the ground to curl… More
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Central Oregon , Camp Sherman , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Written in the Rocks

August 26, 2016
Who doesn’t love a good mystery? I found one on the Oregon Coast, near Newport, where there is a 12-million-year-old history written in the rocks. Anyone can crack this case — all you need is a little time and a spirit of adventure. Start at South Beach State Park, a mile south of Newport, a true jewel in… More
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Oregon Coast , Newport , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Life Lived Well in Garibaldi

August 19, 2016
For decades, sun, surf and fun on the beach has drawn vacationers to Garibaldi. The coastal town is the perfect getaway to slow down, poke around and find a bit of wind-blown magic. At four stories tall, the "Big G" on the hill is hard to miss. The white letter has towered over Garibaldi since 1929. Visitors head to… More
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Oregon Coast , Garibaldi , Art Galleries & Studios , Theater & Performing Art , Trip Ideas , Attractions , Events ,

Big Fish on the Big Columbia River

August 12, 2016
From 300 feet up, the 4-mile-wide maw of the Columbia River at Astoria is surreal and awe-inspiring. But down on the surface, the scenery gets even better for us anglers as my fishing partner, Trey Carskadon, hooks a salmon. “Hey, hey, first fish of the day,” he yells. Another longtime salmon fisherman, John Krauthoefer, slides the net… More
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Oregon Coast , Astoria , Fishing , Trip Ideas ,

Shellburg Falls, a Santiam Forest Gem

August 5, 2016
As the saying goes, "Summertime, and the livin' is easy." That's especially true in Oregon when camping season is in full swing. New to camping? Not a problem. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department offers custom camping classes that anyone can take, called 'Let‘s Go Camping!', as part of its popular 'Let's Go!' program. It's a… More
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Willamette Valley , Sublimity , Lakes & Reservoirs , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Waterfalls , Trip Ideas ,

Elkton’s Butterfly Playground

July 22, 2016
July, the heart of Oregon's summer season, is a bit of a blissful time marked by long warm days that invite you to linger longer in the outdoors. In one small town, it’s also the busiest time of the year for the flying insects that some say, speak to our hearts: butterflies! In Elkton, the local residents are… More
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Oregon Coast , Elkton , Nature & Wildlife Events , Wildlife Viewing , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions , Events ,

A Cool Sauvie Island Retreat

July 15, 2016
If the prospect of a mid-summer heatwave is already getting you down, perhaps it's time for a cool retreat that’s easy to find. There’s a bonus too: it’s mere minutes from Portland where boaters and hikers alike will feel a million miles away "along and on" Sauvie Island. Trying something new and risky takes courage,… More
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Portland Region , Sauvie Island , Lakes & Reservoirs , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Rivers & Streams , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

The Kings Are In! Time for Summer Salmon

July 1, 2016
In summertime, the living is easy and it might have you grabbing a fishing rod. At the Columbia River, the cry is heard, “the kings are in!” These kings do not wear crowns but they do attract a crowd! Anglers are heading to the Gorge, where the summertime king salmon are on the bite. As we leave the popular boat ramp… More
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Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Guides & Charters , Fishing , Trip Ideas ,

All Aboard at Molalla Train Park

June 17, 2016
You can tell a lot about a community’s health by the parklands it supports! Something special is always comin’ round the bend at the Molalla Train Park, a private parkland sprawling across four acres in Clackamas County. There, fried chicken and coleslaw are the picnic staples for families, everyone has plenty of elbow room so the kids can play… More
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Willamette Valley , Molalla , Amusement Parks , Trip Ideas , Attractions ,

New Starvation Creek Trail in the Gorge

June 10, 2016
On a fine early summer morning, scores of travelers in cars and costumes from a bygone era gathered at the Vista House at Crown Point to celebrate a milestone: the Historic Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway, known as the "King of Roads," turned 100 years old. The historic route was first dedicated on June 7, 1916. Back… More
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Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Cascade Locks , Lakes & Reservoirs , State Parks , Culture & Heritage Events , Historic Sites & Oregon Trail , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Rivers & Streams , Waterfalls , Hiking & Backpacking , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Culture & History , Attractions , Events ,