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 Beat Goes On

May 6, 2013
When you try something new that’s risky, it often takes special courage. But if you’re willing to step beyond your fears, the rewards that you discover in the Oregon outdoors can be life changing. This week, I discovered how horseback riding can help our most wounded warriors find strength to re-connect with their lives and… More
found in
Portland Region , Trip Ideas ,

Carpet of Spring Snow

April 19, 2013
I love to ramble across Oregon at this time of year when the state is shaking off winter's long, lonesome run. This week, I traveled across the Hood River Valley where the famous fruit orchards offer visitors a stunning carpet of snow from the valley's spring blossoms. The Hood River flows from the foot of… More
found in
Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Hood River , Farmers Markets , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Eat & Drink , Attractions ,

Grant’s Getaways: Mount Pisgah Arboretum

April 12, 2013
“Getting away from it all” is easier than you’d think when you cross the Coast Fork of the Willamette River and wander through the woods of a Eugene natural area that is prized for peacefulness, serenity and spectacular wildflower shows. Journey to the southern end of the Willamette Valley to see how they hold on… More
found in
Willamette Valley , Eugene , Bicycling , Hiking & Backpacking , Wildlife Viewing , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions , Events ,

Mosier Meanderings

April 6, 2013
I'm a big believer that back-road adventures are the best when they provide sneak peeks at nature. That's really true when you travel to the east side of the Columbia River Gorge, where wildflowers are “bustin’ out all over” as we discovered through our recent Mosier meanderings. There are many prized Oregon destinations that provide… More
found in
Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Mosier , Lakes & Reservoirs , State Parks , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Rivers & Streams , Museums , Waterfalls , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Paddling for Clams

March 22, 2013
Dig for your dinner from the sea on a spring break getaway where all you need is a paddle, a PFD and a spirit of adventure. Kayak Tillamook supplies the boats, the paddles, PFDs (Personal Flotation Device) and the expertise while you slip inside the cozy confines of a sea kayak that allows you to… More
found in
Oregon Coast , Wheeler , Kayaking , Lakes & Reservoirs , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Rivers & Streams , Fishing , Culinary Experiences , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Eat & Drink , Attractions ,

Pocket Water Steelhead

March 15, 2013
The early signs of spring make the outdoors more inviting than usual, and that’s especially true for adventurous anglers who hike extra miles into deep river canyons to cast lures for Oregon’s “Pocket Water Steelhead.” When you tag along with Mark Anderson for some pocket water steelheading, be ready to put in your time scrambling… More
found in
Lakes & Reservoirs , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Rivers & Streams , Fishing , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Snow Adventures

March 8, 2013
Folks who play in the Oregon outdoors this time of year embrace the fun that comes from fresh powder – whether on snowshoes, skis or even inside cozy confines of a dog sled. And still others find their winter thrills by speeding across the wintertime landscape toward distant, hard-to-reach areas aboard snowmobiles. Kirk Snyder is the… More
found in
Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Ski Areas & Sno-Parks , Snow Sports , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Oregon Shipwrecks

March 1, 2013
There’s something about treasure hunting that’s irresistible and compelling, especially when it also touches Oregon history and offers unique outdoor adventures. This week, we explore what’s been lost and how even the oldest Oregon shipwrecks offer secrets that can be rediscovered. Rich Mulcahy likes to say, “When the tide goes out, the treasure table is… More
found in
Oregon Coast , Museums , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Eagle Watch

February 22, 2013
If you love Oregon’s wide open vistas, consider weekend travel to Central Oregon’s Lake Billy Chinook, where newcomers and experienced birders enjoy spectacular views to birds of prey during the annual “Eagle Watch.” Framed by towering 400-foot canyon walls, Lake Billy Chinook offers a unique perspective on Central Oregon that also provides plenty of elbow… More
found in
Central Oregon , Madras , Lakes & Reservoirs , State Parks , Birding , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Rivers & Streams , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions , Events ,

Fernhill Gardens

February 15, 2013
A community’s health can be measured by its wealth of wild places, and in western Washington County you can discover where the quiet life is prized by its wildness. If you’re lucky, you may cross paths with wildlife photographer Steve Halpern. He travels this way each week and takes a deep breath to savor a… More
found in
Portland Region , Forest Grove , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,