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.

Willamette Valley Trails, Wineries and Covered Bridges

July 17, 2015
Across Oregon, some of my favorite places to explore are those as close as my own backyard; sometimes they hide in plain sight! So it is this week as Jeff Kastner and I wandered across Polk County and discovered terrific mountain bike trails, an enticing parkland with a covered bridge, a winery with deep Oregon… More
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Willamette Valley , Falls City , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Paddling the Neawanna in Seaside

July 10, 2015
If our summer heat wave is getting the best of you – sapping your energy and leaving you feeling generally uncomfortable, perhaps it's time for a cool retreat at a place you’d least expect: the backyard of one of the Oregon Coast's most popular towns. I recently enjoyed a short and gentle kayak trip for… More
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Oregon Coast , Seaside , Kayaking , Trip Ideas ,

Clamming at Tillamook Bay

July 3, 2015
When a summer heat wave hits, I enjoy cooling off by heading to the Oregon Coast and digging my supper from the sea. The summertime low tides are perfect for this adventure as we cool off with cockle clamming.  A great spot for beginners is at Tillamook Bay, where the four mile long Bayocean Spit offers… More
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Oregon Coast , Tillamook , Fishing , Trip Ideas ,

Bayocean Spit

June 26, 2015
I love the kind of travel that puts me in touch with adventure – especially when it promises to teach me more about Oregon’s past. Some Oregon backroads reach into the distant past, but if you join the right people – the past comes to life! Drive west from the town of Tillamook to reach… More
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Oregon Coast , Tillamook , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway by Electric Vehicle

June 19, 2015
I love the kind of travel that puts me in touch with the many faces of Oregon adventure, so when the summertime mood to move strikes, I like to migrate to the Oregon Coast. There’s no finer way to explore it than the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway. But on this trip my mode of travel… More
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Oregon Coast , Scenic Drives , Sustainable Travel , Trip Ideas , Attractions ,

The Oregon Coast’s Timeless Dunes

June 12, 2015
It is beginning to feel a little more like summer and that may have you thinking more about travel and even camping and for many that means adventures along the 363-mile Pacific Coast Scenic Byway. It is a sight that takes the breath away and fills us with surprise! A timeless coastal treasure that many… More
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Oregon Coast , Coos Bay , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Cape Foulweather

June 5, 2015
As the seasons change, the sun, surf and sand merge in a breathtaking moment along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway. That’s especially true along the Central Oregon coast at a place whose name couldn’t be further from the truth on a day too nice to stay indoors: Cape Foulweather! “Foulweather is probably one of the… More
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Oregon Coast , Newport , Trip Ideas ,

Flower Walks in the Valley

May 15, 2015
Spring in Oregon is easy to spot: the flowers, grasses and shrubs blossom with unrestrained enthusiasm and the scenery is never twice the same.  This week, we visited two colorful spots in the Willamette Valley that are exploding into view and invite you to linger longer. Owner and chief gardener at Heirloom Rose Gardens, Ben… More
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Willamette Valley , Salem , Wildlife Viewing , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions , Events ,

Downtown Salmon on the Willamette River

May 1, 2015
As sure as the springtime tulip and dogwood blooms come into view, spring salmon fishing season hits its stride too. This week, we go “Downtown Salmon” fishing on the Willamette River where salmon anglers have enjoyed a strong run of salmon the past few weeks. The fishing is only getting better on the river that… More
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Fishing , Trip Ideas ,

Digging for Razor Clams

April 24, 2015
Oregon’s beaches are popular year round destinations for many reasons, but in Clatsop County there’s a famous sandy stretch that turns into clam heaven for  thousands of people who show up to dig their suppers from the sea. As springtime moves into high gear, the best low tides of the season bring a bounty of seafood… More
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Oregon Coast , Fishing , Seafood , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,