About the Author

Jon Bell

Jon Bell is an Oregon writer and author of the book, On Mount Hood: A Biography of Oregon’s Perilous Peak. When he's not out exploring the Northwest with his kids and friends, he's likely writing about it from his home in Lake Oswego.

Everyone Can Clam on the Oregon Coast

October 27, 2022
Whether you're a clam newbie or somebody who always travels with a shovel and a bucket in the trunk, it's easy to dig your own on the Oregon Coast. The state's 363 miles of coastline dish up accessible options for all levels of experience and enthusiasm. Read on to find out just what kind of clamming suits your speed and season. More
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Oregon Coast , Clamming & Crabbing , Culinary Experiences , Seafood , Eat & Drink , Activities ,

Crabbing for Beginners on the Oregon Coast

August 25, 2022
It gets you outside, into the refreshing air and natural beauty of the Oregon Coast. It’s an enjoyable way to pass the time with family and friends. And if you’re lucky, it can put fresh, delectable seafood on your dinner plate. We’re talking, of course, about crabbing on the Oregon Coast. More
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Oregon Coast , Clamming & Crabbing , Culinary Experiences , Seafood , Eat & Drink , Activities ,

First-Timer’s Guide to Fishing in Oregon

May 26, 2022
It captures the essence of all that is Oregon. Peaceful mountain lakes. Rivers mighty and small. Storied wildlife and a dash each of adventure and self-sufficiency. It gets people outside, together, and creates lifelong memories and pastimes. And with a little luck, it can make for a tasty dinner. More
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Oregon Coast , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

Wildlife, Water and Wheels in the Salem Area

April 28, 2022
With its meandering rivers, green forests, clear lakes and accessible pathways, the Salem region’s natural spaces provide a refuge for wildlife and humans alike. Ready to see a signature slice of Oregon from a new perspective? Pick one of these activities and start exploring. More
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Willamette Valley , Salem , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

Head South for Some of the Best Crabbing and Clamming on the Oregon Coast

January 18, 2022
Imagine the largest bay in Oregon, an S-shaped inlet of the Pacific Ocean that shapes life in both the estuaries and towns. In the salty lower areas, crabs scuttle around happily, and around its edges lie acres of tidal mudflats where lively clams flourish, some species rarely seen in such numbers on other stretches of the Coast. Home to stunning coastal vistas and charming bayside communities that enhance any foraging adventure, crabbing and clamming are nearly always abundant. More
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Southern Oregon Coast , Coos Bay , Clamming & Crabbing , Activities ,

Find Solitude on These Snowy Trails in Oregon

December 21, 2021
When the snow falls in Oregon, the adventurous dust off their snowshoes and head for the hills. Many end up heading for the same winter wonderlands — Mirror Lake or Trillium Lake on Mt. Hood, Dutchman Flat near Bend, Salt Creek Falls outside Eugene — all popular for a good reason. But that can make solitude hard to find. Luckily, Oregon is a big, beautiful place, and there are miles of lesser-known routes that offer tons of incredible scenery with a fraction of the traffic.... More
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Cross-Country Skiing , Mountains , Other Outdoor , Snowshoeing , Wilderness & Natural Areas , Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing , Snow Sports , Destinations , Outdoor Recreation , Trails ,

Gone Fishing on Oregon’s Adventure Coast

May 25, 2021
Oregon’s Adventure Coast — the nickname for this pristine stretch of coastline that includes the cities of Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston — is renowned for its bountiful and easily accessible fishing. The area is home to more than 30 lakes and rivers, plus Coos Bay itself and, of course, the Pacific, meaning there’s plenty of uncrowded space for families, adventurers and anglers of all stripes. More
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Southern Oregon Coast , Coos Bay , Fishing , Outdoor Recreation ,

Snowy DIY Family Fun in Oregon

November 13, 2020
Oregon is a great outdoor playground all year round. The mountains, the Coast, the rivers and lakes, the high desert, the soaring forests — all of it make getting outside with the family the ideal thing to do. Winter, with all its snow and stunning scenery, is no exception to that rule. Whether you’re sledding with the kids, skiing with the family, schussing outside of Bend or snowmobiling not far from Salem, here’s how to make your own snowy family fun. More
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Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

A Hiker’s Guide to the Owyhee Canyonlands

May 22, 2020
Located along the far eastern border of Oregon — about six hours from Portland and 4.5 hours from Bend — the Owyhee Canyonlands unfold across more than 2 million acres. Cut by just three paved roads, it’s considered one of the largest expanses of undeveloped land in the lower 48 states. More
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Eastern Oregon , Jordan Valley , Hiking & Backpacking , Outdoor Recreation ,

Families’ Guide to Fun in Pendleton

April 10, 2020
Pendleton, that charming Western town at the foot of the Blue Mountains in Eastern Oregon, makes for a unique family-friendly destination. There’s history and culture, parks aplenty, hiking trails, swimming pools, sports galore and even spooky underground tunnels. In short, Pendleton’s got everything a family could want for a unique and memorable getaway. More
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Eastern Oregon , Pendleton , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,