About the Author

K.M. Collins

A native Oregonian, K.M. Collins is a geologist-gone writer. Covering everything outdoors and a spectrum of journalism, she operates her content and marketing company, Guerrilla Media Bend, from Central Oregon. Between whitewater paddle boarding, kayaking and rafting, she's a jack of all water trades. Roller skating, snowboarding and cycling rank among her favorite land-based activities. Sunstones, petroglyphs, obsidians, wildflower identification and cooking on a Dutch oven make her smile. Follow her adventures at @guerrillamediabend.

Hiking Along the Central Oregon Waterfall Trail

February 22, 2022
Spring showers don’t just bring May flowers in Oregon — they also bring surging waterways, including tumbling waterfalls. Spring cascades in full force are a sight to behold, especially in the usually dry Oregon high desert. More
found in
Central Oregon , Bend , Waterfalls , Destinations ,

Beginner’s Guide to Cross-Country Skiing in Central Oregon

December 10, 2021
Cross-country skiing is half cardio workout, half mind-body enlightenment experience. It’s “listening to the snow and trees, breathing the fresh air, and generally being at one with nature in a rare winter way,” describes Bend athlete Julie Southwell. It’s “staying perfectly warm while moving smoothly on the frozen land.” More
found in
Central Oregon , Bend , Cross-Country Skiing , Outdoor Recreation ,

La guía de una persona local para conocer los pueblos del desierto alto de Oregon

October 1, 2021
Hiking up the spiral trail at Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint — a cinder cone in the center of Bend — you can look out in all directions and see the grandeur of the high desert. Sunset is a special time, when you can see the silhouettes of the Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, Black Butte and Mt. Hood in all their glory. Among the landscape of juniper and sage, you can also feel the energy radiating from each outlying community, set against the Cascade peaks... More
found in
Central Oregon , Redmond , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

A Local’s Guide to Small Towns in Oregon’s High Desert

September 1, 2021
Hiking up the spiral trail at Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint — a cinder cone in the center of Bend — you can look out in all directions and see the grandeur of the high desert. Sunset is a special time, when you can see the silhouettes of the Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, Black Butte and Mt. Hood in all their glory. Among the landscape of juniper and sage, you can also feel the energy radiating from each outlying community, set against the Cascade peaks... More
found in
Central Oregon , Redmond , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

Making Room for All in Oregon’s Climbing Community

June 23, 2021
Many years ago as a freshman geology student at the University of Oregon, I learned to rock climb at Smith Rock State Park — specifically at Bunny Face, a 5.7 climb. (Ratings are on a Class 5 scale, with 5.0 being the easiest and 5.15 the most difficult). Between the sun exposure, sharp rock and vertigo, Smith Rock 5.7s can be formidable. More
found in
Central Oregon , Redmond , Guides & Charters , Guides & Tours ,

What to Expect at Oregon Casino Resorts During COVID-19

May 11, 2021
Oregon’s nine Tribal-owned casino resorts create an opportunity for a full range of gaming and family-fun experiences unlike many other states. New protocols such as enhanced cleaning and reduced capacity mean that favorite tables, lounges and slot machines are available for gaming again — and even a little less crowded than before. More
found in
Casinos , Attractions ,