About the Author

T. A. Akimoff

T.A. Akimoff, a Salem-based writer, specializes in conservation communication. He has reported for multiple newspapers and television news. A craft beer blogger and former public radio podcaster, he enjoys Oregon adventures — hiking, birding, cycling and great food.

How to Relax at Oregon’s Lakeside Lodges

June 4, 2026
With their weathered wood, stone fireplaces, breezy patios and decks overlooking the water, Oregon lake lodges are the perfect family vacation. You’ll find every type of outdoor adventure imaginable, so you can enjoy splashing around with the kids or just hanging out roasting hot dogs over crackling campfires. More
found in
Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

How to Enjoy Slavic Food and Culture in Oregon

April 6, 2026
Take a journey through local markets and eateries serving Slavic-inspired dishes across Oregon to experience plov, pelmeni and more. More
found in
Eat & Drink ,

Bird-Watching in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

March 13, 2026
I scan every utility pole for raptors on the 130-mile trip between Bend and Burns. As I cruise through a landscape of sagebrush toward a horizon that appears unreachable, I want to believe every dark bird soaring in the cloudless sky above me is a golden eagle. More
found in
Eastern Oregon , Burns , Birding , Outdoor Recreation ,

Autumn on the Lower Deschutes River

August 26, 2025
Oregon’s high-desert rivers in Central and Eastern Oregon offer unique recreation opportunities all year round, but they’re especially attractive in early fall when school is back in session, the days are growing shorter and cooler, and you find yourself chasing those last few rays of summer. More
found in
Central Oregon , Maupin , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

Tea in Beautiful Places in Oregon

As a dedicated hiker and outdoor enthusiast who has roamed into the wild and far-off places of Oregon for many years, I have a secret way to make them even better — tea. I’ve found that making and savoring the perfect cup of tea in beautiful places allows you to take your time to uncover a deeper sense of the place. The effect hits all your senses — the deep, earthy smell of forest and the often-sweet fragrance of tea mingle on your palate as... More
found in
Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

Birding at Rest Stops in Oregon

March 20, 2025
Spring is the best time for birding in Oregon, as migrating birds make stopovers on their journey to breeding areas in the north. Take a break on a road trip and find rare birds right off the highway. More
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Birding , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Destinations , Outdoor Recreation ,