About the Author

Tina Lassen

Tina Lassen writes about travel and outdoor recreation for several national publications and websites, and is at work on a guidebook about watching wildlife in North America. She has lived happily in Hood River for more than 20 years.

How to Visit Tribal Lands with Respect

October 10, 2025
The Burns Paiute Tribe’s connection to Oregon’s Harney Basin runs deep. The land itself is family. In this short film, tribal elder Diane Teeman shares what it means to honor that relationship and how visitors can experience these sacred landscapes with care. “Look but leave alone” isn’t just a saying. It is a reminder to travel thoughtfully, respecting the land’s spirit, history, and the people who protect it. More
found in
Native American Culture , Filmed in Oregon , Tribal Nations , Culture & History ,

Meet Oregon’s Marine Life at the Seaside Aquarium

April 17, 2025
You’re sure to get an enthusiastic welcome at the Seaside Aquarium. A gregarious family of harbor seals greets you at the front entrance, diving and gliding across their tank, then popping up to gaze at you sweetly with big Labrador-like eyes. More
found in
Oregon Coast , Seaside , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas ,

See What’s New — and Old — at Astoria’s Columbia River Maritime Museum

October 10, 2024
The Columbia River has been a vital source of food, fresh water, transportation and trade for thousands of years. Its stories come to life at the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, not far from where the river meets the Pacific and completes its 1,243-mile journey through the Northwest. First opened in 1963, the museum moved to its current location along Astoria's riverfront in 1982, and it’s been growing and improving ever since. Here’s what visitors can see and experience on their next visit. More
found in
Oregon Coast , Astoria , Museums , Attractions ,

3 Seasons of Family Fun at Packer Orchards

July 22, 2024
As the growing season gets into full swing in the Hood River Valley, so does the fun at Packer Orchards. The fourth-generation family orchard knows how to entertain the whole family at its Farm Place about 7 miles south of Hood River, where an ever-changing roster of activities and seasonal foods celebrates life on the farm. From the first blush of spring blossoms through the pumpkin-picking days of autumn, there's plenty of fruit — and fun — for the whole family to enjoy. More
found in
Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Hood River , Family Fun , Trip Ideas ,

Insider’s Guide to Oregon’s Local Seafood

May 17, 2024
The rigging of the fishing vessel Galway Bay rises higher than the second-story window of the Charleston Marine Life Center on the South Coast, where visitors get a gull’s-eye view of Charleston’s working port. Crab pots are stacked high on the dock as crews ready their vessels for the upcoming pink-shrimp season. Next to the operation, a University of Oregon research vessel bobs gently at its slip. More
found in
Oregon Coast , Newport , Seafood , Eat & Drink ,

Surfing with the Wind on the Columbia River

March 13, 2024
Living in Hood River as I do, you get accustomed to seeing unusual activities on the Columbia River. Our little city has become known around the globe for the stout winds that reliably push through the Gorge, and for the world-class athletes who endlessly invent new ways to riff on their talents with a kiteboard or paddleboard. If there’s an emerging sport that involves water and wind, you can be sure to see it in Hood River. More
found in
Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge , Hood River , Windsurfing & Kiteboarding , Outdoor Recreation ,

Art, Wildlife and Conservation Converge at the High Desert Museum

December 13, 2023
In 1973 Congress passed the Endangered Species Act, a landmark law to protect and restore native plants and animals in danger of extinction. To mark its 50th anniversary, the High Desert Museum in Bend is launching a yearlong commemoration with a trio of exhibitions, along with speakers, family activities and other events throughout 2024, all illustrating the far-reaching impact of this milestone act. More
found in
Central Oregon , Bend , Museums , Culture & History , Attractions ,

Where to See Oregon’s Wildlife Migrations

September 26, 2023
Visitors to Oregon have multiple ways to take in a gorgeous fall day and spot wildlife. Here are a few species to look for as the seasons change. More
found in
Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Wildlife Viewing , Destinations ,

Take a Guided E-Bike Tour of the Gorge

August 8, 2023
It’s a sunny early summer day, and I’m navigating the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail on a guided e-bike tour with Sol Rides, purring along the Twin Tunnels segment between Hood River and Mosier. With no concerns about cars, an electric motor providing a little extra oomph up the hills and our guide, Kat McElderry, taking care of navigation, our group of six is free to focus on the trickling waterfalls and fir-scented summer air. More
found in
Columbia River Gorge , Hood River , Tours & Guided Trips , Guides & Tours ,

Descubre Oregon con Grant Hogan y South Coast Tours

August 1, 2023
On the Southern Oregon Coast, a jagged coastline of capes, coves and craggy islands forms a labyrinth of protected waters perfectly suited for kayaking. Enjoy it all with a guidedEn la costa sur de Oregon, una costa escarpada de cabos, ensenadas e islas abruptas se forma un laberinto de aguas protegidas que es ideal para navegar en kayak. South Coast Tours puede llevarlo allí. More
found in
Kayaking , Guides & Charters , Paddle Sports , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Guides & Tours ,