The wonderful thing about travel in Oregon is that the opportunities to learn more about the northwest environment wait for the visitor at every turn.
That’s certainly true at this week’s Grant’s Getaway location that may also be one of the most overlooked sites in the area, yet provides varied and interesting environmental lessons about salmon and steelhead.
Certainly the price is right when Grant McOmie shows us the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s North Fork Nehalem Salmon Hatchery in Clatsop County.
The site is open daily, no reservations are required and a visit is absolutely free to the public.
Just ninety minutes from Portland, the hatchery offers activities that teach much about the fish and their ties with the aquatic environment.
You can stroll past rearing ponds that are brim full of baby salmon or trout; perhaps you will time your visit on “spawning day” when you can watch how the next generation of salmon is produced.
In addition, stroll down to the banks of North Fork of the Nehalem River and check out the unique Disabled Angler Platform where big fish are always on the bite for anglers who need a break.
Keep your eyes on the sky as well – bald eagles are known to soar overhead – and closer to ground, Roosevelt elk are often seen in the nearby forests.
Make tracks for the Trail to Umbrella Falls and enjoy a short, easy and scenic stroll to reach the namesake falls that offers a stunning moment along the river.
It’s a place that’s never twice the same and will provide lasting memories that may teach you something new about Oregon.
For more information:
Oregon Hatcheries
Eggs to Fry Program
NW Steelheaders
Read Full Post »
Oregon is blessed with abundant rivers that offer countless whitewater rapids. In fact, many of the state’s rivers provide thrilling settings for exciting outdoor adventures.
On this week’s “Grant’s Getaway,” we enjoy a whitewater rafting trip that offered a unique spin: we also went fishing for the premier Oregon game fish called Winter Steelhead.
We gathered to run the Nestucca River’s whitewater rapids with guide John Krauthoefer, (Firefighter’s Guide Service: 503-812-1414,) who casts baits for king sized steelhead from aboard his fifteen-foot inflatable raft.
The Nestucca River is a fabulous coastal stream located in southern Tillamook County and is famous for its runs of salmon and steelhead.
Krauthoefer is hooked on a new plan that’s supported by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
In fact, Chris Knutsen, a fishery biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, took a day off work so he could join us on our adventure too.
So grab your rod and reel, don’t forget the waders as we go fishing for wild winter steelhead – not to keep – but to keep them alive for a fishery future.
Anglers are encouraged to participate in the brood stock program, but they must register at the Tillamook-based North Coast Watershed District Office.
You can also visit the Cedar Creek Hatchery to observe the brood stock steelhead and learn more about the Nestucca River program.
Visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for more information on Oregon Angling Licenses and visit Travel Oregon to locate an Oregon Fishing Guide.
View photos from this episode
Read Full Post »
If a community’s wealth can be measured by its wildness, Washington County must be one of the richest places around.
That’s especially true at two wildlife areas: Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve near Hillsboro and the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge near Sherwood.
Both sites are wonderful examples of the adage: if you build the habitat, the wildlife will come and stay and thrive. People come to visit too because both areas offer exciting Walks on the Wild Side, that are close to home and yet a million miles away from the city hub-bub, pavement and noise.
What you may enjoy the most is how easy each of these wildlife areas is to reach from any corner of the Portland-Metro region.
Wildlife can be seen along the hiking trails at every turn: from a solitary eagle perched on watch, scurrying shorebirds probing muck of the marshes or v-shaped flocks of geese winging their way from this place to that.
Both wildlife areas are getaway escapes that you’ll be eager to explore – from the rush of city life to the rush of wings.
Read Full Post »
Travel Oregon is thrilled to announce a partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife and KGWNewsChannel 8 that will bring renowned outdoor reporter Grant McOmie to Pacific Northwest area travelers.
The 24 segment show, “Grant’s Getaways.” will feature themes such as fishing, urban hiking, surfing, geocaching, whale watching, kayaking and whitewater rafting.
Episodes will air on Friday’s at noon on KGWNewsChannel 8 beginning March 13. Not in the area? Don’t worry! We’ll be posting the episodes right here on the Travel Oregon Blog each Monday.
Stay tuned, we’re excited to share Oregon with you!
Read Full Post »
