Grant McOmie, Oregon’s most beloved outdoor television personality, died early Thursday at age 73 following a short illness. The Emmy-winning journalist brought Pacific Northwest nature to countless families through his iconic program.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Age: 73 years old at time of death
- Career: Over 50 years in broadcast television journalism
- Show: Grant’s Getaways aired on KGW-TV and KATU
- Recognition: Inducted into Northwest Emmy Silver Circle in 2001
An Outdoor Icon’s Five Decades of Service
Grant McOmie began his broadcast career at Portland’s KGW-TV in 1981, launching what would become a legendary journey through the Pacific Northwest landscape. He later worked as an outdoor reporter at Seattle’s KOMO-TV from 1982 to 1985, expanding his journalistic reach across the region.
McOmie then returned to Portland for an impressive 23-year tenure at KATU as the station’s primary outdoor reporter. His dedication to storytelling about Oregon’s natural spaces captivated viewers across generations. In 2008, he rejoined KGW-TV, where he would continue producing content until his recent death.
Grant’s Getaways Transformed Northwest Television
The signature program Grant’s Getaways became a cultural institution throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Each episode showcased the region’s hidden gems, wildlife, waterfalls, and outdoor adventures. Viewers tuned in Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings to discover new destinations they might otherwise never find.
McOmie’s warm, authentic approach to storytelling made complex environmental issues accessible to mainstream audiences. His work went far beyond typical travel segments. He documented Oregon’s ecosystems with genuine respect and scientific curiosity.
Career Milestones and Emmy Recognition
| Achievement | Details |
| Emmy Status | Multiple Emmy Award Winner |
| Silver Circle Honor | Inducted in 2001 for 40-year commitment |
| Recent Recognition | 2021 NATAS Silver Circle Award |
| Publication Awards | Outdoor Writers Association Excellence |
“Grant McOmie wrote and produced stories and special programs about the people, places, outdoor activities and environmental issues of the Pacific Northwest.”
— Travel Oregon, Official Tourism Board
Author, Teacher, and Fifth-Generation Oregonian
McOmie was not merely a television personality but a prolific author and educator. His published works include bestselling guidebooks such as Grant’s Getaways: 101 Oregon Adventures, Grant’s Getaways: Guide to Wildlife Watching in Oregon, and Grant’s Getaways: Oregon Adventures with the Kids. These books extended his mission of inspiring Pacific Northwest exploration beyond television screens.
As a fifth-generation Oregonian, McOmie represented deep historical roots in the state he documented. He taught at colleges and universities, mentoring young journalists interested in environmental storytelling. His influence shaped multiple generations of communicators devoted to conservation.
What Made Grant McOmie Unforgettable?
Grant McOmie’s legacy rests on authenticity, consistency, and genuine enthusiasm. He didn’t simply report about Oregon’s wilderness; he lived and breathed its preservation. Viewers sensed his passion during every segment, from documenting wildlife conservation to highlighting family-friendly hiking destinations.
His contributions earned him respect not just from media peers but from environmental organizations, tourism boards, and conservation groups throughout the region. McOmie demonstrated that television journalism could educate audiences while celebrating America’s natural heritage. Will another Pacific Northwest broadcaster ever match his 50-plus-year commitment to bringing outdoor adventure into living rooms across the region?
Sources
- OregonLive – Grant McOmie veteran outdoors journalist dies at 73
- KGW-TV – Official tribute to Grant McOmie, long-time outdoor reporter
- KING 5 News – Obituary and career retrospective coverage
