Oregon Roots: How the Mountains, Rivers, and Natural Beauty of the Pacific Northwest Inspire My Stories and Fuel My Creativity

Updated Aug. 19th, 2024

When I'm asked about inspiration and what fuels my writing, it often comes back to Oregon. The Pacific Northwest isn't just a setting for my stories—it runs through every chapter, every character. From the mountains to the endless outdoor adventures like cycling, fishing, hiking, and paddleboarding, to the quiet moments of photographic reflection in nature, this region has deeply rooted itself in my soul. Those of you who have read my books or blogs know how strongly Southern Oregon, past and present, and the mysticism of the Rogue Valley influence my work. The backdrop of my stories isn't just a setting; it's a character in all of my novels so far.

Growing Up in the Pacific Northwest

My childhood was shaped by the Pacific Northwest, with its towering forests and misty coastlines. These landscapes created a stage for my appreciation of nature, which fills my memories of summer days. I spent years fishing in Rogue Valley rivers teeming with life, walking through lush forests, and camping under starry skies. These experiences gave me a deep love for the land. Whether casting a line into the Wild & Scenic Rogue River or hiking below ancient trees in the Kalamiopsis Wilderness area, I always felt a connection to the earth.

Recently, while listening to Mat Kearney's Coming Home—a song about returning to Oregon—nostalgia hit me hard. I’ve been fortunate to visit 49 U.S. states and travel abroad, capturing memories as a photographer in the Air Force. I’ve seen amazing places, and those views linger in my mind. But no matter where I’ve been, Oregon always held a special place in my soul. Kearney's lyrics capture what it feels like to come back home after miles on the road. Oregon always called me back.

Southern Oregon: My Greatest Inspiration

Southern Oregon, especially the Rogue Valley, holds a special place in my heart. The Rogue River, designated as Wild & Scenic, offers more than just scenic beauty—it continuously inspires me. Whether rafting down its rapids, sitting quietly on its banks, or hiking the amazing Rogue River Trail, this river keeps me grounded. The Rogue River also winds through my fiction, symbolizing the wild forces always close at hand.

The Cascade Mountains, with peaks like Mt. McLoughlin, also influence my writing. Hiking through the Cascades reminds me of nature's power and beauty, and how small we are in comparison. The mountains humble me, filling me with awe and reverence. They remind me that something bigger is always out there—wild and free—and waiting to be explored. Driving through Southern Oregon’s winding roads while listening to Coming Home deepens my connection to this land. Every corner holds a memory, from childhood camping trips to late-night bike rides through the watershed trails.

Biking, Paddleboarding, and Fishing: Embracing Oregon’s Outdoors

Mountain biking gets my heart pumping like nothing else. Oregon’s rugged trails wind through dense forests, lava fields, and rolling mountain paths. It's an exciting way to connect with nature. The rush of wind on my face as I navigate twists and turns reminds me why I love this state.

Paddleboarding offers a different experience—slower and less flashy, but just as fulfilling. Lake of the Woods, nestled in the Cascade Mountains, has become a go-to spot for paddleboarding. Gliding across the clear waters, surrounded by towering pines and snow-capped peaks, brings me peace. The lake’s tranquility contrasts perfectly with the adrenaline of mountain biking, giving me a chance to slow down and savor the moment.

Then there's fishing. Whether I'm casting a line into the Rogue River or paddling in my kayak at Galesville Reservoir, the serenity of being isolated on the water connects me with nature like nothing else. I have a habit of thanking each fish I catch before releasing it back into the water. Galesville, with its calm waters and stunning views, is one of my favorite spots. The freedom of being on the water, alone with my thoughts and nature, offers a time for reflection and reconnection with what matters most. Herons, turtles, ospreys crashing into the water, and bald eagles soaring overhead only skim the surface of Oregon's outdoor bounty.

Capturing Oregon’s Beauty Through Photography

My love for Oregon goes beyond writing and outdoor adventures—photography allows me to capture the state's natural beauty. Whether it’s dense fog carpeting the Rogue Valley at dawn, the rugged peaks of the Cascades, or a quiet moment by the river, I seize every opportunity to photograph these scenes. Photography lets me hold onto the fleeting moments that make Oregon so special and share them with others who haven't experienced this beauty firsthand.

Through my lens, I strive to convey the awe and wonder I feel every time I step into the wilderness. Just like writing, photography tells a story, freezing moments that resonate with the soul.

Why Oregon Will Always Be Home

No matter where life takes me, Oregon will always be home. The landscapes here—whether it's the sweeping Rogue Valley views, the jagged Cascade peaks, or the tranquil waters of Lake of the Woods—have ingrained themselves in my soul. This land shaped me as a writer, photographer, and person, and it will always be a part of my stories. 

Through my novels and photographs, I aim to share a piece of this magical place with my readers. I want them to feel the morning chill as they hike through the Cascades, hear the Rogue River rushing through the valley, and experience the beauty and mystery that make Oregon so special.

As Mat Kearney's Coming Home says, "I'm coming home to the place that I remember." The feeling of returning to Oregon—this place that is an intrinsic part of who I am—drives my writing and photography. It fuels my stories and grounds me at the core of my being. If you ever wonder where my inspiration comes from, look no further than the Pacific Northwest. This land tells its own stories—sometimes as a friend, sometimes as a force to be reckoned with. It’s a place that will always call me back, no matter how far I roam.