Wednesday, May 13, 2026  |  Oregon's Outdoor Journal
Eagle Cap Wilderness: A 4-Day Lakes Basin Loop in Oregon's Wallowa Mountains

Eagle Cap Wilderness: A 4-Day Lakes Basin Loop in Oregon's Wallowa Mountains

The Eagle Cap Wilderness holds some of the most spectacular alpine terrain in the Pacific Northwest. This 4-day Lakes Basin loop covers Glacier Lake, Mirror Lake, and the heart of the Wallowas.

By HFR Staff  ·  May 13, 2026
How to Choose a Rifle Scope for Western Big Game Hunting
Shooting

How to Choose a Rifle Scope for Western Big Game Hunting

Choosing the wrong scope is one of the most expensive mistakes a western hunter can make. Here's a practical framework for picking glass that matches your cartridge, terrain, and budget.

May 13, 2026
Reloading the 6.5 PRC for Precision Hunting: Components, Load Data, and Field Results
Reloading

Reloading the 6.5 PRC for Precision Hunting: Components, Load Data, and Field Results

The 6.5 PRC is one of the most capable long-range hunting cartridges available today. Here's a practical reloading guide covering brass, primers, powder, bullets, and proven load data.

May 13, 2026
Smallmouth Bass on the John Day River: A Float Fishing Guide
Fishing

Smallmouth Bass on the John Day River: A Float Fishing Guide

The John Day River in eastern Oregon holds world-class smallmouth bass fishing — and almost nobody knows about it. Here's how to plan your float, find fish, and land bronzebacks in canyon country.

May 13, 2026
Spring Turkey Hunting in Oregon's Willamette Valley
Hunting

Spring Turkey Hunting in Oregon's Willamette Valley

Oregon's Willamette Valley is turkey country in May. Here's how to find birds, set up a calling sequence, and punch your spring tag before season closes.

May 13, 2026
Backpacking the Steens Mountain Wilderness: A 3-Day Route in Oregon's High Desert
Backpacking

Backpacking the Steens Mountain Wilderness: A 3-Day Route in Oregon's High Desert

Steens Mountain is one of Oregon's most remote and spectacular landscapes. Here is a practical 3-day backpacking route, gear considerations, and what to expect in late spring.

May 12, 2026
Archery Form Fundamentals: Building a Repeatable Shot Cycle for the Field
Archery

Archery Form Fundamentals: Building a Repeatable Shot Cycle for the Field

Punching the trigger and hoping for the best will not cut it when a bull is at 40 yards. Here is how to build a shot cycle that holds up under pressure.

May 12, 2026
Black Bear Hunting in Oregon: Units, Season Dates, and Field Tactics
Hunting

Black Bear Hunting in Oregon: Units, Season Dates, and Field Tactics

Oregon's black bear population is healthy and huntable statewide. Here is a unit-by-unit breakdown and the tactics that consistently put bears on the ground.

May 12, 2026
Reloading the .300 Winchester Magnum for Elk: Components, Loads, and Field Results
Reloading

Reloading the .300 Winchester Magnum for Elk: Components, Loads, and Field Results

The .300 Win Mag is one of the most versatile elk cartridges ever chambered. Here is how to handload it for maximum field performance at distances from 100 to 500 yards.

May 12, 2026
Spring Chinook Salmon on the Willamette River: Timing, Tactics, and Top Spots
Fishing

Spring Chinook Salmon on the Willamette River: Timing, Tactics, and Top Spots

May means spring Chinook on the Willamette. Here is how to read the river, pick your gear, and land a bright king before the run peaks.

May 12, 2026