In spring 2026 (May–June), the Western Flyer is traveling north along the Pacific coast, returning to the Pacific Northwest waters where the vessel was built, worked, and later brought back to life.
This voyage reconnects the Western Flyer with a defining chapter of its history while bringing hands-on ocean science programs to coastal communities across Oregon and Washington.
A Historic Vessel Returns North
Built in Tacoma in 1937, the Western Flyer became famous when John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts sailed it to the Gulf of California for a 1940 marine science expedition, later chronicled in The Log from the Sea of Cortez.
After decades of fishing, two sinkings, and a meticulous restoration led by the Port Townsend Shipwrights Co-op, the vessel now serves as a platform for ocean science research and education.
A Floating Classroom
As the Western Flyer travels north, hundreds of students will come aboard to explore ocean science firsthand, continuing a tradition of curiosity that began with Steinbeck and Ricketts in 1940.
Out on the waterfront, science is hands-on, grounded in direct observation and experience.
Participants will:
- Deploy scientific instruments and collect real-time data from below the ocean’s surface
- Encounter marine life up close—from seabirds and marine mammals to drifting plankton and microscopic worlds
- Record observations in field journals through writing, sketching, and scientific illustration
- Ask questions, test ideas, and interpret changing ocean conditions
- Learn alongside scientists, educators, and working mariners
- Connect science with story, place, and history aboard a vessel that carries all three
For many, it is a first step onto a working vessel—and a first glimpse of what a future in ocean science might look like.
A Bridge Between Communities
As the Western Flyer moves up the coast, it will also open its decks to the communities along the way.
Through public tours, talks, film screenings, and waterfront events, people are invited to step aboard, meet the crew and educators, and experience the Flyer’s story firsthand.
Planned Pacific Northwest Stops
Charleston and Coos Bay, Oregon
May 6–13, 2026
Student programs and community events in partnership with local educators and marine science organizations.
Community Events
Saturday, May 9
Charleston Marine Life Center’s 10th Anniversary Open House
Featuring community tabling and free public tours of the Western Flyer.
11 AM to 5 PM – CMLC Open House
12 PM to 4 PM – Free Tours of the Western Flyer and Partner Tabling Event
Sunday, May 10
Coos Bay Tours and Evening Event
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM – Free Tours of the Western Flyer
4:30 PM – 7:00 PM – Free Evening Program at the Egyptian Theater
Featuring a talk by Dr. Craig Young (former director of OIMB), moderated by Jack Barth (OSU), with remarks by Sherry Flumerfelt (Western Flyer Foundation) and a screening of the Western Flyer’s new film, We Simply Liked It.
Newport, Oregon
May 15–22, 2026
Hands-on ocean science education programs and community events.
Community Events
Sunday, May 17
Celebrating the Return of the Western Flyer at the Hatfield Marine Science Center
12:00 to 3:30 PM – Free Tours of the Western Flyer
11:00 & 1:00 PM – Screenings of We Simply Liked It
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM – The story of the Western Flyer followed by a final screening of We Simply Liked It
Wednesday, May 20
Talk, Panel & Film at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center (Ticketed Event)
5:30 PM – Doors Open. Light Snacks & Beverages
6:30 PM to 8 PM – Evening Program
Western Flyer Story: From Fisheries to Science
Panel: Fisheries and Cooperative Research
Moderated by Jack Barth (OSU)
Panelists: Waldo Wakefield (OSU); Caren Braby (PSMFC); Al Pazar (R/V Pacific Surveyor & fisherman); Dylan Heppell (OSU)
Port Townsend, Washington
May 28 – June 7, 2026
A return to the harbor where the Western Flyer was restored.
Community Events
Sunday, June 7
Community Event and Movie Night at the Northwest Maritime Center
1:00 PM to 6:30 PM – Free Community Event
Vessel Tours (through 5:30 PM), Music, Food, Drinks, and more
4:00 PM – Western Flyer Restoration Presentation with the Port Townsend Shipwrights Co-op
7:00 PM – Double Feature Movie Night with the Western Flyer (Ticketed Event)
Help Power the Voyage
This Pacific Northwest expedition is a pilot program, with the goal of building a recurring voyage every two years. Support helps fund:
- Free, hands-on student programs
- Free public events and community access
- Vessel operations and fuel
- Crew and safety
This work is made possible by a community of supporters. Thank you for helping expand opportunities for students and communities to take part in this return.
Pacific Northwest 2026 Collaborators
Funders and Corporate Partners
Providing financial support that helps make the Western Flyer’s Pacific Northwest voyage and programs possible.
In-Kind Supporters
Providing in-kind goods, services, and facilities that support vessel operations and programs.
Community Collaborators
Partnering on education, research, and community programs, along with the many schools, educators, and students who make this work possible.
Interested in supporting the Pacific Northwest Expedition as a Corporate Partner?
View partnership opportunities