In spring 2026, the Western Flyer will travel north along the Pacific coast, returning to the waters of the Pacific Northwest where the vessel was built and worked.

This voyage reconnects the Western Flyer with the region where it was brought back to life—and brings hands-on ocean science programs to coastal communities across Oregon and Washington.

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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 in 1940, 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 step aboard to experience ocean science firsthand.

Participants will:

• Deploy oceanographic instruments and collect real-time data
• Sample and observe marine life, including plankton and microscopy
• Analyze ocean conditions and interpret findings
• Learn alongside scientists, educators, and mariners
• Connect science, history, and storytelling through the legacy of the Western Flyer—from its fishing roots to the Steinbeck–Ricketts expedition

For many, it will be their first time aboard a fishing or research vessel—and a first look at careers in ocean science.

Coastal Communities

The voyage will also open the Western Flyer to coastal communities along the route.

Public tours, talks, film screenings, and events will invite people aboard to experience the vessel firsthand, meet crew and educators, and connect with the history and the work happening on the water.

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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 – Join us at the Charleston Marine Life Center’s 10th anniversary open house, with tabling activities and public tours of the Western Flyer. Click here to download schedule of events
• Sunday, May 10 – Coos Bay – Tour the Western Flyer in the afternoon and join us at the Egyptian Theater for an early evening reception and program featuring a talk by Dr. Craig Young and a screening of our new film, We Simply Liked It. Click here to download event flyer and buy tickets

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Newport, Oregon

May 15–22, 2026

Education programs with regional marine science partners

Community Events

• Sunday, May 17 – A day of film and community at the Hatfield Marine Science Center featuring free vessel tours, film screenings, and a presentation with Q&A about the Western Flyer’s history and work today. Free Event. Click here to download event schedule.
• Wednesday, May 20 – An evening of film and conversation at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center connecting the Western Flyer’s historic legacy to modern fisheries science, featuring storytelling and a live panel with local scientists and fishermen. Learn More and Get Tickets ($10).

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Port Townsend, Washington

May 28 – June 7, 2026

A return to the harbor where the Western Flyer was restored.

Community Events

• Sunday, June 7 – Join us at the Northwest Maritime Center for a Western Flyer festival, featuring free tours, presentations, a film screening, and more fun activities.

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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

Thanks for helping expand opportunities for students and communities to take part in this return.

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