FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Charleston & Coos Bay, OR — May 6–13, 2026
The historic vessel Western Flyer will arrive in Charleston and Coos Bay this May as part of a multi-week Pacific Northwest expedition, bringing hands-on ocean science programs to students and a series of public events to coastal communities.
Built in Tacoma in 1937 and made famous by John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts during their 1940 expedition to the Gulf of California, the Western Flyer now serves as a working research vessel and floating classroom.
During its time in the Coos Bay region, the vessel will host student programs in partnership with local educators and marine science organizations, offering participants the opportunity to collect real-time ocean data, observe marine life, and learn alongside scientists and mariners.
Community Events
Saturday, May 9 — Charleston Marine Life Center’s (CMLC) 10th Anniversary
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Open house at CMLC, free public tours of the Western Flyer (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Dock B at the Port of Charleston), and community partner booths.
Sunday, May 10 — Coos Bay (Waterfront + Egyptian Theatre)
Free vessel tours – 200 S. Bayshore Drive, Coos Bay
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Evening program — Egyptian Theatre
Ticketed Event
4:30 – 5:30 PM — Pre-show refreshments
5:30 – 7:00 PM — Between Pacific Tides: Science, Story & the Sea (talk and film)
Featuring a talk by Dr. Craig Young (former director of OIMB), moderated by Jack Barth, with remarks by Sherry Flumerfelt and a screening of the award-winning film, We Simply Liked It.
“The Western Flyer offers a rare opportunity for students and the public to engage directly with ocean science and the vessel’s scientific legacy,” said Jack Barth, professor at Oregon State University and a member of the Western Flyer Foundation’s board of directors. “It brings hands-on learning to the waterfront and connects people to the ocean through firsthand experience.”
The Pacific Northwest expedition is designed as a pilot program, with the goal of establishing a recurring voyage connecting students, scientists, and coastal communities across the region. Additional stops on this expedition include Newport, Oregon, and Port Townsend, Washington.
More information:
View the full schedule and event details, including ticketed programs: https://www.westernflyer.org/PNW2026
About the Western Flyer Foundation
The Western Flyer Foundation operates the historic 1937 vessel Western Flyer as a working research vessel and floating classroom. Made famous by John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts during their 1940 expedition to the Gulf of California, the vessel now supports ocean science, education, and programs that connect science, history, and the arts.
Media Contact:
Sherry Flumerfelt
Western Flyer Foundation
sherry@westernflyer.org
(831) 220-8047