The historic Western Flyer, chartered by John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts in 1940, now serves as a working research vessel and floating classroom, sparking curiosity through the intersection of marine science and the arts.
Visit the Western Flyer in the Pacific Northwest This Spring
In 2026, the Western Flyer will travel north along the Pacific coast, returning to the waters where it was built, worked, and restored.
This voyage reconnects the vessel with its roots—while bringing hands-on ocean science programs to students and communities across Oregon and Washington.
New Research from the Gulf of California
April 29, 2026This week, Western Flyer Foundation scientists are presenting new findings from the 2025 Gulf of California expedition, where cutting-edge eDNA sampling revealed more than 50 fish families across 500 kilometers of ocean.
View Full ArticleWestern Flyer in Newport: Student Programs, Public Tours, and Waterfront Events
April 28, 2026Press Release: The Western Flyer will be in Newport, Oregon, May 15–22 for a week of student programs, free public tours, and community events.
View Full ArticleHistoric Western Flyer Brings Student Programs and Community Events to Charleston and Coos Bay
April 28, 2026Press Release: The Western Flyer will visit Charleston and Coos Bay, Oregon, for a week of student programs, free public tours, and community events.
View Full ArticleWestern Flyer Returning to Port Townsend for Student Programs and Community Events
April 28, 2026Press Release - The historic fishing vessel Western Flyer will return this spring to Port Townsend, where it underwent a multi-year restoration, for a week-long schedule of student programs and community events.
View Full ArticleThe Western Flyer Heads North — Follow Along in the Crew’s Log
April 26, 2026The Western Flyer has departed for a nearly seven-week Pacific Northwest expedition. Follow along through our Crew’s Log with real-time updates, photos, and stories from life aboard.
View Full ArticleSteinbeck boat returns for public tours, educational expedition
Staff, The Leader, April 15, 2026The historic fishing vessel Western Flyer will return this spring to Port Townsend, where it underwent a multiyear restoration, for a week-long schedule of student programs and a free community event.
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