Celebrating 20 Years of Sharing the Oregon Coast
Published: 10/11/2018 Updated: 06/21/2019

Rock formations at Bandon Beach in southern Oregon
Photo by Gary Hayes
Publisher Gary Hayes reflects upon starting Coast Explorer Magazine and sharing the beauty of Oregon's coast with others.
I've always had a thing for the Oregon Coast. Some of my earliest and fondest childhood memories are set on its beaches and dunes, in its forests and on its docks. Even after leaving Oregon for 20 years, the coast kept drawing me back, promising to reveal new places and new experiences. It was 20 years ago that I realized a life-long dream of buying a home on the Oregon Coast and in the loft of my ramshackle one-bedroom cabin, I decided to start a magazine that would share this amazing place with others. This fall, we celebrate 20 years of publishing that magazine. The Oregon Coast has taught me many lessons in that time. For example, summer is fine, but the rest of the year is sublime and more reflective of the true Oregon Coast I love. Sun is fine too, and we relish it, but it's the grab bag of weather, the dramatic skies and marine influenced atmospherics that make this place magic. Just when I think I know a place, I visit it in a different season, under different weather or at a different tide and I discover something new. I love to hike, and few places offer trails that lead to more rewarding views. For an authentic experience, hike the rainforest in the dampness and mist, through wetlands and meadows, past gurgling waterways and to the edge of the sea for the views only hikers get to appreciate. You might see whale spouts or a grazing herd of elk. You might see bald eagles, sea lions or watch frolicking river otters. What can really set apart the non-summer months is the ocean itself, the sound and unrelenting crashing wave action that summer visitors don't see. What's clear, even after 20 years, is there's more exploring to do. Thank you for joining us on this journey and I wish you experiences that touch you to your soul like only the Oregon Coast can do.
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Seaside Activities & Attractions
Harbor seals greet visitors at the door, explore touch-me tanks and learn about tidepool creatures.
Seaside Activities & Attractions
An attraction for over 30 years, ride the indoor carousel, unique shopping finds and eateries.
Published: 10/11/2018 Updated: 06/21/2019

Rock formations at Bandon Beach in southern Oregon
Photo by Gary Hayes
Publisher Gary Hayes reflects upon starting Coast Explorer Magazine and sharing the beauty of Oregon's coast with others.
I've always had a thing for the Oregon Coast. Some of my earliest and fondest childhood memories are set on its beaches and dunes, in its forests and on its docks. Even after leaving Oregon for 20 years, the coast kept drawing me back, promising to reveal new places and new experiences. It was 20 years ago that I realized a life-long dream of buying a home on the Oregon Coast and in the loft of my ramshackle one-bedroom cabin, I decided to start a magazine that would share this amazing place with others. This fall, we celebrate 20 years of publishing that magazine. The Oregon Coast has taught me many lessons in that time. For example, summer is fine, but the rest of the year is sublime and more reflective of the true Oregon Coast I love. Sun is fine too, and we relish it, but it's the grab bag of weather, the dramatic skies and marine influenced atmospherics that make this place magic. Just when I think I know a place, I visit it in a different season, under different weather or at a different tide and I discover something new. I love to hike, and few places offer trails that lead to more rewarding views. For an authentic experience, hike the rainforest in the dampness and mist, through wetlands and meadows, past gurgling waterways and to the edge of the sea for the views only hikers get to appreciate. You might see whale spouts or a grazing herd of elk. You might see bald eagles, sea lions or watch frolicking river otters. What can really set apart the non-summer months is the ocean itself, the sound and unrelenting crashing wave action that summer visitors don't see. What's clear, even after 20 years, is there's more exploring to do. Thank you for joining us on this journey and I wish you experiences that touch you to your soul like only the Oregon Coast can do.
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Oregon's oldest lighthouse still shines atop Oregon's westernmost headland on the South Oregon Coast. The Cape Blanco Lighthouse sits on ocean's edge near Port... [read more]
If you've been mining the central coast in search of an easy-access beach that will accommodate the entire family, this well-loved 135-acre park may... [read more]
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Featured Destination
Click to read about how to love Cannon Beach like a local. There is magic here!
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Three days of Scandinavian musical, dance and theater groups are scheduled to entertain.
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Sample Cannon Beach’s award winning Puffin wines. Enjoy with a cheese or charcuterie board.
Cannon Beach Activities & Attractions
We offer treatments that restore your signature balance, using creative and advanced techniques.
Cannon Beach Activities & Attractions
Discover the hidden treasures of Cannon Beach at this museum, where history comes to life!