About the Author

Gary Hayes

Gary Hayes is publisher of Coast Explorer Magazine and founder of Explorer Media Group, a travel media and marketing company based in Seaside. Gary is a native Oregonian whose earliest memories include working on his grandfather’s fishing boat on the Oregon Coast. Now living in Cannon Beach, Gary is an extensively published photographer and writer focusing on the Oregon Coast and the Northwest's food and wine culture. He also serves as Executive Director of the SavorNW Wine Awards.

Los Lugares Más Sorprendentes De La Costa De Oregon

June 20, 2022
There’s no doubt that the Oregon Coast is filled with landscapes that stretch the imagination. But there are some attractions that are in a quirky class by themselves. More
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Oregon Coast , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas , Attractions ,

The Oregon Coast’s Most Surprising Places

April 3, 2019
There’s no doubt that the Oregon Coast is filled with landscapes that stretch the imagination. But there are some attractions that are in a quirky class by themselves. More
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Oregon Coast , Favorite Trips , Trip Ideas , Attractions ,

8 Awesome South Coast Side Trips off Highway 101

February 22, 2019
The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway is one of the world’s most stunning scenic drives. Venture off the highway for a few not-to-be-missed places just a detour away. More
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Oregon Coast , Favorite Trips ,

Bandon and the South Coast in 1, 2 or 3 Days

July 30, 2018
Bandon is the quintessential Oregon Coast destination, with enough of all of these things to keep you busy for a week just to hit the highlights. If you have less time than that, let this be your guide to making the most of your time in this South Coast town. More
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Oregon Coast , Bandon , Favorite Trips ,

Best of the Wild Rivers Coast in Four Days

October 18, 2017
Take four days and you can enjoy some of the Oregon Coast’s most stunning viewpoints, walk beautiful beaches where fascinating rocky spires rise from the shoreline, visit two historic lighthouses and venture into the wilderness up one of America’s first designated Wild and Scenic Rivers. It takes less than two hours to drive Oregon’s Wild Rivers Coast between Bandon and Brookings, but this four-day tour will get you off the beaten path where you’ll encounter some of the best experiences on this remarkable stretch of... More
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Southern Oregon Coast , Trip Ideas ,

Get Inspired on the Port Orford to Bandon Art Trail

April 5, 2017
Inside Hawthorne Gallery in Port Orford, you could easily forget you’re in a small Oregon Coast town mostly known for fishing, lumber and its beautifully rugged shoreline. Bold large-scale abstract paintings brighten the walls of the contemporary space. Colorful blown glass vessels stand tall on pedestals. Striking modern sculpture, ranging from ceramic to bronze and hand-forged iron, are displayed by oversized picture windows. More
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Oregon Coast , Bandon , Art Galleries & Studios , Trip Ideas , Attractions ,

Wild Rivers Coast Ale & Spirits Trail

January 9, 2017
For visitors who enjoy sampling local ales, wines and spirits when they travel, the Wild Rivers Coast offers several stops between Brookings and Coos Bay that shouldn’t be missed. Starting in Brookings and continuing north to Coos Bay, this trail features libations created by individuals with a passion for finely crafted brews and spirits. More
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Oregon Coast , Bandon , Culinary Events , Beer & Breweries , Restaurants , Spirits & Distilleries , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink , Events ,

Creativity Reigns at Stormy Weather Arts Festival in Cannon Beach

October 12, 2016
The sound of music is spilling onto the streets and the buzz of activity rings in the storefronts. It’s Stormy Weather Arts Festival weekend in Cannon Beach and a little rain or wind doesn’t slow down this town’s celebration of the arts. More
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Oregon Coast , Cannon Beach , Art Galleries & Studios , Theater & Performing Art , Trip Ideas , Attractions , Events ,

Coastal Wonders Between Gold Beach and Brookings

September 23, 2016
It only takes about 30 minutes to drive between Gold Beach and Brookings, but this stretch of coastline deserves a day of its own, or better yet, a week to get off the road, down a trail or onto one of its secluded hike-in beaches. Lingering on this stretch of Coast, you’ll discover magically picturesque coves, rainforest-covered capes, arch rock formations and dramatic overlooks along one of the most beautifully rugged portions of the Oregon Coast. More
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Oregon Coast , Brookings , State Parks , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Hiking & Backpacking , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Great Hikes on the Wild Rivers Coast

August 16, 2016
Hikers on the Wild Rivers Coast are rewarded with unmatched scenic views and a dizzying array of diverse landscapes and ecosystems. More
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Oregon Coast , Bandon , State Parks , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Hiking & Backpacking , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,