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.

Seek Out Adventure in Port Orford

July 27, 2016
Battle Rock Park in Port Orford beckons to visitors passing through this little town with its beautiful view of a curving beach and coastline, near-shore rock formations and towering Humbug Mountain rising up at the edge of the shoreline some five miles away. For many travelers, the park is just a quick stop to take in the view, but those who spend a little more time in this coastal village will discover spectacular natural areas, one of the world’s most unique ports and surrounding outdoor... More
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Oregon Coast , Port Orford , Kayaking , Restaurants , Seafood , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Eat & Drink , Attractions ,

Road Trip: Wild Rivers Coast Farm Tour

March 11, 2016
While most travelers rarely linger along the 27-mile stretch of Highway 101 between Bandon and Port Orford, anyone interested in agritourism or farm fresh foods should slow down and discover some of the delicious local attractions on the Wild Rivers Coast. Not only will you be able to purchase the freshest regionally-grown produce, berries and… More
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Oregon Coast , Bandon , Farm & Ranch Stays , Culinary Experiences , Farmers Markets , Farms & Ranches , Trip Ideas , Eat & Drink ,

Explore Harris Beach State Park

November 6, 2015
It’s famous for sandy beaches, scenic rock formations, colorful tide pools, outstanding bird watching and frequently seen marine life. A visit to Harris Beach State Park in Brookings offers up the best of the breathtaking Oregon Coast with a wide variety of recreational and touring options nearby. Whether you have a weekend or a week, the attractions around Harris Beach will offer plenty to keep you busy and will leave you wanting to come back for more. More
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Oregon Coast , Brookings , State Parks , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Trip Ideas , Attractions ,

Favorite Stops on the Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway

October 12, 2015
Stunning ocean views, a historic lighthouse, Oregon’s most unique fishing port and river pools that glisten like gems in an indescribable palette of blue-greens await cyclists embarking on the new Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway. The recently designated Oregon Scenic Bikeway is a 60-mile route starting and ending in Port Orford with scenic stops all along the route including three scenic State Parks, the spectacular setting of the Cape Blanco Lighthouse and a 10-mile stretch of the nationally designated Wild and Scenic Elk River. More
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Oregon Coast , Port Orford , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Bicycling , Sustainable Travel , Trip Ideas , Attractions ,

Five Great Viewpoints on the Southern Oregon Coast

February 5, 2015
The Oregon Coast offers many amazing views of these and other spectacular natural areas that can be enjoyed by even the most casual sightseer. More
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Oregon Coast , Bandon , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Hiking Tour of the Oregon Coast

February 26, 2014
Traverse rainforest, discover picture-perfect ocean views or trek through an otherworldly landscape of seemingly endless giant sand dunes. Hikers will discover astonishing opportunities to explore the natural wonders of the Oregon Coast on trails in state parks from one end of the state to the other. There are many options, but for hikers who want… More
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Oregon Coast , State Parks , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Hiking & Backpacking , Trip Ideas , Attractions ,

A Wild River and Scenic Coastline in Gold Beach

October 29, 2013
A whisker-faced river otter pops his head out of the water just yards away from our boat. I manage to get off a single shot with my camera before it dives again and re-surfaces nearby. After watching the otter for a few minutes, we leave our fuzzy acquaintance to continue up the Rogue River aboard… More
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Oregon Coast , Gold Beach , Guides & Charters , Boating & Jet Boating , Trip Ideas ,

Top 10 Don’t-Miss Spots on the Oregon Coast

September 18, 2013
As the Travel Oregon Ask Oregon expert for the Coast, one of the most frequent questions I’m asked is “what are the things I shouldn’t miss on my trip to the Oregon Coast?” While the answer often depends on your interests, the experience that you are looking for and how long you have to explore,… More
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Oregon Coast , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,

Where to See Seals and Sea Lions on the Oregon Coast

September 6, 2013
There are many places along Oregon's 363-mile coastline where you are can see seals or sea lions in natural settings or in developed harbor areas. Simpson Reef off Cape Arago southwest of Coos Bay and the area around Sea Lion Caves north of Florence are among the most accessible and dependable areas for spotting Pinnipeds,… More
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Oregon Coast , Aquariums & Zoos , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions , Events ,

The Oregon Coast Rocks

August 27, 2013
It’s surely Oregon’s most photographed rock. It’s low tide and I can walk right up to the base of Haystack Rock on the edge of the shoreline in Cannon Beach. Overhead is the chatter of nesting seabirds. More
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Oregon Coast , State Parks , Parks, Forests & Wildlife Areas , Trip Ideas , Outdoor Recreation , Attractions ,