Yreka, California: Your Guide to the Local Airport and Aviation Services
Yreka sits at the northern tip of California’s Shasta‑Cascade region, a historic Gold Rush town surrounded by the Klamath Mountains and the majestic Mount Shasta. With a population of roughly 8,000 residents and a growing community of outdoor enthusiasts, Yreka needs reliable air access for business travel, medical evacuations, and tourism. The primary gateway for these needs is the Yreka State Airport, commonly referred to as the Yreka airport, which lies just two miles north of the city’s historic downtown district.
The Yreka airport (IATA: REI, FAA LID: REI) is a public‑use general‑aviation facility owned by the City of Yreka. It occupies 200 acres at 3775 Airport Road, directly adjacent to the intersection of Highway 3 and Airport Road. The airfield sits at an elevation of 2,728 feet above sea level and features a single asphalt runway designated 12/30 that measures 4,000 feet in length and 75 feet in width. This runway size comfortably supports single‑engine pistons, light twins, and small business jets such as the Cessna Citation II. The runway is equipped with medium‑intensity runway lighting (MIRL) and a visual approach slope indicator (VASI) on both ends, allowing night operations up to 30 minutes after sunset during summer months. Yreka’s climate features dry, crisp winters and occasional fog in the valleys, so pilots often rely on the airport’s automated weather observing system (AWOS) that provides real‑time wind, temperature, and visibility data.
Yreka Airport Locations – One Central Hub for the Community
Unlike larger metropolitan areas that spread aviation across multiple airports, Yreka’s aviation footprint is concentrated in a single, well‑maintained facility. The Yreka State Airport is the only airport in Yreka that offers a permanent terminal building, a fixed‑base operator (FBO) called Yreka Aviation Services, and a self‑serve fuel station providing 100LL avgas and Jet‑A fuel. The airport office is located on the west side of the terminal, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached by phone at (530) 725‑2262. For visitors searching “airport office hours Yreka,” the schedule above is the official operating window. The airport’s north fence runs alongside the Yreka River Greenway, offering scenic views of the Yreka River and the foothills of Mount Shasta, a popular backdrop for aerial photographers.
Because the airport sits just north of the historic district, it is easily reachable from the East Yreka neighborhood via Airport Road, and from the West Yreka residential area via the same route. The airport’s proximity to the Yreka Regional Medical Center (approximately 3.5 miles) makes it a critical hub for air‑ambulance services, especially during wildfire season when rapid transport is essential.
How to Reach the Airport in Yreka – Driving, Public Transit, and Ride‑Share Options
For drivers, the most direct route to the Yreka airport is to travel north on Highway 3 from downtown Yreka for about 2 miles, then turn east onto Airport Road. The journey typically takes 5–7 minutes, depending on traffic. Visitors staying in the historic downtown hotels, such as the historic Yreka Inn, can park in the city’s municipal parking lot on Main Street and walk the short 0.6‑mile distance to the airport entrance.
Public transportation in Yreka is limited, but the Siskiyou County Transit (SCT) Route 28 provides a twice‑daily shuttle from the Yreka Transit Center (located at 212 S. Main Street) to the airport terminal during peak business‑hour periods. The shuttle departs at 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., making it a convenient “airport near me” solution for residents of the South Yreka neighborhood. During the annual Yreka Harvest Festival, temporary shuttle buses run from the downtown parking lot at 150 N. Main Street directly to the airport terminal, providing free transport for festival participants.
Ride‑share services such as Uber and Lyft operate in Yreka, and the average fare from downtown to the airport is $12–$15. For those who prefer to bike, a dedicated bike lane runs along Airport Road, offering a safe 2‑mile ride from the Riverfront Park area to the terminal.
Airport Services in Yreka – What Pilots and Travelers Can Expect
Yreka Aviation Services, the on‑site FBO, offers a full suite of services that include 24‑hour self‑serve fuel, aircraft parking (both tied‑down and hangar space), and a modest pilot lounge equipped with Wi‑Fi, a weather briefing station, and a small conference room. The pilot lounge also includes a small kitchenette, a flight planning computer, and a bulletin board featuring local flight schools such as Siskiyou Flight Academy, which offers private pilot training and tailwheel endorsements. The FBO also provides aircraft maintenance through a licensed A&P mechanic, with an average turnaround time of 2 hours for routine inspections.
For pilots searching “where is the airport in Yreka,” the coordinates are 41.7206° N, 122.6361° W, and the facility is clearly marked on the California State Aeronautical Chart. The airport’s instrument approach procedures include a GPS‑based RNAV (Yreka) approach, allowing safe landings in low‑visibility conditions common during winter months.
Medical evacuation services are coordinated through the Yreka Regional Medical Center’s air‑medical unit, which uses a dedicated helipad located on the southeast side of the airport. The helipad is within 0.2 miles of the main runway, enabling rapid transfer of patients to the hospital’s trauma center.
Closest Commercial Airports to Yreka – Options for Scheduled Flights
While the Yreka State Airport handles general aviation, passengers needing scheduled airline service typically travel to Redding Municipal Airport (RDD), located approximately 45 miles south via I‑5. RDD offers daily flights on Alaska Airlines and United Express to Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. For those residing in the Yreka Downtown or the West Hill neighborhoods, the drive to RDD takes roughly 55 minutes.
Another alternative is the Medford Airport (MFR) in Oregon, about 95 miles north along Highway 97. Medford provides additional carrier options, including American Eagle and Alaska Airlines, with direct connections to Portland and San Diego. The “closest airport to Yreka” search often returns both RDD and MFR, but the Yreka airport remains the most convenient “airport near me” for private aircraft and charter services.
Why Yreka Airport Is Essential for Local Businesses and Tourism
Yreka’s economy relies on timber, agriculture, and a growing tourism sector centered around outdoor recreation in the Klamath Mountains and the nearby Mount Shasta. The Yreka airport enables quick access for corporate executives, land‑use consultants, and tourists arriving by private plane. In 2023, the airport recorded 12,450 aircraft operations, with a 6 % increase over the previous year, reflecting the region’s expanding demand for air travel. Each spring, the airport hosts a fly‑in breakfast for local aviation clubs, drawing aircraft from the broader Siskiyou County area.
The airport’s 2023 economic impact study estimated $2.3 million in direct and indirect spending for the region, supporting five full‑time jobs and dozens of part‑time positions. Yreka’s historic downtown, the Yreka Carnegie Library, and the “Old Yreka” museum are all within a 10‑minute walk from the terminal, encouraging visitors to explore the city after landing. For anyone searching “Yreka airport phone number,” the direct line to the airport office remains (530) 725‑2262, staffed by knowledgeable personnel who can arrange fuel orders, ground handling, and local transportation.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major California Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Yreka, California.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 0 Regional Airport in Yreka, California.
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 0 Municipal Airport in Yreka, California.
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Yreka, California.
Happy Camp Airport - 36S
Butte Valley Airport - A32
Planning a trip to Yreka State Airport? Below you’ll find the most frequently asked questions about the airport’s location, services, and transportation options, all tailored to the needs of Yreka residents and visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions — Yreka Airport Services
What is the address and phone number of the Yreka airport office?
The Yreka State Airport office is located at 3775 Airport Road, Yreka, CA 96097, and can be reached by phone at (530) 725-2262.
How far is the Yreka airport from downtown Yreka and the Yreka Regional Medical Center?
The airport is approximately 2 miles north of downtown Yreka via Highway 3 and about 3.5 miles east of the Yreka Regional Medical Center, a drive of roughly 7–8 minutes.
Which commercial airports are the closest to Yreka for scheduled airline service?
The nearest commercial airports are Redding Municipal Airport (RDD) about 45 miles south and Medford Airport (MFR) roughly 95 miles north, both offering daily airline connections to major hubs.
What fuel services and operating hours are available at the Yreka airport?
Yreka Aviation Services provides 24‑hour self‑serve 100LL avgas and Jet‑A fuel, while the airport office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Is there a public transportation option to get from Yreka downtown to the airport?
Yes, Siskiyou County Transit Route 28 runs a shuttle from the Yreka Transit Center to the airport terminal twice daily at 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., offering a convenient ‘airport near me’ solution for downtown residents.
Whether you are a private pilot, a business traveler, or a tourist exploring the Klamath Mountains, Yreka’s airport provides convenient, reliable access to the heart of Northern California. For any additional inquiries, call the airport office at (530) 725‑2262 or visit the facility during regular business hours.