Airports in Wasco County, Oregon: Private, Municipal, Regional(All)

Airports in Wasco County, Oregon

Wasco County, Oregon sits along the southern bank of the Columbia River in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, approximately 75 miles east of Portland via Interstate 84. With a county population of just over 25,200 and The Dalles serving as the county seat, Wasco County maintains a network of eight airports ranging from the county's primary general aviation facility to private ranch airstrips scattered across the high desert plateau. Whether you're a pilot based in the Gorge or a visitor arriving by air, understanding the county's aviation infrastructure is essential for planning travel to this historically rich and geographically dramatic region.

Columbia Gorge Regional / The Dalles Municipal Airport (KDLS)

The centerpiece of Wasco County aviation is Columbia Gorge Regional / The Dalles Municipal Airport, designated KDLS by the FAA (IATA code: DLS). Owned and operated by the Port of The Dalles, this 950-acre facility sits at an elevation of 246 feet above mean sea level just outside The Dalles city limits. The airport serves as the primary gateway for general aviation traffic into the Columbia Gorge region and eastern Wasco County.

KDLS features two paved asphalt runways capable of handling a wide range of general aviation and charter aircraft. Runway 13/31 measures 5,097 feet by 100 feet and serves as the primary runway, while Runway 7/25 offers a crosswind alternative at 4,647 feet by 100 feet. Both runways are paved asphalt in good condition. The airport hosts approximately 62 based aircraft, primarily single-engine and multi-engine piston aircraft serving local agricultural, recreational, and business aviation needs.

KDLS offers standard general aviation services including competitively priced fueling, a weather information center, and GPS instrument approach capability — important given the Gorge's tendency toward rapid weather changes, strong easterly winds, and seasonal low visibility. The Port of The Dalles has also developed a Business Park adjacent to the airfield featuring 17 shovel-ready lots with utilities and direct taxiway access, making KDLS an attractive location for aviation-related businesses and light industrial tenants.

Historically, The Dalles Municipal Airport supported limited commercial service: United Airlines operated Portland–Boise routes through the airport from 1953 to 1955. Today, no scheduled commercial airline service operates at KDLS. Travelers requiring commercial flights typically drive to Portland International Airport (PDX), 75 miles west, or Roberts Field (KRDM) in Redmond, Oregon, approximately 98 miles to the south, both of which offer full commercial service.

Wasco State Airport (35S)

Located in the town of Wasco in the northern part of the county, Wasco State Airport (FAA identifier: 35S) provides a second public-use paved facility in Wasco County. The airport features a single paved runway of 3,450 feet, sufficient for most single-engine and light twin-engine general aviation aircraft. Wasco State Airport primarily serves agricultural aviation, crop dusting operations, and transient pilots traveling across Oregon's wheat country. The surrounding landscape — broad wheat fields stretching across the plateau above the Columbia River — reflects the agricultural economy that has driven aviation activity in this part of Wasco County for decades.

Private Airstrips and Ranch Airports

Beyond the two public-use airports, Wasco County's vast rural landscape — the county covers 2,381 square miles — supports a collection of private airstrips serving ranches, farms, and rural properties. Known private landing areas within Wasco County include strips associated with Big Muddy Ranch, Nelson Ranch, Wapinitia, Shaniko Cattle, Shaniko Ranch, and Chenoweth Airpark. These facilities are privately owned and not available for public use without prior permission from the landowner. Pilots planning to use any of these strips should make direct contact with the owner and consult current NOTAMs and the FAA's Airport/Facility Directory for current status and restrictions.

Aviation Context in the Columbia River Gorge

Flying in and around Wasco County demands particular attention to local weather patterns. The Columbia River Gorge acts as a natural wind tunnel between the Cascades and the high desert, generating strong and variable winds — particularly the easterly winds that can exceed 35 knots at ground level. Summer temperatures in The Dalles regularly exceed 100°F, creating high-density-altitude conditions that reduce aircraft performance. Pilots operating into KDLS or 35S should carefully calculate weight and balance and performance data for hot-day departures. Instrument-rated pilots will appreciate KDLS's GPS approach capability, which provides access during the valley fog events that can sock in the Gorge during winter months.

Airport facilities in a county are typically governed by regional airport authorities or county commissions that oversee operations, safety standards, and capital improvements. There are 8 Airports locations in Wasco County, Oregon.

County residents can use this directory to identify which airports serve their area, whether they need commercial airline service, general aviation access, or cargo shipping connections. Contact the airport administration office directly for permitting, noise complaints, or facility inquiries.

Residents of Wasco County can contact their local airport authority for information about noise abatement programs, land use around airport property, and community engagement meetings. For flight bookings and airline services, visit the airport's official website directly.

You may also find Airports locations in neighboring counties including Wasco, Jefferson.

Frequently Asked Questions — Airports in Wasco County, Oregon

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How early should I arrive at the airport?

Most of the time, you should get to the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight and at least three hours before your international flight. This will allow you enough time to check in, pass through security, and make your way to your gate.

2. What should I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your flight is delayed or canceled, you should contact your airline as soon as possible. They will usually tell you what your options are, which could include getting a refund or rebooking on a later flight.

3. What is clear at the airport?

Clear is a TSA pre-check program that speeds up the security screening process for low-risk travelers who have already been approved.

Members of the Clear program are able to use dedicated security lanes where they do not have to remove items such as shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. This process allows for a faster and more convenient screening experience for Clear members.

To become a member of Clear, an individual must provide their biographic information and fingerprints for a background check, and then pay an annual fee.

4. Are masks required in airports?

The TSA will no longer require airport employees or patrons to wear a face covering or face mask inside the airport terminal or on airport-operated ground transportation.

5. Can you bring food through airport security?

Yes, you can bring food through airport security.

Solid foods like sandwiches, fruits, and granola bars, are allowed in your carry-on and checked baggage.

Some liquid and gel-like foods, such as yogurt, jelly, and hummus, are also permitted in your carry-on bag as long as they are in containers that hold 3.4 ounces or less.

6. How much is airport parking?

The cost of airport parking can vary greatly depending on the airport, the length of time you will be parked, and the type of parking spot you choose.

On average, hourly parking rates can range from $1-$4 per hour, while daily rates can range from $8-$30 per day. Long-term parking rates can range from $8-$20 per day.

7. Can I leave the airport during a layover?

Yes, If your layover is long enough, you may be able to leave the airport and explore the destination city. It's also a good idea to check with your airline to see if they offer any tours or other options for passengers with long layovers.

8. Can I sleep in an airport?

Yes, you can sleep in an airport, however, the amenities and comfort levels of sleeping in an airport can vary greatly depending on the airport you are in.

Some airports also offer amenities like sleeping pods, capsule hotels and lounges for passengers who want to rest or sleep before their flight. Some airlines also offer resting rooms or lounges for their premium customers.