Airports in Lewis County, Washington
Lewis County, Washington is home to a diverse network of aviation facilities spread across its 2,436 square miles of southwestern Washington terrain — from the Cascade foothills to the Chehalis River valley. With 18 airports in total, including 4 public-use facilities and 14 private airstrips, the county supports general aviation operations ranging from recreational flying and skydiving to agricultural services and emergency staging. Whether you're a pilot seeking fuel and services or a resident planning air travel, understanding Lewis County's airport infrastructure is essential.
Chehalis-Centralia Airport (CLS / KCLS)
The primary public-use airport serving Lewis County is Chehalis-Centralia Airport, located at 900 NW Airport Road in Chehalis, Washington. Operating under the FAA identifier KCLS and IATA code CLS, this city-owned general aviation facility has been a cornerstone of regional aviation since its origins as Donahoe Field in 1927. The airport's single runway — designated 16/34 — measures 5,000 feet long by 140 feet wide with a concrete surface maintained in excellent condition. Situated at an elevation of 170.9 feet above sea level, KCLS handles approximately 50,000 flight operations annually, making it one of the busier general aviation airports in southwest Washington.
Chehalis-Centralia Airport offers 24-hour self-serve fuel, making it a reliable stop for cross-country pilots traveling the I-5 corridor between Seattle and Portland. The airport campus is integrated into a broader commercial district featuring retail and dining options adjacent to the facility, giving transient pilots convenient access to services on the ground. The airport generates significant economic value for the region — supporting over 1,100 jobs and contributing approximately $7.8 million annually to Washington state's economy, with $1.2 million in local tax revenue. The City of Chehalis became the sole owner of the airport in 2013, consolidating governance after decades of joint operation.
Historically, Chehalis-Centralia Airport was commandeered for military use during World War II, interrupting its civilian role. In the postwar era it returned to public use and briefly saw commercial airline service through West Coast Airlines from the mid-1940s to the late 1950s. Today it operates exclusively as a general aviation facility, serving private pilots, flight training operations, charter services, and corporate aircraft.
South Lewis County Airport — Ed Carlson Memorial Field (TDO / KTDO)
Located 3 nautical miles north of Toledo's central business district, South Lewis County Airport — officially named Ed Carlson Memorial Field — is the county's second major public-use airport. It carries the FAA identifier KTDO and sits at an elevation of 374 feet above sea level on 95 acres of county-owned land. Its single runway, designated 6/24, stretches 4,479 feet by 150 feet with an asphalt surface.
KTDO holds a distinguished place in Lewis County aviation history. The Toledo Flying Club, one of the oldest flying clubs in Washington, has called this airport home since its founding in 1938. A skydiving school has operated here since 1972, making it a center for sport aviation in the region. The airport also plays a critical emergency management role: it serves as a primary staging site during natural disasters, with its wide runway and open ramp space accommodating large transport aircraft during flood and wildfire response operations. A 2020 improvement project included runway repainting and a full reconstruction of the taxiway with updated lighting systems.
Additional Public Airports
Strom Field Airport (39P) in Morton and Packwood Airport (55S) in Packwood round out the public-use airport inventory in Lewis County. Both serve pilots accessing the eastern portions of the county near the Cascade Range, providing essential access to communities that would otherwise be remote from the county's western aviation hubs.
Private Airstrips Across Lewis County
Lewis County's rural landscape supports 14 private airports and airstrips, including facilities in Centralia, Chehalis, Curtis, Ethel, Morton, Napavine, Oakville, Onalaska, Randle, Toledo, and Winlock. Notable among these is Burnt Ridge Airstrip (WN74) near Onalaska — a 2,000-foot private strip at 1,070 feet elevation on 30 acres, active since 1987. Many private airstrips in the county may accommodate visiting pilots by prior arrangement with the property owner.
Commercial Air Travel Access
Lewis County does not currently have scheduled commercial airline service. The nearest commercial airports are Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), approximately 77 miles north via I-5 (roughly 1 hour 26 minutes by car), and Portland International Airport (PDX), approximately 86 miles south (roughly 1 hour 28 minutes). Both airports offer extensive domestic and international connections, making Lewis County well-positioned between two major aviation hubs despite having no commercial service of its own.
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 Virginia 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 Hanover County, Virginia.
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 Hanover County, Virginia.
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 1 Municipal Airport in Hanover County, Virginia.
Hanover County Municipal Airport - Ofp
Local Airports
There are 3 Local Airport in Hanover County, Virginia.
Cool Water Airport
Christians Airport
Rockville Airport
Frequently Asked Questions — Airports in Lewis County, Washington
The primary public-use airport in Lewis County is Chehalis-Centralia Airport (CLS / KCLS), located at 900 NW Airport Road in Chehalis. It features a 5,000-foot concrete runway (16/34), 24-hour self-serve fuel, and handles approximately 50,000 flight operations per year. The airport is city-owned and serves general aviation — private pilots, flight training, and corporate aircraft. It is not served by commercial airlines.
Ed Carlson Memorial Field, also known as South Lewis County Airport (TDO / KTDO), is a county-owned general aviation airport located 3 nautical miles north of Toledo, Washington. Its 4,479-foot asphalt runway (6/24) sits at 374 feet elevation on 95 acres. The airport is home to the Toledo Flying Club (est. 1938) and a skydiving school active since 1972. It also serves as a key emergency staging area during natural disasters such as floods and wildfires in the region.
Lewis County residents have two major commercial airport options. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is approximately 77 miles north of Chehalis via Interstate 5, with a typical drive time of about 1 hour 26 minutes. Portland International Airport (PDX) is approximately 86 miles south, reachable in roughly 1 hour 28 minutes. Both airports offer extensive domestic and international routes, and Lewis County's central location on the I-5 corridor makes either option practical depending on destination and airline preference.
Lewis County has 18 airports in total — 4 public-use airports and 14 private airstrips. The public airports are Chehalis-Centralia Airport (CLS) in Chehalis, Ed Carlson Memorial Field (TDO) in Toledo, Strom Field (39P) in Morton, and Packwood Airport (55S) in Packwood. The 14 private airstrips are scattered across communities including Centralia, Onalaska, Randle, Ethel, Winlock, Napavine, and Oakville, supporting agricultural, recreational, and personal aviation throughout the county.
Yes. Chehalis-Centralia Airport (KCLS) provides 24-hour self-serve aviation fuel, making it a convenient fuel stop for pilots flying along the I-5 corridor between Seattle and Portland. The airport campus is integrated with an adjacent commercial district that includes retail stores and restaurants, giving transient pilots ground-level amenities without needing to arrange transportation. The airport does not have a control tower, operating as an uncontrolled field using standard traffic advisory procedures on the published CTAF frequency.