Airports in Clallam County, Washington
Clallam County occupies the northwestern tip of Washington State's Olympic Peninsula, bordered by the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Its remote geography and rugged terrain make air travel a practical necessity for many residents and visitors, connecting this sparsely populated county of roughly 77,000 people to Seattle and beyond. Whether you're heading to the Olympic National Park wilderness, the fishing ports of Sekiu, or the historic waterfront of Port Angeles, understanding the county's airport infrastructure helps you plan your journey efficiently.
William R. Fairchild International Airport (CLM)
The primary commercial and general aviation hub for Clallam County is William R. Fairchild International Airport, located in Port Angeles approximately two miles southwest of downtown. Serving as the county seat's gateway, CLM sits at an elevation of 291 feet above sea level and features a single runway (Runway 8/26) stretching 6,347 feet — long enough to accommodate turboprops and regional jets. The airport is owned and operated by the Port of Port Angeles and handles a mix of scheduled passenger service, cargo operations, charter flights, and general aviation activity.
San Juan Airlines and Kenmore Air have historically provided scheduled floatplane and fixed-wing connections between Port Angeles and Seattle's Lake Union, while charter operators serve the broader Olympic Peninsula. The terminal building offers basic passenger amenities including ticketing, waiting areas, and ground transportation coordination. Car rental services are available on-site, and the airport maintains instrument approach procedures that allow operations in the frequently overcast conditions common to the Pacific Northwest maritime climate.
For pilots, CLM is a controlled airport with an operating control tower during daylight hours. It offers 100LL avgas and Jet-A fueling, aircraft maintenance services, and tie-down/hangar facilities managed by local FBOs. The airport's relatively long runway and instrument capabilities make it one of the more capable general aviation facilities on the Olympic Peninsula.
Sekiu Airport (W28)
Located near the small fishing community of Sekiu on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Sekiu Airport is a privately owned public-use general aviation strip that serves the remote western reaches of Clallam County. The airport features a single turf runway (Runway 7/25) of approximately 2,400 feet and is uncontrolled, with pilots using common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) for self-announce procedures. Sekiu is popular with sport pilots, bush fliers, and fishing enthusiasts accessing the renowned salmon and halibut fisheries of the Strait.
Due to its turf surface and limited length, Sekiu Airport is best suited to light single-engine aircraft operating in favorable weather. There are no on-site services, so pilots should plan for fuel at CLM or other nearby fields. The airport serves a critical access role in an area where driving times to Port Angeles exceed an hour along winding Highway 112.
Neah Bay Airport (1S9)
Situated on the Makah Indian Reservation at the very northwestern tip of the contiguous United States, Neah Bay Airport provides air access to one of the most geographically isolated communities in Washington State. The airport has a single paved runway of approximately 2,500 feet at an elevation of 153 feet. It primarily serves the Makah Tribe, emergency medical services, and general aviation visitors drawn to Cape Flattery — the northwesternmost point in the lower 48 states — and the world-class surfing at Hobuck Beach.
Operations at Neah Bay require careful planning given the coastal weather patterns, including frequent marine fog, low ceilings, and wind-driven precipitation off the Pacific. The airport is uncontrolled and lacks on-site fuel or maintenance. Pilots accessing Neah Bay are advised to monitor NOTAMs carefully and carry sufficient fuel reserves from Port Angeles.
Closest Major Hub: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
For commercial air travel connecting Clallam County residents to national and international destinations, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) remains the primary hub, located approximately 90 miles southeast of Port Angeles by road — a two-hour drive under normal conditions, or accessible via the Coho Ferry across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Victoria followed by connections. SEA serves over 200 destinations with major carriers including Alaska Airlines, Delta, United, American, Southwest, and numerous international airlines. Most Clallam County residents flying commercially route through CLM or drive to SEA depending on their destination and schedule.
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 Washington 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.
William R Fairchild International Airport - Clm
Grand View International Airport
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 Clallam County, Washington.
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 Clallam County, Washington.
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 Clallam County, Washington.
Local Airports
There are 9 Local Airport in Clallam County, Washington.