Airports in Klickitat County, Washington: Private, Municipal, Regional(All)

Airports in Klickitat County, Washington

Klickitat County, Washington, occupies 1,904 square miles of dramatic terrain in south-central Washington, stretching from the Columbia River Gorge north through the Simcoe Mountains and Horse Heaven Hills. With a population of 22,735 spread across a largely rural landscape, the county's aviation infrastructure reflects the region's character — a mix of practical general aviation facilities serving agricultural, recreational, and governmental needs. From the county seat of Goldendale to the river towns of White Salmon and Bingen, residents and visitors rely on a network of local airports and quick access to major commercial hubs to connect with the wider world.

Goldendale Airport (S20)

The primary public-use airport serving the county seat is Goldendale Airport, designated by the FAA with the identifier S20. Located near Goldendale — a city of approximately 3,600 residents and the governmental heart of Klickitat County — this municipal facility supports general aviation operations for the northern and central portions of the county. Pilots flying into Goldendale gain access to the county's administrative services, the Goldendale Observatory State Park (one of the largest public telescopes in the nation), and the surrounding agricultural lands where wheat farming dominates the high plateau. The airport serves crop dusters, recreational pilots, and charter operations that would otherwise face a lengthy drive to reach the nearest commercial terminal.

Columbia Gorge Regional Airport (DLS)

For the most active general aviation facility in the Klickitat County area, pilots turn to Columbia Gorge Regional Airport, FAA identifier KDLS (IATA: DLS), located in Dallesport, Washington. Operated by the Port of Klickitat, this 997-acre airport sits at an elevation of 247 feet MSL along the Columbia River and serves as a key aviation hub for the entire Columbia River Gorge region. The airport features two paved runways — Runway 13/31 measuring 5,097 by 100 feet and Runway 7/25 at 4,647 by 100 feet — capable of handling a wide range of aircraft from small single-engine planes to business jets.

Columbia Gorge Regional records approximately 16,282 aircraft operations annually, averaging 45 operations per day. The traffic mix breaks down to roughly 84% general aviation, 11% air taxi, and 5% military operations, reflecting both its civilian utility and its proximity to regional defense activities. Located approximately 32 miles by road from Goldendale, KDLS provides Klickitat County businesses and agricultural operations with a full-service facility including fueling, maintenance, and hangar space. The Port of Klickitat has long promoted the airport as a catalyst for economic development, supporting industries ranging from fruit shipping to wind energy — Klickitat County is home to extensive wind farms that have transformed the local economy.

Port Elsner Airport (75WA)

On the western edge of Klickitat County near the town of White Salmon, Port Elsner Airport (FAA: 75WA) offers private aviation services at 284 feet MSL elevation. Located at 83 Oak Ridge Road, White Salmon, WA 98672, this 35-acre facility features a grass runway (Runway 17/35) measuring 2,800 by 60 feet. Port Elsner provides hangars, maintenance facilities, and parking for based aircraft, making it a convenient option for pilots operating in the White Salmon and Bingen corridor. The airport sits roughly 4 miles north of White Salmon, offering sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood to the south.

Spring Creek Ranch Airport (WA66)

Also serving the White Salmon area is Spring Creek Ranch Airport (FAA: WA66), a private airstrip situated approximately 5 miles north of White Salmon at 475 feet MSL. With a runway oriented 18/36, this 150-acre private facility supports agricultural and estate aviation operations in the fertile benchlands above the Columbia River. While not open to the public, its presence underscores the area's active private aviation community.

Ken Jernstedt Airfield — Hood River, Oregon (4S2)

Residents of Bingen and White Salmon, located along the Columbia River at Klickitat County's western edge, are just minutes from Ken Jernstedt Airfield (FAA: 4S2) across the river in Hood River, Oregon. Named in honor of Kenneth Jernstedt — a decorated World War II Flying Tigers pilot and former Mayor of Hood River — this public general aviation airport lies approximately 2 miles south of downtown Hood River and roughly 4–5 miles from Bingen by bridge. The airfield serves as a practical general aviation resource for western Klickitat County residents who can cross the Hood River Bridge to access its facilities.

Commercial Air Travel: Portland PDX and Yakima YKM

For commercial airline travel, Klickitat County residents primarily rely on Portland International Airport (PDX), Oregon's largest airport and a major hub for Alaska Airlines, Delta, Southwest, United, and international carriers. White Salmon and Bingen lie approximately 62 miles from PDX via Interstate 84 and the Hood River Bridge, while Goldendale is roughly 105 miles from the airport. PDX offers nonstop service to dozens of domestic destinations and connections to international hubs worldwide, making it the clear first choice for Klickitat County travelers.

Yakima Air Terminal/McAllister Field (YKM), located approximately 91 miles northeast of the county, provides a secondary commercial option with regional jet service. Served by Alaska Airlines with connections through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), YKM offers an alternative for residents in the northern portions of Klickitat County who may find Yakima more convenient than the longer drive to Portland.

Frequently Asked Questions: Airports in Klickitat County, WA