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

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.

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 10 Airports locations in Lewis County, Washington.

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 Lewis 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 Lewis.

Frequently Asked Questions — Airports in Lewis County, Washington

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.