Airports in Okanogan County, Washington
Okanogan County covers 5,312 square miles of north-central Washington, making it the largest county by area in the state. With a population of 42,104 spread across rugged mountain valleys, high desert plateaus, and orchard-lined river corridors, general aviation is not a luxury here — it is a practical necessity. The county is home to eight public-use airports, serving communities from Oroville on the Canadian border to Brewster at the confluence of the Okanogan and Columbia rivers. Whether you are flying in to pick up a load of Honeycrisp apples, coordinate wildfire suppression operations, or explore the Methow Valley's world-class trail network, Okanogan County's airport system supports it all.
Omak Airport (KOMK)
Omak Airport, located three miles north of Omak near the city of Riverside, is the county's busiest general aviation facility. Originally constructed by the U.S. Army Air Forces around 1942, the airport features a single asphalt runway measuring 4,654 feet by 75 feet — the third-longest runway in North Central Washington. The airport supports cargo operations for FedEx and UPS and has historically served charter operators including Ameriflight and Empire Airlines. Its parallel taxiway, constructed in 1991, allows efficient movement of aircraft on the ground. Omak is the commercial hub of Okanogan County, and the airport reflects that energy, with consistent traffic tied to the agricultural and timber industries that anchor the local economy.
Methow Valley State Airport (S52)
Situated three miles southeast of Winthrop in the scenic Methow Valley, Methow Valley State Airport is widely regarded as the crown jewel of Washington's state-managed airport system. The airport features a 5,049-foot asphalt runway — the longest in the county — at an elevation of approximately 1,668 feet. Activated in December 1938, it is the only state-managed airport in Washington included in the FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). The airport provides 24-hour aviation fuel and hosts a U.S. Forest Service Smoke Jumper Base, making it a critical node in regional wildfire response. Winthrop draws tens of thousands of visitors annually for cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and Western-themed tourism, and the airport serves as a gateway for fly-in visitors arriving from Seattle and beyond.
Anderson Field — Brewster (S97)
Anderson Field sits 3.5 miles east of Brewster at an elevation of 914 feet, serving the lower Okanogan and Columbia River valleys. The airport occupies 64 acres, with a 4,000-foot by 60-foot asphalt runway and a full FBO facility. One of its most distinctive uses is agricultural aviation: the airport serves as a base for Sikorsky S-58 helicopters deployed to dry cherry orchards after rainfall, a critical service that prevents fruit cracking and protects millions of dollars in crop value. Brewster's position at the heart of Washington's cherry-growing region makes Anderson Field an important hub during the summer harvest season.
Dorothy Scott Airport — Oroville (0S7)
Dorothy Scott Airport, located two miles northeast of Oroville near the Canadian border, carries a name with historical significance. It is named after Dorothy Scott, a Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) who died during World War II — one of few airports in the nation to honor a female WWII aviator. Opened in August 1937, the airport features an asphalt runway exceeding 4,000 feet. As an international airport adjacent to the Oroville-Osoyoos port of entry, it supports cross-border general aviation operations into British Columbia. Oroville's location on Lake Osoyoos and the Okanogan River makes Dorothy Scott Airport a destination for fly-in fishing and recreational travel.
Okanogan Legion Airport (S35)
The county seat's own airfield, Okanogan Legion Airport, sits one nautical mile east of downtown Okanogan at an elevation of 1,042 feet. Its 2,533-foot by 36-foot runway accommodates smaller piston and turboprop aircraft, supporting local government operations, medical transport, and personal aviation. The airport covers 30 acres and offers basic tie-down facilities.
Twisp Municipal Airport (2S0) and Lost River Airport (W12)
Twisp Municipal Airport, one mile southeast of Twisp at 1,602 feet elevation, offers a 2,701-foot asphalt runway serving the southern Methow Valley. Lost River Airport in Mazama (W12), managed by the Lost River Airport Association, is a turf and gravel strip deep in the upper Methow Valley favored by backcountry pilots. Both airports provide essential access to communities that are hours from the nearest commercial airport, making general aviation an integral part of life in this remote but stunning region of Washington state.
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 9 Airports locations in Okanogan 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.
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.
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 Okanogan 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 Okanogan 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 2 Municipal Airport in Okanogan County, Washington.
Twisp Municipal Airport
Oroville Municipal Airport
Local Airports
There are 7 Local Airport in Okanogan County, Washington.
Methow Valley State Airport
Anderson Field Airport - S97
Hart Ranch Airport
Dickson Airport
Omak Airport
Dorothy Scott Airport
Stehekin State Airport
Residents of Okanogan 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 Okanogan, Douglas.
Frequently Asked Questions — Airports in Okanogan County, WA
Methow Valley State Airport (FAA identifier S52), located three miles southeast of Winthrop, has the longest runway in Okanogan County at 5,049 feet. It is the only state-managed airport in Washington included in the FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS), and it is commonly called the crown jewel of Washington's state airport system. Omak Airport (KOMK) has the second-longest runway at 4,654 feet and sees the highest volume of regular traffic, including cargo operations for FedEx and UPS.
Yes. Dorothy Scott Airport (FAA identifier 0S7) in Oroville is designated as an international airport. Situated two miles northeast of Oroville near the Oroville-Osoyoos port of entry on the U.S.-Canada border, it supports cross-border general aviation flights into British Columbia. The airport was named in honor of Dorothy Scott, a Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) killed during World War II, and it has been in operation since August 1937.
Aviation is deeply woven into Okanogan County's agricultural economy. Anderson Field in Brewster serves as a base for Sikorsky S-58 helicopters that dry cherry orchards following rainfall — a critical operation that prevents fruit cracking and protects one of the region's most valuable crops. Aerial application aircraft operating from county airports also support the apple, pear, and peach orchards that define the Okanogan Valley. For growers managing large landholdings across rugged terrain, aviation provides access and efficiency that ground-based equipment simply cannot match.
Methow Valley State Airport (S52) in Winthrop hosts a U.S. Forest Service Smoke Jumper Base, making it a key operational hub during fire season. Okanogan County is one of the most fire-prone regions in Washington, and the airport's 5,049-foot runway can accommodate larger airtankers and support aircraft used in suppression efforts. The airport's 24-hour fuel availability and state management ensure it remains operational during extended fire campaigns when other resources are stretched thin.
Methow Valley State Airport (S52) near Winthrop is the primary gateway for fly-in visitors to the Methow Valley. Its 5,049-foot runway accommodates a wide range of aircraft, and the airport offers 24-hour fuel. Winthrop is the valley's main hub for lodging, dining, and recreation. Backcountry pilots comfortable with turf and gravel surfaces often use Lost River Airport (W12) near Mazama for access to the upper valley. Twisp Municipal Airport (2S0) provides another option at the southern end of the valley with a 2,701-foot paved runway.
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.