Congratulations on becoming a pilot! You have joined the ranks of an elite group and now it is time to enjoy the benefits.
Here are some suggested trips to enjoy with family and friends. Send your pictures and pireps to our administration team so we can keep content current.
Have fun and fly safe.
Located 70 NM miles north of Renton, Friday Harbor Airport is a favorite destination for both new and experienced pilots. This quick day trip is a perfect way to provide family and friends a memorable experience with views of the Cascade Mountains and San Juan Islands along the way.
Instead of flying direct, consider flying up the east side while enjoying views of the Cascades. A direct route may take you offshore and outside of glide range of land, depending on altitude. If you fly towards KBVS and then proceed west there are many small airports along the way should you have an emergency. Flight following is highly recommended as there can be a lot of traffic, especially on sunny days.
Tie down parking is available on the NE side of the runway.
Overnight parking is $15.
The pedestrian gate adjacent to ramp provides access to public roads – be sure to note code to get back in.
Getting downtown is an easy 15 min walk or local taxi service is available.
Being a small town, Uber service may be limited.
In the downtown area there are a variety of small stores including boutiques, art and gifts. A number of restaurants, taverns and wine bars are sure to cover most anyone’s preference. The Blue Water Bar & Grill is a consistent favorite where you can enjoy good food overlooking the ferry terminal and harbor.
*Mountain Training Recommended
Located 95 NM to the East of Renton is one of the top Pacific Northwest destinations for summer travelers. Lake Chelan is normally a four-hour drive on the road so this 1.5 hour flight is a pilot favorite for a weekend get-away.
Approaching the airport is picturesque, with deep canyons and high peaks. Landing here is a special very memorable experience.
Flying direct over rugged terrain is discouraged. Not only are there limited emergency landing areas enroute but high terrain can exceed aircraft performance, especially when heavy and a high-density altitude. The preferred route follows either I-90 or Hwy-2 across the Cascades until you are on the east side. From Wenatchee it is a short hop up the Columbia River to the airport NE of town.
Tie down parking is available on the N side of the runway. The FBO is intermittently staffed but has a courtesy car available first come, first serve. (Check for current COVID restrictions) Pilots are asked to return the car fueled for next user and a small donation is appreciated. Alternatively, taxi service is available for the 3-mile drive to town and Uber may or may not be available.
Once in town there are many hotels, VRBOs and restaurants to choose from. A variety of shopping is found on main street and for those who enjoy water sports, watercraft and boat rentals are available. Slide Waters waterpark is a favorite for kids while adults golf at Bear Mountain Ranch.
*Mountain Training Recommended
Looking for a little more adventure?
The self proclaimed "Pilot's Paradise," Sun River Resort is 219 NM south of Renton on the rolling East foothills of the Cascade Mountains in central Oregon. A trip normally 8-9 hours by car is only a 2 hour flight giving you more time to enjoy the destination as well as the journey.
This award-winning resort operates a private airport on property for easy access to all amenities. If you are searching for a fun, romantic weekend – look no further.
You will be following the Cascades from takeoff to touch down on the flight. Like flying to Chelan, a direct route is not recommended due to rugged terrain. Instead, consider following I5 down to Portland (check out mount St Helens on the way), turn east up the Columbia River gorge and continue south on the east side from the Dalles. Be sure to wave at all the traffic below that spend 8+ hours driving vs you making the trip in 2! If weather is an issue on the west, fly to Ellensburg and then south on the east side of Cascades. Temperatures are generally higher on the east side resulting in more convection and turbulence.
FBO staff are very friendly and reservations are recommended. Courtesy bicycles are available for the short mile ride around airport to resort restaurants. If you are staying at resort, a courtesy shuttle will pick you up at FBO.
A full list of activities can be found on Sun River Resort website. Whether you golf, bike or just relax by the pool, there is something for everyone. A favorite of everyone is renting a boat, kayak or paddle boat for a leisurely float down the Deschutes River where you enjoy fantastic scenery and wildlife along the way.
Shuttle service is also available to Bend, the nearest town. Shopping downtown stores and lunch by the river is highly recommended for those new to the area.
Great family day trip!
Just SW of Portland you will find one of the best aviation museums in the country. The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, home to the Spruce Goose, is right across the street from airport along with The Wings and Waves Waterpark.
This easy flight follows I5 south to Portland, just west of mount St Helens. Flight following is highly recommended due to dense traffic around PDX and HIO airports.
Parking available at FBO ramp. It is an easy walk to Museum but a shuttle will provide pick up upon request.
The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum should be on every pilot’s bucket list! Fantastic collection of aircraft and space vehicles.
Bring kids and swimsuits to enjoy Wings and Waves waterslides from a 747 mounted on top of building! Enjoy their Milky Way Cafe for Lunch, or bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy in thier Oak Grove outside the park.
141 NM south of Renton is a small town with a lot to offer. Nestled in a valley facing the Pacific Ocean is the Tillamook airport with local access to an aviation museum and the Tillamook Creamery.
This is a great day trip to enjoy a scenic flight along the coast and even camp at the airport.
Weather conditions permitting, this is a fun flight to enjoy down the coastline. Fly over to Hoquiam and follow the coast south.
FBO may not be attended but there is a courtesy car available, first come first serve. Alternatively, taxi service will provide transport to town short distance away.
The Tillamook Air Museum is on-airport in an old blimp hanger. They have a nice collection of vintage aircraft worth checking out.
A drive into town using the airport curtesy car will get you to the Tillamook Creamery where you can enjoy a tour ending with delectable samples! You can also purchas a meal, ice cream cone, or both from their in-house restaurant. Dont miss the exclusive Factory flavors! Avaialble only from the freezer section of thier gift shop which is filled with other local goodies too.
For the more adventurous, pack your tent. Camping is available just outside airport fence with picnic tables and restroom.
*Mountain Training Recommended
Idaho has many great places to visit but few are better than Sandpoint.
Located on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, this 233 NM flight across Washington State offers scenic views including Grand Coulee dam.
Follow I90 eastward and it’s a pretty direct route all the way to Couer d’Alene. From there it’s a short hop north into Sandpoint.
A great FBO that may have bikes available. Otherwise, it is a short drive into town via taxi.
Downtown Sandpoint has a great collection of shops and restaurants. The Lodge at Sandpoint is located directly on the lake where you can enjoy watercraft rentals, fishing charters or sunset wine tasting cruises.
*Mountain Training Recommended
McCall may be an old logging town but has certainly reinvented itself as an outdoor paradise while keeping its rustic roots. At 300 NM it is close enough to fly in a few hours but normally take a day driving. Whether you visit for a short weekend or a full vacation, McCall will not disappoint.
Head over the YKM via I90 and ELN. After YKM and direct route to KMYL will keep you clear of airspace and terrain. Multiple airports enroute including KPSC, KALW and KJSY make good diversion points should you have trouble enroute. The last hour of the flight includes spectacular views of Eagles Cap and Hells Canyon Wilderness Areas. Just remember - field elevation at McCall is 5,000' so plan performance accordingly.
McCall Aviation is located at the NE end of the airport with ample ramp space. Tie-down ropes are available in limited supply so it's a good idea to bring your own set. Parking is $5/night paid to airport in envelope. FBO is very friendly and happy to assist with anything you need. The heart of downtown is a short 1 mile walk but FBO may be able to drive you and bags nearby. No Uber available and it's a one-taxi size town. But unless you pack heavy, everything is easily within walking distance.
McCall offers a variety of recreation for all ages and interests. Hiking, golfing, bird watching and much more easily fills days of leisure activity. From personal experience, I highly recommend renting bicycles at McCall Sports and riding the scenic road through Ponderosa State Park. This roughly 10-mile trip weaves through a Pine forest with wildlife and views of surrounding lake and mountains. A 4-hour bike rental is ample time to complete trip and get back before afternoon heat.
Cool down from the afternoon sun on Lake Payette. Rent a boat or JetSki from Mile High Marina and tour the shorelines or work your ski legs. Be sure to take a break at the sandy north shore beach. Boater safety course is not required but you will watch a 15-min safety video and reservations highly recommended.
There are many dining options available downtown. For breakfast you must try The Pancake House for heaping portions in an old lodge-style building. If you are in the mood for a juicy burger try My Father’s Place. Be sure to get in line early at this popular spot as they are only open between 11:00 and 5:30. For a wonderful dinner and cocktails, make a reservation at Rupert’s in advance. The menu is limited but will not disappoint. Otherwise, try one of the local breweries, pizza parlors, bistros and cafes. Just be sure to stop by Ice Cream Alley before you leave for a gigantic scoop of goodness.
If you are looking for a working vacation, check out McCall Mountain Canyon Flying. There are few in the US more experienced than Lori and her team. Spending a few days with them flying backcountry Idaho will prepare you for mountain flying almost anywhere.
