I have talked about island hopping in the Bahamas and Michigan before but, this time, we’re traveling to Washington State. It is easy to create a circular air trail around them. Consider embarking on your journey with a full tank of fuel. Source: Federal Aviation Administration The closest island coming from Seattle is Decatur. While there are two airports on the island (WN07 – Decatur Shores Airport and WA18 – Decatur (Jones) Airport), they are both private and prior permission from the owners is required to pay a visit. Next door neighbor, Center Island, also has a private airport (78WA). While they do not allow training flights, they seem amiable to visitors. Going westbound, Lopez Island is the first island with a public use airport (S31). It has a single runway, 2,905 ft long. Do your density altitude calculations in the summer, but at least it’s a sea level! Keep in mind they have a landing fee, too. Source: San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau And then you’re in San Juan Island proper. There are a few options:
Keep in mind there is Canadian airspace to the west of San Juan Island and north of Stuart Island and Waldron Island as you are coming around. The next big island is Orcas Island. There, you can find Orcas Island Airport (KORS). It is my favorite of this air trail. It is in a pretty area, especially looking at it southward towards the East Sound. In addition to a courtesy car, the Airport also has a few bicycles to offer for pilot (and passenger) usage. They even have a BBQ pit and a shower should you need them after your bike ride. What a fun day! You can even camp out overnight, if you’d like. And, to make it even more appealing, it has a 24 hr 100LL self-service pump. Check the airport website for more information: https://www.portoforcas.com/. Source: WSDOT Blakely Island Airport (38WA) is another beautiful airport community that requires prior permission. This one with a 2,200 paved runway with a higher elevation middle section than either of the ends. There are a few other private airstrips around. Keep them in mind in case of emergency. Because these are all small islands, getting around could involve getting a taxi, renting a scooter, bringing your bicycle (did someone say portable ebike!? I’m looking at you, Montague!), or simply walking. Renting a bicycle is also an option in some of the islands. For example, from Cycle San Juan near KFHR. You can plan different activities to do at each of the stops. Some of those activities can include: biking, hiking, swimming or just hanging out at a beach, kayaking, going on a wildlife/boat tour, dining (I can hear oysters being shucked, yum!), camping, or shopping to name a few. The local Visitors Bureau has an informative website to help you trip plan: https://www.visitsanjuans.com/. You can also order a free brochure and map of the islands here: https://www.visitsanjuans.com/printed-guide.
You know the drill... fly safe and fly often! Whatever you decide to do, I’m sure it’ll be fun!
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