Easton State Airport (ESW)

Easton State Airport (ESW) is a unique public-use general aviation facility owned and managed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Aviation Division. Nestled in the scenic Kittitas County near the town of Easton, the airport serves as a critical mountain pass escape and a premier destination for recreational pilots exploring the Cascade Range. Due to its high elevation and the challenging winter weather of the Pacific Northwest, the airport is typically open only during the summer season, from June 1st to October 1st. The airfield is characterized by its single turf runway (9/27), which measures 2,640 feet in length and 100 feet in width. As an unattended facility, it does not feature a traditional passenger terminal or commercial services; instead, it offers a rustic and natural aviation experience. Pilots are encouraged to perform an overflight before landing to check the condition of the grass strip, which can become soft after rainfall, and to remain vigilant for local wildlife such as deer and elk that frequently visit the field. Easton State is particularly popular within the regional flying community for its ample space dedicated to aircraft camping. The airport is maintained through a partnership with the Boeing Employees Flying Association (BEFA), whose volunteers conduct annual spring maintenance to ensure the runway is in good condition for the summer season. While there are no on-site businesses or FBOs, a small general store is located about a mile south on the access road, providing essential supplies for those spending the night under the stars. Situational awareness is enhanced for visiting pilots through a WSDOT-operated web camera that provides real-time images of the field from four different angles, updated every 15 minutes. There is no fuel available at the airport, so pilots must plan their missions carefully, accounting for the high density altitude that can occur during hot summer afternoons at this 2,226-foot elevation site. Despite its minimalist infrastructure, ESW remains a beloved cornerstone of Washington's state airport system, offering a true "backcountry" experience within reach of the Puget Sound metropolitan area.