Sequim Valley Airport: Discover an Amazing Washington State Airpark Tucked Away Within the Shadow of the Olympic Mountains
It Has Long Been the Dream of Many
WA—Many have dreamed of the convenience and status of living within an airpark. It has long been the dream of people from all over, yet few have ever acted upon it. While the United States is dotted with fly-in communities from coast to coast, there are a few that truly stand out. One is a Washington State airpark that resides within the confines of the Sequim Valley Airport grounds. It is as unique as the very splendor of the evergreen state of Washington.
Unique Nature-Focused Geography
Before discussing the airpark itself, let’s explore this captivating region known as Sequim Washington. It is an area nestled within the Olympic Peninsula of the Pacific Northwest. It boasts a rich history, unique nature-intensive geography, and a full range of outdoor activities for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.
Fertile Soil and Mildly Temperate Climate
A Native American tribe originally inhabited this picturesque place called the Klallam. Sequim’s name is thought to be first derived from the native Klallam word “sqwím,” which translates into “quiet waters.” European settlers arrived a few hundred years ago, drawn by the area’s fertile soil and mildly temperate climate. Sequim’s agricultural beginnings are still obvious today, with its famous, omnipresent lavender farms spreading far and wide across the landscape.
Cool Marine Climate
Geographically, the region is lodged deep within the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, resulting in a much drier and sunnier microclimate compared to the surrounding region. This unique climate means Sequim is one of the driest spots in greater western Washington, with its significantly less rainfall. The cool marine climate virtually guarantees milder temperatures year-round, with cool, comfortable winters and invitingly just-warm-enough summers.
Olympic National Park
Sequim’s fascinating history can be explored in detail at the Sequim Museum & Arts, which displays the area’s Native American heritage, original pioneer settlers, and agricultural development. Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the region’s proximity to the stunningly grand and impressive Olympic National Park, offering generous opportunities for challenging hikes, rustic camping, and wildlife viewing, all with the backdrop of majestic mountain vistas and lush deep-green old-growth forests.
Endless Fields of Fragrant Lavender
Freshly grown lavender is almost impossible to avoid in Sequim. Enthusiasts gravitate to this special part of Washington State during summer to indulge in the annual Sequim Lavender Festival. Endless fields of fragrant lavender come alive with brightly vibrant shades of purple and naturally calming scents. Visitors regularly tour these remarkable lavender farms, participate in engaging workshops, and sample lavender-infused treats and skin-care products.
Sequim’s Dynamic Arts Scene
For unequaled relaxation, Sequim’s magical Dungeness Spit calls upon all with its notable coastal beauty. Enjoy a hike or stroll along the sandy shoreline or birdwatch in the nearby Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, home to many beautiful Pacific Northwest bird species. Art lovers will almost certainly embrace Sequim’s dynamic arts scene, with various galleries proudly displaying works by talented local artists and artisans.
Thick Forests and Pristine Coastlines
During the autumn, you can enjoy hiking and biking along the Olympic Discovery Trail, which traverses dramatic landscapes ranging from towering thick forests to pristine coastlines. Let’s not forget Fall, as it brings the annual Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival, a fun celebration of the region’s ocean-dependent heritage featuring an abundance of delicious seafood and exciting live entertainment.
What Exactly is a Fly-In Airpark?
Now imagine living in such an amazing part of Washington State and being able to park your private aircraft just feet from the front door of where you live. Sequim Valley Airport can make this a reality. First off, what exactly is a fly-in airpark?
Homes With Attached or Nearby Aircraft Hangars
It’s simply a residential community structured around a typically small airport, providing residents with direct access to a host of aviation facilities and services. These communities usually consist of homes with attached or nearby aircraft hangars, allowing airplane owners to access their aircraft at any time conveniently. In most cases, airparks have direct runway access with taxiways that connect each homeowner’s property to the airstrip. The main objective, of course, is for residents to have the ability to fly directly to and from their homes.
A Unique Sense of Community
People who live in airparks share a common interest and bond in aviation, building a unique sense of community among pilots and aircraft owners. Established airparks frequently offer aviation-related amenities such as fueling services, maintenance services, and even shared hangar space for larger aircraft.
Adherence to FAA Regulations
The day-to-day operation of an airpark demands quality management of the runway, taxiways, and any associated facilities, adherence to FAA regulations, and upkeep of common areas. Perhaps best of all, residential airpark fly-in communities often organize social gatherings and activities centered around airplanes and aviation, further enhancing the sense of connection among residents.
Blue Hole
Sequim Valley Airport is just three miles northwest of the friendly community of Sequim, Washington. Sequim’s lower average annual rainfall as compared to the rest of Washington gives the area a reputation for being the “Blue Hole” of the Pacific Northwest. This means that the airport enjoys better flying weather on average, making it suitable for VFR operations most of the year. Sequim Valley Airport boasts a 3500’ x 40’ paved and lighted runway.
A Very Popular Destination Among Retirees
The runway aligns with magnetic north as 9/27 at an elevation of 144’, and 100LL fuel is available for general aviation aircraft. This one-of-a-kind fly-in community in Washington State is a very popular destination among aviation industry retirees and an excellent destination for recreational and business pilots. Best of all, it’s just under a three-hour drive to the larger metropolitan area of greater Seattle.
Location:
Lat/Long: 48-05-53.332N/123-11-13.644W (48.0981478/-123.1871233)
Elevation: 144ft./43.9m
Variation: 21E
From city: 3 miles NW of SEQUIM
Airport Communications:
CTAF: 122.7
UNICOM: 122.7
WX ASOS at CLM (13 nm W): 135.175 (360-457-1070)
Airport Operations:
Facility use: Public.
Sectional chart: SEATTLE
No Control Tower
ARTCC: SEATTLE CENTER
FSS: SEATTLE FLIGHT SERVICE STATION [1-800-WX-BRIEF]
NOTAMs facility: SEA (NOTAM-D service available)
Wind indicators: GPS MONUMENT LOCATED AT WINDSOCK.
Windsock and Wind Tetrahedron at segmented circle (both lighted)
Lights: DUSK-DAWN
Beacon: White/green (lighted land airport). The Beacon is pilot-controlled and on a 15-minute timer. It activates with seven clicks of the microphone.