Sanderson Field Airport, Shelton, WA!
Landmarks and the Technical Part
Shelton, Washington, IATA: SHN, ICAO: KSHN, FAA LID: SHN, elevation 272.9′, is home to Sanderson Field Airport operated by the Port of Shelton. Located 3 miles NW of Shelton, it sits in Mason County and is surrounded by trees. It’s a public, non-towered airport with one lighted active runway. Runway 5/23 is 5005′ x 100′, is listed as asphalt, and is in good condition. Highway 101 borders the east side of the field with the Washington State Patrol training center to the west. There is a self-serve island with both AVGas and Jet A on the field 24/7. As with any destination, always consult AirNav.com and your own software before flight.
There is minor airframe and powerplant repair available from Olympic Air and skydiving through Kapowsin Air Sports nearby. This airport has charters available, but there is no commercial traffic.
There is also an inactive north-south runway visible from the air. This runway was used in WWII by the U.S. Navy. It is now rented out for local events and law enforcement training.
Transport
Looks like the only options from Sanderson Field Airport are Uber and Lyft.
Places to Stay in and around Shelton
The closest hotels are the Super 8 by Wyndham Shelton or the Shelton Inn. The Robin Hood Village Resort in the nearby town of Union has its own cozy little cabins. Also close are the Little Creek Casino Resort and the Alderbrook Resort and Spa. The Alderbrook has awesome views of the water. Other than that, there are some beautiful private homes available through HomeStay.
Things to do in and around Shelton!
If you’ve landed anywhere in the Northwest part of this country, you are in one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Even the air is different here. The first breath you take after landing will convince you of that. So, anything to do with the outdoors would be one of the best ways to spend your time here.
From the Alderbrook Resort and Spa, there is a summer scenic cruise onboard their yacht, the Lady Alderbrook. You will learn about the local history as well as enjoy the gorgeous scenery. It sits right on the Hood Canal.
The Robin Hood Village Resort, just a little bit farther on the Hood Canal, has canoes and kayaks and is a bit more rustic. The city of Bremerton is less than 30 miles away, and from there it’s just a ferry ride to Seattle if you want to visit the famous Pike Place Fish Market. Yes, they really throw fish, a lot!
Want to connect with nature a little closer to Shelton? There’s the Jarrell Cove State Park with dockside camping and 43 acres of wonder! The best part, clam, muscle, and oyster seasons are open year-round!
A Blast from the Past!
If you’re old enough to feel a little nostalgic about drive-in movies, there’s one straight south right off of Highway 101. Skyline Drive-In Theater has been operating since 1964. If you’re too young and have never been, you should check it out. It’s a seasonal business, but if your timing is right, the drive-ins are always fun, and they do have a snack bar. This is one of only five drive-in theaters left in the state.
Looking for a different form of nightlife? You can visit the Little Creek Casino-Resort just south of town. Inside, you’ll find the Starlight Lounge complete with food and drink.
Local Dining and Shelton Pubs!
Coming in at number one is Squaxin Island Seafood Bar, though pricey, I hear it’s worth it. You can bet the seafood will be fresh because you get to watch it all being prepared in front of you. This is located in the Little Creek Casino-Resort, as is the Island Grill.
Hungry for barbecue? Smoking Mo’s is highly recommended. For Mexican food, the family-owned El Sarape has a drive-through and good reviews. As for American fare, there is Suzan’s Grill or Blondie’s Restaurant in the Shelton Inn.
Golf in and around Shelton
Salish Cliffs is an 18-hole championship course at the Little Creek Casino-Resort. It was the first golf course in the world to be certified Salmon-Safe. You’ll be surrounded by natural beauty. On top of that, there’s a golf shop and restaurant inside the clubhouse.
In Shelton or close by is the 18-hole Alderbrook Course. Plus, the Lake Limerick Golf Club, the Lakeland Village Golf Course in nearby Allyn, and the Bayshore Golf Course which are all 9-hole courses. You can check golflink.com for reviews and specifics.
In conclusion, if you know of a nice little airport and would like a heads-up about the surroundings, sign up for our email list and tell us about your next destination. Jettreks.com will do the research for you.
As always, safe flight and smooth landings,
jo@jettreks.com