Ken Jernstedt Airfield, Hood River, OR

Ken Jernstedt Airfield (4S2) is a non-towered, public-use airport located 2 miles south of Hood River, Oregon, in Hood River County in the Columbia River Gorge. This field was formerly known as the Hood River Airport. The field was renamed in 2009 to honor WWII Flying Tigers pilot and former Hood River mayor Ken Jernstedt. Even with the official change, most travelers and locals still call it Hood River Airport because the original name makes the location instantly clear. There is one runway as follows:

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Designation	Dimensions	Surface	Condition
7/25	3040′ x 75′	Asphalt	Excellent

FBO & Services

The Port of Hood River owns and operates this field, but Hood Aero Aviation Services, the airport’s full‑service FBO, provides aviation services on the field. Hood Aero offers Part 61 flight training, aircraft rentals, sightseeing flights, maintenance, and access to a Redbird simulator. Self‑serve 100LL fuel is available on the field. They have a small lobby and restrooms.

Additional online pilot education resources are always available at the Pilot Institute or Rod Machado’s.

Transportation

A first-come, first-served courtesy car or assistance with a rental car is available through the FBO, or there are two rental agencies in town: Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Budget Rent-A-Car. Inventory is limited on weekends and during Gorge events. Call ahead.

Hood River doesn’t have a traditional taxi fleet, but Gorge Taxi and Columbia Gorge Car Service provide reliable pre‑booked local transportation. Uber and Lyft also operate in the area, but there are no designated pickup zones at this airport; just meet them in the parking lot.

Local Sights

Mount Hood, February 17, 2026 from a commercial flight.

Hood-Crest fruit canned in the Dalles near Hood river, Oregon.

Mount Hood-February, 2026: Hood-Crest fruit from the Fruit Loop tour. Typical wandering fog near The Dalles.

Where To Stay Near Ken Jernstedt Airfield

Closest: Best Western Plus Hood River Inn (two-night minimum) and the Hood River Hotel

Unique Stays: Columbia Cliff Villas or the Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa

They are side by side and have gorgeous views. You can walk across the little white bridge and see the view from the one you didn’t choose. You can see and hear the waterfall from both sides.

The Seven Oaks Bed & Breakfast is fairly close to the airport.

Budget-friendly: Sunset Motel Hood River, Westcliff Lodge, Riverview Lodge, or Columbia Gorge Inn

Most hotels here are pretty pricey, even the ones they consider bargain-friendly. If you want a cheaper place to stay and have a vehicle, I suggest driving the 16 or 17 miles to The Dalles. There are plenty of choices there. Of course, you can always land at The Dalles Municipal Airport (DLS), but the airport is actually in Dallesport (on the Washington side), and you need a way to get across the bridge, so either airport is going to require a rental. A long time ago there was a ferry, but I think that has been gone since they built the bridge. It’s not far. The trip probably takes 10 minutes.

The Columbia Gorge Inn is in Cascade Locks about 20 miles in the other direction, heading west on 84. The stay is cheaper, and the views on the drive are great. Cascade Locks State Airport (CZK) is here, but I know very little about it.

Where To Eat & Drink

Closest options include Solstice Wood Fire Pizza, Kickstand Coffee & Kitchen, Hood River Taqueria, and The Mesquitery, all within 5 minutes. Downtown Hood River adds Full Sail Brewpub, Double Mountain, pFriem, Broder Øst, and Celilo for broader traveler choices.

If you are pressed for time, stop at Twin Peak’s Drive-In at the west end of the runway on Tucker Road.

Things To Do

WAAAM Museum (Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum): One of the largest collections of flyable vintage aircraft in the U.S. Located directly adjacent to the airfield. You can
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area- or, not far from here, you can take a guided tour, rent an e-bike, or rent kayaks from Pedal & Paddle.
Iconic viewpoints, river overlooks, and easy trail access.
Panorama Point County Park
Quick drive; sweeping orchard and mountain views. A great photo stop.
Hood River Waterfront Park
Walking paths, river views, kiteboarding watching, and easy parking.
Historic Columbia River Highway
Access from Hood River; scenic drive with viewpoints and short hikes.
Indian Creek Trail
Easy Gorge Hikes; trailheads include Mosier Plateau, Catherine Creek, and Tom McCall Preserve (slightly farther but iconic). Local walking/biking trails running through Hood River’s greenbelt.
The Fruit Loop (Hood River Valley): seasonal farm stands, wineries, cider houses, a huge traveler draw. My dad sends Hood-Crest Peaches or mixed fruit every year for Christmas-if you need a gift, this is it! Hand-picked, hand-packed, and they still use an old steam machine for peeling-not chemicals. You will never taste better. It’s a small-scale business, and you have to order early, or the peaches will be out of stock. Link below in Links & Tips.
Indian Creek Golf Course
The Sternwheeler at Cascade Locks is a large paddle-wheel riverboat where you can take scenic dinner cruises or short excursions. My family took a dinner cruise for my dad’s 70th birthday. It was spectacular!

Wine, Cider & Brewery Experiences

If you like wine and wineries, you’re definitely in the right place: Mt. Hood Winery, Hood Crest Winery, Phelps Creek Tasting (near the river), Grateful Vineyard, Cathedral Ridge Winery-the list is long. The Hood Crest Winery is just south of the airport.

Stave & Stone Winery
Tasting room with vineyard views.
Wy’East Vineyards
Relaxed atmosphere, outdoor seating, scenic valley location.
The Gorge White House
Historic farmhouse with wine, cider, flowers, and fruit stands.
pFriem Family Brewers / Ferment Brewing Company / Full Sail / Double Mountain
All downtown; excellent for travelers who enjoy craft beverages.

Links & Tips

Hood Aero Aviation Services Phone: 541-386-1133 for rentals and after-hours fuel.
WAAAM Museum: Website: waaamuseum.org. Open daily 9 AM- 5 PM
The Fruit Loop Tour is seasonal; individual stands have their own hours.
Muirhead Canning Company-for peaches!
Pilot Headquarters-Supplies

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