{"id":5924,"date":"2026-09-21T10:51:16","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T18:21:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jettreks.com\/?p=5924"},"modified":"2026-10-12T16:22:44","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T23:52:44","slug":"ken-jernstedt-airfield-hood-river-or","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jettreks.com\/?p=5924","title":{"rendered":"Ken Jernstedt Airfield, Hood River, OR"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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

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Designation<\/td>Dimensions<\/td>Surface<\/td>Condition<\/td><\/tr>
7\/25<\/td>3040′ x 75′<\/td>Asphalt<\/td>Excellent<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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FBO & Services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Port of Hood River<\/strong> owns and operates this field, but Hood Aero Aviation Services<\/a><\/strong>, the airport\u2019s full\u2011service 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\u2011serve 100LL fuel is available on the field. They have a small lobby and restrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional online pilot education resources are always available at the Pilot Institute<\/a><\/strong> or Rod Machado’s<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Transportation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong> Rent-A-Car<\/strong> and Budget Rent-A-Car<\/strong>. Inventory is limited on weekends and during Gorge events. Call ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hood River doesn’t have a traditional taxi fleet, but Gorge Taxi<\/strong> and Columbia Gorge Car Service<\/strong> provide reliable pre\u2011booked 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Local Sights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\"Mount<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Hood-Crest<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Typical<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mount Hood-February, 2026: Hood-Crest fruit from the Fruit Loop tour. Typical wandering fog near The Dalles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Where To Stay Near Ken Jernstedt Airfield<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Closest: Best Western Plus Hood River Inn<\/a> (two-night minimum) and the Hood River Hotel<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unique Stays: Columbia Cliff Villas<\/a> or the Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa<\/a> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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 <\/strong>choose. You can see and hear the waterfall from both sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Seven Oaks Bed & Breakfast<\/strong> is fairly close to the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Budget-friendly: Sunset Motel Hood River<\/a>, Westcliff Lodge<\/a>, Riverview Lodge<\/a>, or Columbia Gorge Inn<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong> (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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Columbia Gorge Inn<\/strong> is in Cascade Locks<\/strong> 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<\/strong> (CZK) is here, but I know very little about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Where To Eat & Drink<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Closest options include Solstice Wood Fire Pizza<\/strong>, Kickstand Coffee & Kitchen<\/strong>, Hood River Taqueria<\/strong>, and The Mesquitery<\/strong>, all within 5 minutes. Downtown Hood River adds Full Sail Brewpub<\/strong>, Double Mountain<\/strong>, pFriem<\/strong>, Broder \u00d8st<\/strong>, and Celilo<\/strong> for broader traveler choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are pressed for time, stop at Twin Peak’s Drive-In<\/strong> at the west end of the runway on Tucker Road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Things To Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n