Have plane will travel - quick getaways in the northwest for private pilots

HAVE PLANE WILL TRAVEL

Pilots want to fly their planes. Sometimes that means springing the fuel for a cheeseburger at the nearest airport. In the Pacific Northwest, with just a little additional planning, we have the unique ability to “elevate” that experience with some of the most scenic flying and destinations just a hop across the Sound.

Along with mountains, abundant forests and plenty of rainfall each year, the Pacific Northwest has something else you don’t see just anywhere in the country – floatplanes. Sure you find them here and there across the country but there is no question that Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands and the coastal waters of British Columbia are a native habitat for these unique flying machines.

In the shadow of the majestic Olympic Mountain Range, Hood Canal is a fantastic destination – whether it be for a dock side lunch of fresh local oysters or a weekend getaway complete with massage, golf, schooner rides – and yes, spectacular scenery. It wont take you long to realize that defrosted burger with a side of greasy fries can’t hold a rivet to grilled Hama Hamas served overlooking the tranquil waters of Hood Canal.

The recent tourism initiative of many Ports and communities in Washington State is to make facilities available and accessible for pilots and their families. Through directed marketing and a new push to tourism assets - the local airports collaborated to create a "passport" with awards in completion for pilots.

Tourism kiosks greet travelers passing through the 136 public-use airports each year. Kiosks have information about what the community has to offer the aviation public, including local attractions, landmarks, restaurants, lodging and other points of interest, as well as information about services and amenities at the airport.

Have a plane? Forget the $100 hamburger at your nearest FBO, think creatively and make a weekend plan. Bring the spouse. Bring the family. There is a number of local destinations that are excited to extend their mossy carpet to our pilot population. And while it's easy to connect the dots between a seaplane flight sometimes you have to put a little more effort into planning when your fixed wing.

Float Destinations

Following are a few easy flights for float pilots and their families. Plan a few days at one of these great places on the Olympic Peninsula.

On Hood Canal, Alderbrook Resort & Spa offers the opportunity to land and take-off directly from their seaplane dock. Guests are welcome to enjoy dining, special events and/or overnight stays. Moor your personal plane throughout your stay, or if you prefer, contact the resort. The Spencer Lake & Grill on Spencer Lake near Shelton also hosts a seaplane dock and is available for a "drop in" seaplane lunch.

Pleasant Harbor, just north of Brinnon is also open to seaplane arrivals and "parking," There are plenty of places to stay within walking distance to the marina and the restaurant has recently been updated and features a full menu.

The Port of Poulsbo also has a restaurant dockside for seaplane access with plenty of lodging nearby. Be aware of the tide, however, and as the online $100 cheeseburger float map reports – "dock has wing eating post. Be careful."

Tucked beside the quiet shores of Ludlow Bay, on the Olympic Peninsula, the Resort at Port Ludlow offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. Though the resort feels like it’s located in the middle of nowhere, it’s just a 15-minute flight from downtown Seattle. This tranquil location is a favorite for diners. Guests are treated to The Fireside Restaurant’s casually elegant Northwest cuisine. The menu features the local bounty from both the land and sea. Its windows offer views of a small seaplane dock at the edge of the restaurant’s Marina. Farther South, Swantown Marina, on Budd Inlet in Olympia, offers access to Hearthfire Restaurant on the water as well as the weekend outdoor market.

Fixed Wing Destinations

Landing at an airport can pose some real challenges for pilots aiming for a weekend adventure. The airport is not always the best place to find your perfect getaway. No worries, most lodging establishments are happy to arrange pick up of their guests at the local strip. Allyn House in Allyn will pick pilots up at Shelton Airport (SHN) and shuttle them to their waterfront locations where there is plenty to see and do until they are ready for a ride home. Allyn House is located in a thriving small community with shops and restaurants. Guests are invited to use the in house kayaks and SUPs for a fee.

For additional information on these locations and more, visit explorehoodcanal.com.