Ephrata Municipal Airport

Ephrata Municipal Airport sits about 3 miles southeast of downtown Ephrata, Washington, at an elevation of 1,276 feet. The airport has a single asphalt runway (5/23) measuring 5,001 feet, capable of handling most general aviation aircraft, including light business jets. Despite being classified as a general aviation facility with no scheduled commercial service, the airport sees steady traffic from recreational pilots, flight training operations, and agricultural aviation. The Civil Air Patrol meets here weekly, and the airport sometimes hosts youth aviation events. The control tower operates part-time, and the airport is known locally as a friendly, low-key place to stop for fuel or a rest.

Getting There

Ephrata Municipal Airport is located at 570 20th Avenue NW, Ephrata, WA 98823. From downtown Ephrata, take State Route 28 east for about 2 miles, then turn right onto 20th Avenue NW. The airport entrance is immediately visible. Driving from Seattle, take I-90 east to exit 151 (George), then follow SR 283 north for 12 miles to Ephrata. The journey from Seattle takes roughly 2.5 hours. Spokane is about 1.5 hours west via I-90 and SR 283. There is no public transit directly to the airport; a car or taxi is necessary. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have limited availability in Ephrata, so pre-arranging a ride is advisable. The courtesy car (available for pilots, call ahead) can be used for quick trips into town.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal building at Ephrata Municipal is a single-story structure with a small lobby, restrooms, and a pilot's lounge. There are no concessions or retail shops — this is a functional facility, not a passenger terminal. The restrooms are wheelchair accessible, and the parking lot includes designated accessible spaces. The airport manager’s office is on-site and staffed during business hours. Pilots can access fueling (100LL and Jet-A) self-serve 24/7 or full-service during working hours. The temporary camping trailer areas are located near the north end of the ramp, with hookups available at a modest fee — call ahead to reserve. There is no available hangar space for lease; the airport is fully occupied. The control tower (operating Monday–Friday 8am–8pm and Saturday 9am–5pm, closed Sunday) offers a modest museum-like tribute to the Navy air groups that trained at Ephrata during World War II, including photographs and memorabilia. However, access to the tower requires a key, so make arrangements with the port office in advance if you wish to visit.

Ephrata Municipal Airport and Ephrata

Ephrata itself is the seat of Grant County, a community of roughly 8,000 people that serves as a hub for the surrounding agricultural region. The area is known for its dry, sunny climate and irrigation-fed farmland — apples, potatoes, wine grapes, and hay. Nearby attractions include the Soap Lake (a mineral-rich lake about 20 minutes east), the Moses Lake sand dunes (a popular off-road vehicle area), and the Grant County International Airport (a former B-52 base now used for aviation testing and cargo). The town of Ephrata has a historic downtown district with small shops, cafes, and the Grant County Historical Museum, which details the region's Native American, pioneer, and military history. During World War II, Ephrata hosted a large naval air station; the airport's current tower and some ramp areas are remnants of that era. The Civil Air Patrol squadron based here is active in community events, notably the Wreaths Across America program each December. For travelers with a general aviation interest, Ephrata's airport is a hidden treasure precisely because it is quiet and uncrowded. The atmosphere is relaxed, the manager is known to be helpful, and the lack of commercial traffic means plenty of opportunity for plane-watching from the grassy areas near the runway. However, do not come expecting a bustling transport hub — this is an airport where you will find a trailer park, a fuel truck, and the occasional crop duster.

Practical Information

The airport is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (contact tower for hours outside that window). The administrative office is open Monday–Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Phone: +1 509-754-3508. Website: http://www.portofephrata.com/. The busiest times are Monday at 3 PM, Tuesday at 5 PM, Wednesday at 3 PM, and Thursday at 8 PM — though “busy” is relative; you may see a few more aircraft movements. Plan accordingly for tower access: if you want to view the World War II exhibit inside the tower, call the port office at least a day in advance to arrange a time. For hangar availability, contact the port; currently there is none, but that may change. The courtesy car is available for pilots — call ahead to reserve it. The camping trailer area operates on a first-come, first-served basis; $15 per night (cash only). One concrete piece of advice: bring your own food and drinks — the nearest convenience store is a mile down the road, and there is no vending machine on the field.