Are There Smaller Regional Airports Near Gaston?

Learn about Are there smaller regional airports near Gaston?

Are there smaller regional airports near Gaston? Yes. Several general aviation and regional fields sit within a short drive of town. This guide explains which ones are closest, what they offer, and how to use them—whether you’re a pilot, booking a charter, or just curious about local flight options.

Quick Answer

Yes—Gaston is near multiple smaller airports. The closest are Hillsboro Airport (about 25–35 minutes), McMinnville Municipal (25–30 minutes), Sportsman Airpark in Newberg (around 30 minutes), and Stark’s Twin Oaks near Scholls (20–30 minutes). These are primarily general aviation fields with charter, training, and maintenance; most travelers still use Portland International (PDX) for commercial flights.

What Are there smaller regional airports near Gaston? Means

This question is about nearby airports that are smaller than Portland International (PDX) and serve private pilots, charter flights, medical flights, and flight schools. They’re convenient for local access, wine country trips, and scenic flights around Hagg Lake, Forest Grove, and the Yamhill Valley.

Why People Search for This in Gaston, Oregon

  • You want a faster way to reach Gaston’s wineries and Hagg Lake without PDX traffic.
  • You’re a pilot planning a weekend hop or scenic flight.
  • You’re arranging a charter, medevac coordination, or aircraft maintenance.
  • You’re moving here and wondering about aviation access and noise.

What to Expect

Nearby smaller/regional airports (drive times are approximate):

  • Hillsboro Airport (HIO) — Hillsboro

    • Distance/time: roughly 20 miles NE; 25–35 minutes via OR-47/TV Hwy
    • Highlights: Largest local GA reliever; multiple FBOs, maintenance, flight schools, corporate traffic
    • Notes: No regular commercial airline service

  • McMinnville Municipal (MMV) — McMinnville

    • Distance/time: about 18 miles S; 25–30 minutes
    • Highlights: GA field near the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum; maintenance and fuel available
    • Notes: Good base for Yamhill Valley wine country

  • Sportsman Airpark (2S6) — Newberg

    • Distance/time: around 17–20 miles SE; ~30 minutes
    • Highlights: Small, friendly GA field; flight training and fuel typical
    • Notes: Popular for quick hops into wine country

  • Stark’s Twin Oaks Airpark (7S3) — near Scholls

    • Distance/time: ~14–16 miles E; 20–30 minutes
    • Highlights: Busy training airfield with community vibe; maintenance and fuel
    • Notes: Watch for training traffic patterns

  • Aurora State (UAO) — Aurora

    • Distance/time: ~32–40 miles SE; 45–60 minutes
    • Highlights: Major GA reliever with strong corporate/charter presence, multiple FBOs
    • Notes: Good option if you need robust services south of town

  • Salem Municipal / McNary Field (SLE) — Salem

    • Distance/time: ~50 miles S; 60–75 minutes
    • Highlights: Regional GA airport; occasional limited commercial service in some years
    • Notes: Check current airlines and schedules if you’re hoping to fly commercial

Other regional options within about 60–90 minutes include Scappoose (SPB), Tillamook (TMK), Troutdale (TTD), and Pearson Field (VUO) in Vancouver, WA.

Key realities:

  • Commercial flights: Most passengers will still use PDX (about 45–70 minutes from Gaston, depending on traffic).
  • Transportation: Rideshare can be limited at smaller fields; pre-arrange pickups or rental cars through nearby agencies.
  • Weather: Fall–spring often brings low clouds/fog in the Willamette Valley. Summer is usually clear, with occasional smoke haze.
  • Noise & traffic: Training operations at Twin Oaks, Newberg, and Hillsboro can mean pattern activity during daylight hours.
  • Events: The Oregon International Air Show rotates between venues (often Hillsboro or McMinnville); expect crowds and temporary flight restrictions when it’s on.

Tips for Visitors / Residents

  • For most trips, fly into PDX and drive to Gaston. Use a smaller airport if you’re on a charter or you’re a pilot.
  • Call the FBO ahead for fuel hours, tie-down or hangar availability, and ground transport options.
  • If you’re wine tasting around Forest Grove, Gaston, Yamhill, and Carlton, McMinnville (MMV), Newberg (2S6), and Hillsboro (HIO) are convenient.
  • In fall and winter, morning fog can delay VFR departures; plan for late-morning or early-afternoon windows.
  • Visiting Hagg Lake? Hillsboro (HIO) and Twin Oaks (7S3) are the easiest jumps, then drive 20–35 minutes to the lake.
  • Parking at smaller airports is usually free or low-cost; check signage and FBO policies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Are there smaller regional airports near Gaston?

  • Which is the closest airport to Gaston?

    • For GA: Stark’s Twin Oaks (7S3) and Hillsboro (HIO) are typically the closest in drive time.

  • Can I fly commercial into these smaller airports?

    • Generally no. They’re general aviation. For airline flights, use Portland International (PDX). Salem (SLE) has had limited service at times—check current schedules.

  • How far is Gaston from Portland and PDX?

    • Downtown Portland: about 30–45 miles depending on route.
    • PDX: about 45–70 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

  • Is car rental available at the smaller airports?

    • Sometimes via nearby agencies or delivery to the FBO; reserve in advance. Rideshare pickup can be spotty.

  • When’s the best time to fly in?

    • Late spring through early fall offers the most reliable VFR weather. Winter often brings fog, low ceilings, and rain.

Summary

  • Yes—there are several smaller regional/GA airports near Gaston, notably Hillsboro (HIO), McMinnville (MMV), Newberg Sportsman (2S6), and Stark’s Twin Oaks (7S3).
  • They’re ideal for private pilots and charters.
  • For commercial flights, plan on PDX.
  • Pre-arrange transport, check weather, and contact the FBO before you go.

Best Local Resources

  • Airport info: Hillsboro (Port of Portland), McMinnville Municipal (City of McMinnville), Aurora State (ODOT Aviation)
  • Road and weather: TripCheck (Oregon), NOAA Aviation Weather Center
  • Events: Oregon International Air Show
  • Local destinations: Hagg Lake (Scoggins Valley Park), Forest Grove, Yamhill-Carlton wine country
  • Getting to Gaston from Portland: Best routes and travel times
  • Hagg Lake Basics: Parking, trails, and what to bring
  • Wine Tasting Near Gaston: Low-key stops in Forest Grove, Yamhill, and Carlton