Roche Harbor Airport (FAA ID: WA09) is a privately owned airfield located just northeast of Roche Harbor Resort on San Juan Island, WA. It’s open to the public during daylight hours – sunrise to sunset.
⚠️ Important Notice: All operations are at your own risk. Roche Harbor Airport assumes no liability for incidents during landing, taxiing, takeoff, or parking.
Operational Details
- Hours of Operation: Sunrise to sunset
- Night Operations: Strictly prohibited
- Services: No fuel, maintenance, or UNICOM; bring your own ground support
- Runway Access: No camping, vehicles, or pedestrian traffic on or near the runway
Runway Specs
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Runway | 07/25 (east–west orientation) |
| Length × Width | 3,593 ft × 30 ft (asphalt) |
| Elevation | 100 ft MSL |
| Traffic Pattern | Left-hand, 1,100 ft MSL |
| Preferred Runway | 25 (in calm wind) |
| Lighting | Non-pilot-controlled, abnormal spacing; partial center 2,700 ft lit to 2200 hrs |
Pilots should remain on runway heading up to pattern altitude during noise-abatement procedures, and beware of wildlife hazards.
Communications & Safety
- CTAF/Unicom Frequency: 128.25 MHz (no Unicom service)
- Traffic Advisory: Maintain communication while runway lighting is active—vital due to limited runway visibility at both ends
- Caution Notes: Non-standard lighting, wildlife on runway, drainage features near runway edge
- Recommendation: Only seasoned pilots familiar with the field should operate in low light or poor weather conditions.
Fees & Parking
- Landing Fee (single landing):
- Up to 3,600 lbs MTOW: $10
- 3,601–8,399 lbs MTOW: $20
- 8,400 lbs+ MTOW: $25
- Overnight Parking: $5/night per aircraft
- Transient Parking:
- Summer: Grass ramp at northwest end
- Winter: Paved ramp only
- Bring chocks – parking areas are sloped
Contact
Manager: Mike Otis
Direct Line: (360) 378-9898
Resort Line (360) 378-2155 ext. 1498
For landing permissions or operational questions, please contact Mike Otis. Emergencies (e.g. wildlife strikes, runway hazards) should also be directed to airport management.
Pilot Resources
- Weather Sources:
- ASOS at Friday Harbor (KFHR): 135.675 MHz
- AWOS stations at Orcas (ORS) and other nearby fields
- Live Webcams & Weather: Provided via WSDOT and Roche Harbor Resort
Tips & Advisory
- Be aware there is no direct line of sight between runway thresholds – pilots must rely on CTAF/calls when lights are on.
- During rainy months (Nov–Apr), grass parking is closed-use paved ramp only.
- Medivac flights have priority access and dedicated helicopter pads.