By Air

Getting to the northern and southern portions of Southwestern Washington by air is no problem, but traveling to the mountains, coast, and Columbia River Gorge requires considerable road travel.

Contacts

Portland International Airport is the only nearby airport receiving commercial flights. 877/739-4636. www.portofportland.com/PDX_Home.aspx.

Sea-Tac International Airport. International Blvd. and Pacific Hwy. S, WA. 206/431-4444. www.portseattle.org.

Airports &Transfers

If you're planning to visit the Long Beach Peninsula, Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, and places near the Columbia River Gorge, you're better off flying into Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon, 10 mi south of Vancouver, Washington. For visits to Mt. Rainier National Park, it's best to fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), a larger airport with more carriers.

Driving is the best way to get from the airports to your Southwestern Washington destination. At Portland's airport, car-rental agencies are on the first floor of the parking garage. At Sea-Tac the agencies have counters in the baggage claim area.