Del Norte County Regional Airport

Del Norte County Regional Airport
Name	Del Norte County Regional Airport
Nativename	Jack McNamara Field
Iata	ADH
Icao	KCEC
Faa	CEC
Type	Public
Owner	County of Del Norte
City-served	Crescent City, California
Elevation-f	14
R1-number	12/30
R1-length-f	6,000
R1-surface	Asphalt

Del Norte County Regional Airport is a public airport serving Crescent City, California, located on the Pacific coast near the Oregon border. The airport, also known as Jack McNamara Field, supports regional air service, general aviation, emergency medical flights, and occasional United States Coast Guard operations. It links Del Norte County to larger hubs in California and the Pacific Northwest.

Overview

The airport sits adjacent to Crescent City, California and the Crescent City Harbor complex, providing access to the Pacific Ocean shoreline and nearby attractions such as Redwood National and State Parks, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and the Smith River National Recreation Area. Its proximity to the California–Oregon border positions it near Brookings, Oregon and Gold Beach, Oregon, enabling cross-border connections for Del Norte County residents and visitors. The field is owned by Del Norte County and named for local aviation advocate Jack McNamara, reflecting ties to regional institutions including the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office and local emergency services. The airport operates under Federal Aviation Administration standards and coordinates with the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration oversight for safety and infrastructure.

History

Established in the mid-20th century, the airfield developed alongside coastal growth driven by industries such as commercial fishing centered at the Crescent City Harbor District and timber operations linked to the Cal Fire history in the region. During the Cold War, the site supported civil defense and coastal patrol activities coordinated with the United States Coast Guard and Federal Aviation Administration initiatives. In subsequent decades, the airport adapted to changes in regional air service patterns influenced by airline deregulation and the evolution of regional carriers like PenAir and Horizon Air. Disaster responses to events such as the 1964 Good Friday earthquake and more recent Pacific storms reinforced the airport's role in humanitarian and evacuation missions tied to the American Red Cross and FEMA regional offices. Infrastructure projects received funding through programs associated with the Airport Improvement Program, state transportation agencies including the California Department of Transportation and congressional appropriations linked to representatives from California's 2nd congressional district.

Facilities and aircraft

The airport has a single asphalt runway (12/30) extending approximately 6,000 feet, suitable for regional turboprop aircraft operated by carriers serving short-haul routes. On-field facilities include a passenger terminal, aircraft parking apron, fuel services, and general aviation hangars used by flight schools, air taxi operators, and private owners. Fixed-base operators collaborate with entities such as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and local maintenance shops accredited by the Federal Aviation Administration for airworthiness inspections. The field accommodates operations by aircraft types common to regional service: Bombardier Dash 8 family turboprops historically, as well as smaller general aviation types like Cessna 208 Caravan and Pilatus PC-12. Nearby navigational aids and weather reporting tie into the National Weather Service forecast offices and the Notice to Air Missions system serving the West Coast.

Airlines and destinations

Commercial scheduled service has historically linked the airport to larger California hubs and Pacific Northwest cities. Airlines and regional carriers that have served the field include commuter and Essential Air Service participants, coordinating with the United States Department of Transportation on route subsidies and community air service agreements. Typical connections involve flights to San Francisco International Airport, Sacramento International Airport, and occasional seasonal or charter links to Portland International Airport (Oregon). Service patterns have varied with market demand, carrier capacity, and federal subsidy programs administered through regional offices of the Department of Transportation and state aviation authorities.

Operations and statistics

Operations at the airport encompass scheduled commercial flights, air taxi operations, general aviation movements, and occasional military or Coast Guard exercises. Annual enplanement figures and operations counts are tracked by the Federal Aviation Administration and inform classifications under the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. Statistical trends reflect regional tourism to Redwood National and State Parks, fluctuations in commercial fishing seasons tied to the Pacific Fishery Management Council, and disaster-relief activations coordinated with FEMA Region IX. Cargo movements are limited but support local industries via mail and light freight services connecting to national logistics networks including carriers that link to United Parcel Service hubs and United States Postal Service air transport.

Ground transportation and access

Ground access to the airport is provided by U.S. Route 101 via county road connections, with local shuttle services, taxi operators, and rental car agencies facilitating passenger movements to Crescent City and nearby destinations. Public transit links include regional bus services coordinated with the Del Norte Transit Authority and intercity carriers that serve Eureka, California and points south. The airport’s coastal setting places it within reach of scenic drives along the Jefferson State Scenic Bikeway corridors and established tourism routes promoted by the California Travel and Tourism Commission.

Category:Airports in Del Norte County, California Category:Crescent City, California