Kenmore Air Tours — A Birds‑Eye View of the Pacific Northwest

For over 75 years, Kenmore Air has been synonymous with seaplane flights, scenic tours, and floatplane travel in the PNW, connecting adventurers to unforgettable aerial experiences and remote destinations. Its iconic floatplanes allow travelers to take off from water, soar above mountainous terrain, and land back on the water — an experience rich in both thrill and scenery.

Whether you’re a local looking for a memorable outing or a visitor seeking a breathtaking way to see the region, Kenmore Air tours are a must‑do on many Seattle itineraries. Here’s what you need to know.

🛩️ A Brief History of Kenmore Air

Founded in 1946 by three high‑school friends working on a single seaplane at a garage on Lake Washington, Kenmore Air has grown into one of the most respected floatplane operators in the world. Its early roots in Seattle’s lakes and waterways eventually expanded into a full‑service operation offering scheduled flights, charters, and scenic tours across Washington State and beyond. Today its fleet includes classic piston‑powered de Havilland Beavers, larger turbine‑equipped de Havilland Otters, and other aircraft capable of water takeoffs and landings.

🌆 Scenic Flights Over Seattle

One of the most popular options for visitors is the Seattle Scenic Seaplane Tour, which departs from the Lake Union terminal right in the heart of the city. This 25‑minute flight gives you a new perspective on the Emerald City — offering aerial views that can’t be experienced from the ground.

📍 Seattle Scenic Flight Highlights

Takeoff from Lake Union, gliding across water before climbing into the sky.
Sweeping views of the Seattle skyline, including downtown buildings and waterfront.
Panoramic glimpses of iconic local landmarks such as the Space Needle, Gas Works Park, and the University of Washington campus.
Aerial perspectives of Elliott Bay, Puget Sound, and city neighborhoods — a unique way to appreciate Seattle’s blend of urban design and natural beauty.

This scenic flight is about more than sightseeing — it’s an experience that blends aviation adventure with West Coast charm. Most flights include narrated highlights, music, and plenty of time to soak in the views through multiple window seats.

🏔️ Volcanic and Mountain Tours

For visitors who want more than a city flight, Kenmore Air offers extended scenic tours that showcase the grandeur of the Pacific Northwest’s mountainous landscapes. These flights often depart from Boeing Field or Lake Washington and can last several hours.

🌋 Mount Rainier & Mount St. Helens Tour

This 2‑hour scenic flight takes you around two of the region’s most iconic volcanoes — Mount Rainier, towering at 14,410 feet with its glaciers and rugged slopes, and Mount St. Helens, famous for its dramatic 1980 eruption. Aerial views provide a rare glimpse into the scale and beauty of these peaks, with opportunities to see glaciers, craters, and regional topography from above.

This tour is especially popular among nature lovers, photographers, and anyone interested in geology or majestic mountain vistas. Seeing these giants from a floatplane offers a perspective that few other experiences can match.

🏝️ San Juan Islands Tours

Kenmore Air also operates longer scenic tours over the San Juan Islands — an archipelago between the U.S. mainland and Canada’s Vancouver Island known for its diverse terrain, wildlife, and coastal beauty.

🗺️ San Juan Islands Aerial Tour

Departure from Kenmore / Lake Washington.
Flight Duration: Around 2 hours.
Views include the striking island shapes, shoreline details, and salish sea waterways.
Fly over islands like Orcas (known for hiking) and Lopez (popular for biking), each with unique landscape character.

From above, passengers can appreciate the scale of the 172 named islands and reefs, see multiple waterways converging, and often catch sight of local wildlife like orcas and seals in the Salish Sea.

⚓ Lake Washington and South Sound Flights

Not all Kenmore Air tours are long or remote — some are shorter experiences that still pack a scenic punch.

🚁 Lake Washington Scenic Flight

From Kenmore Air’s original seaplane base on Lake Washington, this 25‑minute flight heads south over Seattle and surrounding areas. Passengers can see:

Floating homes on Lake Union.
Husky Stadium and University of Washington waterfront.
Fisherman’s Terminal, Ballard Locks, and Discovery Point.
Optional distant views of Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker on clear days.

It’s a more affordable way to enjoy floatplane flying while still absorbing fantastic scenery and the region’s waterway connections.

✈️ South Puget Sound Scenic Flight

In partnership with the Puyallup Tribe, Kenmore Air also offers seasonal scenic flights out of Tacoma’s Ruston Way. These narrated flights typically run in summer and highlight:

Tacoma’s waterfront landmarks.
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Islands and bays scattered across the South Sound.
Views of Mt. Rainier against the Puget Sound backdrop.

This new route adds cultural and historical context to the scenic experience, blending tribal heritage, local geography, and aviation.

🎁 Special Experiences & Add‑Ons

Kenmore Air occasionally offers specialty flights and experience packages beyond standard sightseeing. These have included:

Introductory flight lessons where participants take control of a floatplane under instructor guidance.
Combined air, land, and sea packages that mix floatplane tours with culinary experiences like oyster tastings or guided tours.

These options are great for birthdays, anniversaries, or gifts for aviation enthusiasts and offer something more immersive than a standard scenic flight.

🧭 What to Expect on a Flight Tour

✨ Experience Highlights

Floatplane takeoff from water — a unique sensation compared to traditional runway departures.
Narrated insights and aerial perspectives that illuminate local landmarks and geography.
Multiple window seats on small aircraft, ensuring everyone has a good view.

🛫 Best Time to Go

Kenmore Air operates flights during daylight hours under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), meaning all tours are subject to weather conditions and daylight availability. Clear skies offer great seasonal variety — from spring blossoms and summer activities to autumn foliage and snow‑capped peaks in winter.

🎧 Noise & Comfort

Seaplanes are smaller aircraft, and engine noise can be significant — ear protection (sometimes provided) or headphones can make the flight more comfortable. The flights are generally smooth and short, perfect for first‑time flyers.

🌅 Tips for Booking and Enjoying Your Tour

Reserve ahead: Popular flights, especially scenic tours over Seattle and the San Juan Islands, can sell out — particularly in summer and weekends.
Arrive early: Get to the terminal ahead of check‑in time to enjoy the lounge areas and pre‑flight views.
Plan for weather: Floatplane flights depend on clear conditions. Booking flexible times or windows helps increase the chance you get a clear‑sky flight.
Photography: Window seats and clear weather are ideal for aerial photos — don’t forget your camera.

✈️ Final Thoughts

Kenmore Air tours turn a simple sightseeing trip into an aerial adventure. From soaring above Seattle’s skyline to tracing the rugged contours of volcanoes and island archipelagos, each flight offers a fresh perspective on the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a visitor seeking a memorable tour or a local wanting a new appreciation of the region, Kenmore Air’s seaplane experiences are among the most distinctive and scenic activities in and around Seattle.