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ABQ → PDX
Which side of the plane to sit from Albuquerque International Sunport (Albuquerque) to Portland International Airport (Portland)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior sequence of landmarks, including the red rocks of Utah, the Great Salt Lake, and an iconic close-up approach past Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge.
Arches & Canyonlands
Dramatic views of the red rock formations around Moab and the deep carving of the Green and Colorado Rivers.
Great Salt Lake
The vast, shimmering expanse of the lake and the sharp peaks of the Wasatch Range bordering Salt Lake City.
Snake River Plain
The fertile crescent of Idaho featuring the winding Snake River and the distant Sawtooth Mountains.
Mount Hood
One of the best views in aviation; the flight usually passes very close to the northern face of this snow-capped stratovolcano.
Columbia River Gorge
The massive water gap through the Cascades, featuring lush green cliffs and waterfalls during the final descent.
This is the 'photographer's side.' Ensure you are on the right for the descent into PDX; the pilot often flies a path that puts Mount Hood right outside your window. Early morning flights provide stunning golden-hour light on the Utah canyons and the Cascade peaks.
Chaco Canyon Area
The rugged, high-desert terrain of northwest New Mexico and the ancient cultural landscapes near the Four Corners.
Lake Powell
Distances views of the winding sapphire waters of Glen Canyon and the northern stretches of the Colorado River.
Oregon Cascades
Excellent views of Mount Jefferson and the Three Sisters peaks as you cross into the Pacific Northwest.
The left side is preferable for late afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. While you miss the close-up of Mount Hood, you get a broader view of the central Oregon volcanic range and the high desert transition.
Distance: 1,787 km (1,110 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 23 min
Departure: ABQ (35.040199, -106.609001)
Arrival: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Route Type: Domestic
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