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ACV → SMF
Which side of the plane to sit from California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (Arcata CA) to Sacramento International Airport (Sacramento)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior perspective of the inland mountain ranges and the iconic Sutter Buttes rising from the valley floor during the approach.
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Six Rivers National Forest
Vast expanses of dense coniferous forest stretching toward the horizon.
Trinity Alps
Jagged, often snow-capped peaks visible to the east shortly after departure.
Sutter Buttes
The world's smallest mountain range, forming a distinct circular volcanic silhouette in the valley.
Sacramento Valley
A patchwork quilt of rice fields, orchards, and agricultural land.
Sacramento River
The winding blue lifeline of Northern California snaking toward the delta.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare from the Pacific. The highlight of this route is the Sutter Buttes; start looking for them about 15-20 minutes before landing. In winter, the Trinity Alps provide a dramatic snowy backdrop to the east.
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The Lost Coast
The rugged, roadless wilderness of the King Range where the mountains meet the sea.
Mendocino National Forest
Rolling ridges and deep canyons of the California Coast Range.
Clear Lake
The largest natural freshwater lake entirely within California, visible in the distance.
Sacramento Suburbs
The sprawling residential grids of Natomas and Northern Sacramento on final approach.
The right side is best for catching glimpses of the rugged coastline immediately after takeoff from ACV. If the flight path stays west, you will get an excellent view of the coastal fog banks rolling over the hills. Use polarized sunglasses to reduce haze when looking toward the Pacific.
Book Hotels in SacramentoDistance: 333 km (207 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 33 min
Departure: ACV (40.978101, -124.109)
Arrival: SMF (38.69540023803711, -121.59100341796876)
Route Type: Domestic
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