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ATL → PDX
Which side of the plane to sit from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta) to Portland International Airport (Portland)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most dramatic views of the Cascade Range, specifically a close-up encounter with Mount Hood during the standard arrival sequence into PDX.
Atlanta Skyline
Catch views of downtown and Midtown Atlanta immediately after takeoff from the world's busiest airport.
The Ozarks
Fly over the rolling forested hills and deep blue reservoirs of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas.
Southern Rockies
Soar over the high peaks of the Colorado Rockies, often snow-capped well into the early summer months.
Utah Canyons
The arid, colorful landscapes of the Great Basin and eastern Utah offer striking geological patterns.
Mount Hood
The crown jewel of the flight; look for this massive stratovolcano on your left as you descend into the Willamette Valley.
For the best photography of Mount Hood, choose a seat behind the wing on the left. During morning flights, the lighting on the Cascades is superb. Note that the left side will face the sun for much of the journey when flying west, so keep your window shade down during the cruise to avoid glare until the descent begins.
Mississippi River
Cross the 'Mighty Mississippi' near the border of Tennessee and Arkansas, a major North American landmark.
Great Plains
Observe the intricate 'patchwork quilt' of circular irrigation fields across Kansas and Nebraska.
Grand Tetons
On clear days with a northerly track, the jagged peaks of the Teton Range are visible in the distance.
Mount St. Helens
Spot the famous crater of the volcano that erupted in 1980, located north of the Columbia River.
Columbia River Gorge
Witness the dramatic transition from high desert to lush forest as the plane follows the river toward Portland.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights as it remains in the shade, reducing window glare and making photography easier. Keep an eye out for Mount Adams and Mount Rainier to the north as you enter the Pacific Northwest. If the flight path takes a more northerly route over Idaho, the Bitterroot Mountains are a major highlight.
Distance: 3,489 km (2,168 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 6 min
Departure: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)
Arrival: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Route Type: Domestic
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