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ATL destination photo
PDX destination photo

ATLPDX

Our Recommendation
8.5

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.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

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.

Right Side Highlights
8.0
🌊

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.

Top Activities in Portland
Route Information

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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