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BIL destination photo
PDX destination photo

BILPDX

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is superior primarily for the iconic, close-up view of Mount Hood during the final approach into Portland, complemented by the rugged Bitterroot Range earlier in the flight.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏔️

Beartooth Mountains

Visible shortly after takeoff from Billings, these high-alpine plateaus represent some of the highest peaks in Montana.

🌲

Bitterroot Wilderness

Dramatic views of the jagged peaks and deep canyons within one of the largest contiguous wilderness areas in the lower 48.

⛰️

Blue Mountains

A sprawling mountain range in northeast Oregon and southeast Washington characterized by dense forests and deep valleys.

🌊

Columbia River Gorge

As the plane descends, you follow the southern rim of this massive river canyon that cuts through the Cascade Range.

🗻

Mount Hood

The star attraction; a snow-capped stratovolcano that appears remarkably close as you enter the Portland airspace.

🏙️

Portland Cityscape

A clear view of the Willamette River and downtown skyscrapers if the flight approaches from the east over the city.

For the best views of Mount Hood, choose a seat forward of the wing to avoid engine exhaust distortion. During summer months, try to book a late afternoon flight to catch the 'Golden Hour' lighting on the peaks of the Cascades. If the airport is landing to the west (standard), the left side provides the most direct angle of the mountain.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🏔️

Crazy Mountains

A jagged, isolated range in central Montana that rises sharply from the surrounding plains.

🌾

The Palouse

Look down to see the unique, rolling loess hills of eastern Washington, which look like a green and gold patchwork quilt.

🌋

Mount Adams

A massive, broad-shouldered volcano in Washington that dominates the skyline to the north during your descent.

🌋

Mount St. Helens

The famous volcano with its distinctive horseshoe-shaped crater resulting from the 1980 eruption is clearly visible to the north.

🏔️

Mount Rainier

On clear days, the tallest peak in the Cascades can be seen towering on the distant northern horizon.

🌊

Columbia River

Provides a view of the Washington side of the gorge, including the famous basalt cliffs and the city of Vancouver.

The right side is a 'volcano hunter's' dream. In addition to Adams and St. Helens, you can often see Mount Rainier in the distance. This side generally has less glare from the sun when flying westward during the afternoon, making it better for photography. Ensure your window is clean, as the white snow of the volcanoes can cause focus issues for phone cameras.

Top Activities in Portland
Route Information

Distance: 1,090 km (677 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 27 min

Departure: BIL (45.80770111083984, -108.54299926757812)

Arrival: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)

Route Type: Domestic

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