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BLI → OAK
Which side of the plane to sit from Bellingham International Airport (Bellingham) to Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (Oakland)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers an unrivaled 'front row seat' to the Cascade Range's most iconic volcanic peaks, stretching from Washington through Northern California.
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Mount Baker
Visible almost immediately after takeoff from BLI, this massive glaciated volcano dominates the horizon to the east.
Mount Rainier
The highest peak in Washington, standing at 14,411 feet, providing a stunning profile as you pass Seattle.
Mount St. Helens
Look for the distinctive horseshoe-shaped crater left by the 1980 eruption as you cross into Oregon.
Mount Hood
Oregon's tallest peak, often surrounded by the dense evergreen forests of the Columbia River Gorge.
Mount Shasta
A massive, double-peaked stratovolcano that anchors the landscape of Northern California.
East Bay Skyline
On final descent into OAK, you will see the Oakland hills and the inner harbor.
Sit on the left for morning flights to get the best illumination on the Cascade volcanoes without glare. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff for Mount Baker. During the winter, the snow-covered peaks are particularly dramatic, but ensure you are seated away from the wing for an unobstructed view of the mountain bases.
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San Juan Islands
A beautiful archipelago in the Salish Sea visible during the initial climb from Bellingham.
Olympic Peninsula
The rugged, forested peaks of the Olympic Mountains and the coastline of the Pacific Ocean.
Oregon Coastline
Vast stretches of the Pacific coast, including beaches and rocky headlands, depending on the flight path.
San Francisco Bay
As the plane turns for its approach into OAK, you often get a sweeping view of the Golden Gate and the City.
Port of Oakland
The massive container cranes and shipping infrastructure just before touchdown.
Choose the right side for afternoon or sunset flights to watch the sun dip into the Pacific Ocean. This side is also superior for the final approach into Oakland, as you frequently get a clear view across the bay toward the San Francisco skyline and the Bay Bridge. Note that coastal fog is common in the summer, which can obscure the shoreline but creates a beautiful 'carpet' effect.
Book Hotels in OaklandDistance: 1,231 km (765 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 38 min
Departure: BLI (48.79280090332031, -122.53800201416016)
Arrival: OAK (37.721298, -122.221001)
Route Type: Domestic
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