Loading map...
BLI โ PSP
Which side of the plane to sit from Bellingham International Airport (Bellingham) to Palm Springs International Airport (Palm Springs)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers an unparalleled parade of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic volcanic peaks and the dramatic eastern escarpment of the Sierra Nevada.
Mount Baker
Visible immediately after takeoff, this massive glacier-covered volcano dominates the horizon east of Bellingham.
Cascade Volcanoes
A sequential view of Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood as the flight tracks south through Washington and Oregon.
Oregon High Desert
The sharp transition from the lush Cascades to the arid, crater-pocked landscape of the Deschutes National Forest area.
Lake Tahoe
The deep blue waters of North America's largest alpine lake, nestled high in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
The High Sierra
Stunning views of the granite peaks of Yosemite and the jagged crests of the southern Sierra Nevada range.
Choose the left side for morning flights to see the sun illuminating the western faces of the volcanoes. During winter, the snow-capped peaks of the Cascades are particularly striking. Look for the 'string of pearls'โthe alignment of multiple volcanoesโwithin the first 45 minutes of the flight.
Salish Sea
Vibrant views of the San Juan Islands and the rugged Olympic Peninsula during the initial climb.
Portland Metro Area
A broad view of the Willamette Valley and the urban sprawl of Portland and its surrounding suburbs.
San Francisco Bay Area
From a distance, the coastal ranges and the distinct outline of the Bay Area are often visible on clear days.
California Central Valley
The massive, geometric patchwork of one of the world's most productive agricultural regions.
San Gorgonio Pass
A dramatic descent into the Coachella Valley between the towering San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid direct sunlight and enjoy the golden hour glow over the Pacific Coast Ranges. Watch for the massive wind farms in the San Gorgonio Pass during the final approach into Palm Springs, which indicate the unique venturi effect of the local geography.
Distance: 1,737 km (1,079 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 19 min
Departure: BLI (48.79280090332031, -122.53800201416016)
Arrival: PSP (33.829700469970696, -116.50700378417967)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.