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BOI destination photo
LWS destination photo

BOILWS

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a front-row seat to Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America, and the dramatic vertical relief of the Seven Devils Mountains.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏜️

Snake River Plain

Arid agricultural landscapes and basalt formations stretching toward the Oregon border immediately after takeoff.

🛶

Hells Canyon

The deepest canyon in North America, carved by the Snake River, featuring dramatic rock walls and steep elevation drops.

🏔️

Seven Devils Mountains

A series of jagged, alpine peaks that rise sharply from the western edge of the canyon floor.

🌲

Wallowa Mountains

Visible in the distance to the west, these snow-capped peaks are often called the 'Little Switzerland of America'.

🏞️

Snake River Confluence

The winding river border where Idaho and Oregon meet, providing a stark contrast between green water and brown canyon walls.

Sit on the left for the most dramatic geographic features. The best lighting for Hells Canyon occurs in the mid-to-late afternoon when the sun illuminates the western canyon walls. During winter, the contrast between the snow-capped Seven Devils and the dark river below is stunning. Keep your camera ready about 15-20 minutes into the flight.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🏙️

Boise Skyline

A bird's-eye view of the Idaho State Capitol and downtown Boise immediately following departure from BOI.

🎿

Bogus Basin

The local ski recreation area situated in the Boise Mountains just north of the city.

🚤

Cascade Reservoir

A large, bright blue body of water surrounded by dense forest, located near the town of Cascade.

💧

Payette Lake

The glacial waters surrounding the mountain resort town of McCall, visible halfway through the flight.

🌲

Salmon River Mountains

Vast stretches of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness area to the northeast.

⛰️

Clearwater River Valley

The lush, rolling timberland and river valleys as the plane begins its final descent into Lewiston.

The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid sun glare and capture the crisp details of the Payette National Forest. Look for McCall and Payette Lake about halfway through the journey; they are unmistakable landmarks. In autumn, the changing larch trees in the mountains provide vibrant splashes of yellow among the evergreens.

Top Activities in Lewiston
Route Information

Distance: 319 km (198 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 32 min

Departure: BOI (43.5644, -116.223)

Arrival: LWS (46.3745002746582, -117.01499938964844)

Route Type: Domestic

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