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BOI → SMF
Which side of the plane to sit from Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field (Boise) to Sacramento International Airport (Sacramento)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most dramatic scenery, featuring the massive fault-block terrain of Steens Mountain and an iconic view of the High Sierra and Lake Tahoe as the aircraft maneuvers for its approach into the Sacramento Valley.
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Steens Mountain
A massive, 50-mile-long fault-block mountain in Southeast Oregon with dramatic glacial carved gorges.
Alvord Desert
A striking white alkali salt crust playa located just east of the Steens Mountain escarpment.
The High Sierra
The snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada range appearing as you cross the California border.
Lake Tahoe
The deep cobalt blue waters of the largest alpine lake in North America, visible to the southeast on descent.
Folsom Lake
A popular recreation reservoir situated in the Sierra foothills just before entering Sacramento airspace.
Sit on the left side (port) for the best chance to see Lake Tahoe. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you, illuminating the Sierra Nevada peaks without glare. In winter, the contrast between the white snow and the dark blue lake is spectacular.
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Owyhee Canyonlands
A vast, rugged area known as the 'Grand Canyon of Oregon' with deep red rock river canyons.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Home to Lassen Peak, the world's largest plug dome volcano, and several hydrothermal areas.
Mount Shasta
On clear days, the massive, ice-covered peak of this 14,179-foot stratovolcano is visible on the northern horizon.
Sutter Buttes
Known as the world's smallest mountain range, these volcanic remnants rise abruptly from the flat valley floor.
The right side (starboard) is perfect for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Coastal Range. Keep an eye out for the Sutter Buttes about 20 minutes before landing, as they look like a circular island in a sea of agriculture.
Book Hotels in SacramentoDistance: 703 km (437 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 10 min
Departure: BOI (43.5644, -116.223)
Arrival: SMF (38.69540023803711, -121.59100341796876)
Route Type: Domestic
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