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ESD → FRD
Which side of the plane to sit from Orcas Island Airport (Eastsound) to Friday Harbor Airport (Friday Harbor)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unparalleled view of the Wasp Islands archipelago and the scenic descent over the Friday Harbor waterfront and marina.
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Turtleback Mountain
The iconic silhouette of Orcas Island's second-highest peak, covered in dense evergreen forest.
The Wasp Islands
A stunning cluster of small, rocky islands like Yellow, Low, and McConnell scattered in the Salish Sea.
San Juan Channel
A deep-water passage often frequented by transient orcas and humpback whales during summer months.
Friday Harbor Marina
A bird's-eye view of the bustling harbor, filled with yachts, fishing boats, and seaplanes upon arrival.
The right side is superior for seeing the 'micro-islands' that make the San Juans famous. In the late afternoon, the sun illuminates the rocky shorelines of the Wasp Islands. Keep your eyes peeled for the dark fins of whales in the San Juan Channel as you descend.
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Mount Baker
On clear days, the massive glaciated peak of the North Cascades dominates the eastern horizon.
Obstruction Pass
A narrow, heavily forested channel between Orcas and Blakely Islands with deep blue waters.
Lopez Island
Aerial views of the 'Friendly Island' featuring its unique mix of pastoral farmland and rugged coves.
Upright Channel
Watch for the Washington State Ferries carving white wakes through the passage toward Orcas.
Sit on the left for the best morning light on the Cascade Mountains. Look for the distinct ferry terminal at Lopez Island shortly after takeoff. This side is better if you prefer seeing the larger, more agricultural landscapes of the archipelago.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 22 km (14 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 min
Departure: ESD (48.708198547399995, -122.910003662)
Arrival: FRD (48.5219993591, -123.024002075)
Route Type: Domestic
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