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EWR destination photo
PDX destination photo

EWRPDX

Our Recommendation
9.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers an incredible sequence of landmarks, starting with potential Manhattan views on departure, crossing the heart of the Rocky Mountains, and concluding with a spectacular close-up of Mount Hood during the descent into Portland.

Left Side Highlights
9.2
🏙️

Manhattan Skyline

On a northern departure from EWR, the left side provides a sweeping panoramic view of the Jersey City and New York City skyscrapers.

⛰️

Wind River Range

As you cross Wyoming, look for the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Continental Divide, often clearer from the southern-facing windows.

🫳

Craters of the Moon

In Idaho, view the vast, dark basaltic lava fields of this national monument that resemble a lunar landscape.

🏔️

Mount Hood

The star of the show; during the descent along the Columbia River, this iconic 11,249-foot volcano appears massive and close to the wing.

🌊

Columbia River Gorge

Watch the transition from high desert to lush forest as the plane follows the dramatic cliffs of the Columbia River into Portland.

Book a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. This route is best during day flights; the late afternoon sun on a westbound flight will be on the left side, so bring sunglasses for the bright high-altitude glare over the Rockies. Mount Hood is best seen about 15-20 minutes before landing.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

The Great Lakes

Depending on the northernly track, you may see the southern shores of Lake Erie and Lake Michigan, including the Chicago shoreline.

🏜️

Badlands & Black Hills

The right side often catches the unique erosional topography of South Dakota and the dark, forested rises of the Black Hills.

🌋

Mount St. Helens

Upon arrival, look north to see the famous horseshoe-shaped crater left by the 1980 eruption, often visible alongside Mount Adams.

🏔️

Mount Rainier

On clear days, the massive silhouette of Washington's highest peak is visible in the distance to the north during the final approach.

🌾

Midwest Farm Grids

A mesmerizing view of the American 'breadbasket' with perfectly square green and gold fields stretching to the horizon.

The right side is ideal for avoiding direct sunlight on westbound afternoon flights, providing more consistent lighting for photography. This side offers better views of the 'Cascade Volcanoes' trio (St. Helens, Adams, and Rainier) if the flight path stays slightly south of the Washington border.

Top Activities in Portland
Route Information

Distance: 3,907 km (2,428 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 36 min

Departure: EWR (40.69250106811523, -74.168701171875)

Arrival: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)

Route Type: Domestic

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