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EWR → PDX
Which side of the plane to sit from Newark Liberty International Airport (Newark) to Portland International Airport (Portland)?
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.
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.
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.
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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