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GEG → PDX
Which side of the plane to sit from Spokane International Airport (Spokane) to Portland International Airport (Portland)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side is the preferred choice for a 'Volcano Tour,' offering the best proximity to Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens, along with a spectacular approach over the Columbia River toward Portland.
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Mount Adams
A massive stratovolcano that often appears remarkably close to the right side of the aircraft mid-flight.
Mount St. Helens
Clear views of the horseshoe-shaped crater and the dramatic blast zone from the 1980 eruption.
Mount Rainier
The towering presence of Washington's highest peak visible to the northwest throughout the cruise.
Columbia River
Aerial tracking of the mighty river as it carves through the basalt cliffs of the Gorge.
Portland Skyline
Panoramic views of downtown Portland and the Willamette River when landing on Runways 28L or 28R.
This is the 'Volcano Side.' For the best photographic results, sit forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. On clear days, you can see three major volcanoes simultaneously. During afternoon flights, the sun illuminates these peaks perfectly, making them glow against the horizon.
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Palouse Rolling Hills
Vast, undulating agricultural landscapes immediately south of Spokane after departure.
Mount Hood
Oregon's iconic snow-capped peak, which appears massive and close during the descent into Portland.
Mount Jefferson
A sharp, jagged volcanic spire visible further south along the Cascade Range horizon.
Columbia Basin
The high-desert plateau of Eastern Washington showing the geological impact of ancient floods.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. As the aircraft enters the terminal descent, Mount Hood will be the most prominent landmark. Look for the deep shadows in the canyons of the southern Columbia Gorge wall during late afternoon.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 448 km (278 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 45 min
Departure: GEG (47.61989974975586, -117.53399658203124)
Arrival: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Route Type: Domestic
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