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GEG destination photo
SEA destination photo

GEGSEA

Our Recommendation
9.5

Right Side of the Plane

While the Left Side features Mount Rainier, the Right Side offers a more comprehensive view of the North Cascades, Lake Washington, and the iconic Seattle skyline during the final approach.

Right Side Highlights
9.5
🏜️

Grand Coulee Area

Views of the ancient geological scars left by the Missoula Floods, including the scablands and distant Lake Roosevelt.

❄️

Glacier Peak

One of the most remote and rugged volcanoes in the Cascades, surrounded by jagged, snow-capped wilderness.

🏘️

Lake Washington

A beautiful view of the lake, including the floating bridges and the affluent neighborhoods of Bellevue and Medina.

🏙️

Seattle Skyline

A world-class view of the Space Needle, Columbia Center, and the downtown core as the plane turns for final approach.

⚓

Puget Sound

The sparkling waters of the Sound, dotted with Washington State Ferries and the silhouettes of the Olympic Mountains.

The right side is unbeatable for the 'urban' experience. Request a seat in front of the wing for an unobstructed view of the city. Flight paths often follow a 'Downwind' leg over Lake Washington, providing the classic postcard view of Seattle. Late morning flights offer the best lighting for this side, reducing glare on the windows.

Left Side Highlights
9.1
🌾

The Palouse

The rolling green and gold hills of Eastern Washington's famous agricultural region visible immediately after takeoff.

🌊

Columbia River Basin

The vast river system and the sharp transition from irrigated greenery to the dry basalt plateaus of Central Washington.

🏔️

Mount Rainier

The star of the show; this 14,411-foot volcanic peak looms incredibly close as the plane crosses the Cascade crest.

🌋

Mount Adams & St. Helens

On clear days, you can see the distant snowy peaks of Mount Adams and the distinct crater of Mount St. Helens to the south.

🏗️

Port of Tacoma

Industrial views of the massive shipping cranes and Commencement Bay during the descent into Sea-Tac.

Sit toward the back to keep the engine and wing from blocking your view of Mount Rainier. This side is superior for mountain photography, especially during 'Golden Hour' in the evening when the peaks glow pink. On days when the airport is landing to the south (Runway 34), you will fly directly past Rainier's north face.

Top Activities in Seattle
Route Information

Distance: 359 km (223 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 36 min

Departure: GEG (47.61989974975586, -117.53399658203124)

Arrival: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)

Route Type: Domestic

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