Loading map...
GTF → SEA
Which side of the plane to sit from Great Falls International Airport (Great Falls) to Seattle Tacoma International Airport (Seattle)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this westward route because it offers the most iconic and direct views of Mount Rainier during the descent, along with the scenic Lake Coeur d'Alene and the diverse geography of the Palouse.
Lewis and Clark National Forest
Immediately after takeoff from Great Falls, enjoy views of the rugged mountain ranges and dense forests of central Montana.
Lake Coeur d'Alene
Look for the stunning blue waters and winding shoreline of this famous Idaho lake during the transition from the Rockies.
The Palouse
Observe the unique rolling hills and fertile agricultural patchworks of Eastern Washington's inland empire.
Mount Rainier
The undisputed highlight of the flight; this massive glaciated volcano dominates the horizon on the left side during descent.
Puget Sound
As the plane turns for its final approach into SEA, enjoy views of the intricate inlets, islands, and maritime traffic of the sound.
Choose a window seat on the left side, preferably away from the wing, to capture the best photos of Mount Rainier. On morning flights, the sun will be behind the aircraft or to the south, providing excellent front-lighting on the mountain peaks and preventing glare.
Glacier National Park
On clear days, the distant but majestic snow-capped peaks of the 'Crown of the Continent' are visible to the north.
Lake Pend Oreille
View the deep, vast waters of Idaho's largest lake, carved out by ancient glacial floods.
Grand Coulee Area
See the northern reaches of the Columbia River and the rugged terrain of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
North Cascades
Witness the jagged, 'American Alps' style peaks of the northern Cascade Range as you approach the coast.
Mount Baker
Look for the solitary, ice-covered cone of Mount Baker standing out against the horizon near the Canadian border.
The right side is excellent for viewing the remote North Cascades and Mount Baker. If you are flying in the late afternoon or evening, the right side provides a beautiful view of the sunset over the Olympic Mountains once you are near Seattle.
Distance: 822 km (511 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min
Departure: GTF (47.48199844, -111.3710022)
Arrival: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.