Loading map...
IAD → PDX
Which side of the plane to sit from Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington) to Portland International Airport (Portland)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a premier view of the iconic Mount Hood and the southern stretch of the Columbia River Gorge during the descent into Portland, while providing better lighting for the Rockies on afternoon flights.
Search flights from IAD to PDX
Appalachian Ridges
Witness the ancient, folded mountain ranges of Pennsylvania shortly after departure from Dulles.
Midwestern Cities
Depending on the wind-corrected path, enjoy distant views of the St. Louis Arch or the Kansas City skyline.
Southern Rockies
Traverse the high peaks of the Wyoming Rockies, including the Wind River Range and southern Grand Tetons.
Snake River Canyon
Follow the deep basalt canyons carved by the Snake River through the high desert of Idaho.
Mount Hood
The flight's crown jewel; this massive glaciated volcano appears remarkably close during the final 15 minutes of flight.
Book an afternoon flight to have the sun behind you for the best photography of the Rockies. On arrival, if the plane lands toward the west, the left side gets an incredible profile of Mount Hood. Ask for a seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat blur.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United States
Great Lakes Shoreline
See the southern edges of Lake Erie and potentially Lake Michigan as the flight heads toward the Midwest.
Chicago Skyline
On northern tracks, the Willis Tower and Chicago's lakefront are visible against the blue of Lake Michigan.
Badlands and Plains
Observe the dramatic color shifts and eroded formations of the high plains in the Dakotas or Nebraska.
Sawtooth Mountains
The jagged, dramatic ridgelines of central Idaho offer some of the most rugged terrain in the lower 48.
The Washington Volcanoes
Get a clear view of Mount St. Helens' horseshoe crater and the massive, snowy peak of Mount Adams.
The right side is superior for volcano enthusiasts who want to see the crater of Mount St. Helens. During the winter, the low northern sun illuminates the snow-capped peaks of the Sawtooths and Cascades beautifully. Choose this side if you prefer seeing the expansive water of the Great Lakes early in the trip.
Book Hotels in PortlandDistance: 3,736 km (2,321 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 24 min
Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Arrival: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.