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SEA destination photo

LGBSEA

Our Recommendation
9.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers an unparalleled 'Volcano Alley' experience, featuring a continuous sequence of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic snow-capped peaks, including Mount Shasta, Mount Hood, and a stunningly close view of Mount Rainier.

Right Side Highlights
9.5
🏙️

Los Angeles Basin

Immediate views after takeoff of the sprawling LA metropolis and the San Gabriel Mountains.

🌋

Mount Shasta

The massive, isolated peak of this California stratovolcano dominates the horizon for a significant portion of the flight.

💎

Crater Lake

A deep blue volcanic lake contained within a caldera, often visible in southern Oregon depending on the specific flight path.

🏔️

Mount Hood

Oregon's highest peak, often appearing as a perfect white pyramid as you fly past Portland.

🔥

Mount St. Helens

The famous volcano with its horseshoe-shaped crater, a stark reminder of the 1980 eruption.

🏔️

Mount Rainier

The grand finale: an enormous, glacier-clad peak that feels close enough to touch during the approach into SEA.

This is arguably one of the most scenic routes in the US. Sit on the right and stay alert starting about 50 minutes after takeoff. For the best lighting on the volcanoes, choose a morning flight when the sun illuminates the eastern faces, or a late afternoon flight for a golden glow on the western slopes. Mount Rainier is most impressive about 15-20 minutes before landing.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🌊

Pacific Coastline

Continuous views of the rugged California and Oregon coastlines where the land meets the deep blue ocean.

🌉

San Francisco Bay

On clear days, you can spot the Golden Gate Bridge and the urban density of the Bay Area to the east.

🌲

Oregon Coast Range

Dense, carpeted green forests stretching across the coastal mountains of the Pacific Northwest.

🐚

Puget Sound

A complex system of interconnected marine waterways and basins during the final descent into Seattle.

🏔️

Olympic Mountains

The dramatic, jagged peaks of Olympic National Park visible to the west as the plane enters Washington airspace.

The left side is best for sunset flights as the sun dips over the Pacific horizon. However, be aware that the 'marine layer' (coastal fog) frequently obscures the coastline in the mornings. Choose a seat in front of the wing for unobstructed photos of the Olympic Peninsula during the descent.

Top Activities in Seattle
Route Information

Distance: 1,555 km (966 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 4 min

Departure: LGB (33.81769943, -118.1520004)

Arrival: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)

Route Type: Domestic

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