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LMT → PDX
Which side of the plane to sit from Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport (Klamath Falls) to Portland International Airport (Portland)?
Right Side of the Plane
This route runs directly parallel to the Cascade Volcanic Arc, providing a spectacular sequence of Oregon's most famous snow-capped peaks and the deep blue waters of Crater Lake.
Crater Lake
The deepest lake in the USA, located inside a volcanic caldera, visible shortly after departing Klamath Falls.
Mount Thielsen
A dramatic, spire-like peak known as the lightning rod of the Cascades due to its frequent strikes.
The Three Sisters
A stunning trio of closely grouped volcanic peaks: North, Middle, and South Sister.
Mount Bachelor
A prominent shield volcano and popular ski destination visible just south of the Three Sisters.
Mount Jefferson
Oregon's second-highest peak, featuring a sharp, rugged profile and massive glaciers.
Mount Hood
The iconic, snow-capped sentinel of Portland, often passed at close range during the descent into PDX.
This is one of the most scenic flight paths in the United States. Ensure you have a window seat on the right and keep your camera ready from the moment of takeoff; Crater Lake appears very early in the flight. Morning flights are ideal as the sun illuminates the eastern faces of the volcanoes. During the winter, the snow-covered peaks against a clear blue sky are breathtaking.
Upper Klamath Lake
A massive, shallow freshwater lake that dominates the landscape immediately north of Klamath Falls.
Waldo Lake
One of the purest and clearest lakes in the world, appearing as a sapphire gem amidst the dense green forest.
Willamette National Forest
A vast expanse of Douglas fir and hemlock forests covering the western slopes of the Cascades.
Willamette Valley
The fertile, low-lying agricultural heart of Oregon, dotted with vineyards and farms on the approach to Portland.
Sit on this side during late afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. While you miss the major peaks, you get a better view of the high-altitude alpine lakes and the lush transition into the Willamette Valley. Keep an eye out for the distinctively blue Waldo Lake about midway through the flight.
Distance: 388 km (241 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 39 min
Departure: LMT (42.156101, -121.733002)
Arrival: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Route Type: Domestic
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