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MFR → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Rogue Valley International Medford Airport (Medford) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers a spectacular finale to the flight, providing the most iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and the San Francisco skyline during the standard approach into SFO.
Klamath Mountains
Rugged, densely forested terrain stretching across the Oregon-California border immediately after takeoff.
Mendocino Coast
The dramatic meeting of the Pacific Ocean and the rocky Northern California coastline often visible to the west.
Golden Gate Bridge
On the standard 'Point Reyes' arrival, this side offers the classic top-down view of the world-famous orange bridge.
SF Skyline
A stunning perspective of the Transamerica Pyramid, Salesforce Tower, and the dense urban core of San Francisco.
Alcatraz Island
The historic 'Rock' is easily identifiable in the middle of the bay as the plane banks toward the SFO runways.
The right side is highly recommended for the descent. To catch the Golden Gate Bridge, look out about 10 minutes before landing. Be aware that 'Karl the Fog' can sometimes obscure the coast, so afternoon flights often have better visibility than early morning ones.
Mount Shasta
The massive 14,179-foot snow-capped stratovolcano is the highlight of the trip, visible shortly after crossing the California border.
Lassen Peak
The southernmost active volcano in the Cascades, often visible in the distance across the Sacramento Valley.
Napa Valley
Aerial views of the geometric vineyard patterns and rolling hills of California's premier wine country.
Sacramento Delta
The complex network of waterways where the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers meet before flowing into the bay.
Port of Oakland
Clear views of the massive shipping cranes and urban grid of the East Bay during the descent.
Sit on the left if your priority is seeing Mount Shasta up close; it will appear about 15-20 minutes after takeoff from Medford. Morning flights are best for this side to have the sun behind you, illuminating the mountain's features without glare.
Distance: 530 km (329 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 53 min
Departure: MFR (42.37419891357422, -122.8730010986328)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: Domestic
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