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MSO → PDX
Which side of the plane to sit from Missoula International Airport (Missoula) to Portland International Airport (Portland)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior panorama of the Cascade Volcano Row, featuring Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and often Mount Rainier, alongside the unique geology of the Channeled Scablands.
Search flights from MSO to PDX
Channeled Scablands
Unique geological scars carved by the prehistoric Missoula Floods across the Washington plateau.
Mount Adams
A massive, snow-capped stratovolcano standing prominently in the Washington Cascades.
Mount St. Helens
The unmistakable horseshoe-shaped crater and blast zone from the 1980 eruption.
Mount Rainier
Washington's highest peak visible as a majestic white silhouette in the distance to the north.
Vancouver Waterfront
Clear views of the Columbia River, the Interstate Bridge, and the growing Vancouver skyline.
For the best experience, sit on the right to see the full sequence of Washington's volcanoes. During the descent through the Columbia River Gorge, you will have a front-row seat to the volcanic activity of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Afternoon flights offer the best lighting for seeing into the St. Helens crater.
Book Hotels in PortlandBitterroot Range
Rugged peaks and alpine valleys immediately west of Missoula visible shortly after takeoff.
Blue Mountains
Expansive green vistas of the Umatilla National Forest rolling across eastern Oregon.
Mount Hood
Oregon's highest peak, appearing massive and extremely close during the final descent into PDX.
Columbia River Gorge
The dramatic southern basalt cliffs and forested walls of the Columbia River valley.
Choose the left side specifically to see Mount Hood's dramatic peak up close. On the MSO-PDX approach, the plane often flies just north of the mountain, offering a towering view. Early morning flights avoid glare and highlight the eastern ridges beautifully.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 670 km (416 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 7 min
Departure: MSO (46.91630173, -114.0910034)
Arrival: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Route Type: Domestic
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