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ORD → PDX
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Portland International Airport (Portland)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides an unparalleled view of the Cascade Range volcanoes including Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens, plus the north rim of the Columbia River Gorge.
Lake Michigan
Deep blue waters and the northern coastline visible during the initial climb phase.
South Dakota Badlands
The striking, eroded sedimentary layers of the high plains visible from cruising altitude.
Bitterroot Range
The rugged peaks of the Northern Rockies stretching across the Montana-Idaho border.
Columbia River Gorge
The dramatic, winding canyon carved through the Cascade Mountains by the Columbia River.
Mount St. Helens
The famous horseshoe-shaped crater left by the 1980 eruption is clearly visible to the north.
The right side is the 'cool' side for westbound afternoon flights, avoiding direct sun glare. It offers the best perspective of the Columbia River Gorge's scale and the volcanic peaks of Washington state during the descent.
Chicago Skyline
Iconic views of the Willis Tower and lakefront architecture shortly after takeoff from O'Hare.
Mississippi River
A clear view of the wide waterway marking the boundary between the Midwest and the Plains.
Nebraska Sandhills
The undulating, grass-stabilized dunes creating unique patterns across the heartland.
Mount Hood
Oregon's highest peak appears massive and incredibly close during the southern approach path.
Willamette Valley
Lush green landscapes and vineyards visible as the plane enters the Portland metro area.
Choose the left side for a breathtaking close-up of Mount Hood on the final descent. For sunset flights, this side will catch the warm golden hour light hitting the mountains, though mid-day flights may face some sun glare.
Distance: 2,792 km (1,735 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 43 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Route Type: Domestic
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