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PDX → ANC
Which side of the plane to sit from Portland International Airport (Portland) to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (Anchorage)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a front-row seat to the dramatic Cascade volcanoes shortly after takeoff, followed by the vast glacial fields of the British Columbia Coast Mountains and the towering peaks of Wrangell-St. Elias.
Cascade Volcanoes
Aerial views of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Baker shortly after departure from PDX.
Coast Mountains
A continuous chain of massive, glaciated peaks stretching through British Columbia.
Inside Passage
Intricate network of islands, fjords, and waterways used by cruise ships and ferries.
Stikine Icecap
Immense glacial fields and icefalls located near the border of British Columbia and Alaska.
Mt. Saint Elias
The second-highest peak in both Canada and the United States, rising dramatically from the coast.
Chugach Mountains
Spectacular close-up views of jagged peaks and glaciers during the final approach to ANC.
The right side is significantly more scenic. Sit here for a morning flight to see the sun illuminate the glaciers. Watch for Mt. Rainier within the first 20 minutes and the massive St. Elias Range about 45 minutes before landing. In winter, the snow-covered peaks are breathtaking under moonlight on night flights.
Olympic Mountains
Vibrant peaks of Olympic National Park visible shortly after departing Portland.
Vancouver Island
Extensive views of the rugged western coastline and dense forests of the island.
Haida Gwaii
Remote and misty archipelago off the coast of northern British Columbia.
Gulf of Alaska
Expansive views of the deep blue North Pacific as the flight turns toward the mainland.
Kenai Peninsula
Stunning views of the rugged coastline and fjords during the descent into Anchorage.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid direct sunlight and enjoy the reflection of the sun on the Pacific. Keep an eye out for the rugged Kenai Peninsula fjords as you descend into the Anchorage basin during the final 30 minutes of the flight.
Distance: 2,477 km (1,539 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 18 min
Departure: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Arrival: ANC (61.17440032958984, -149.99600219726562)
Route Type: Domestic
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