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PDX → BLI
Which side of the plane to sit from Portland International Airport (Portland) to Bellingham International Airport (Bellingham)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic peaks of the Cascade Volcanic Arc, including iconic close-up views of Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainier.
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Mount St. Helens
Peer directly into the horseshoe-shaped crater and see the massive 1980 blast zone.
Mount Rainier
The most prominent peak in the lower 48, featuring massive glaciers and sheer vertical scale.
Cascade Range
Endless ridges of evergreen forests and smaller volcanic peaks stretching to the north.
Lake Washington
View the floating bridges and the affluent suburbs of Bellevue and Kirkland.
Mount Baker
A dominant, icy volcano that looms large as the aircraft begins its final approach into Bellingham.
Choose the right side for unparalleled views of the Cascades. Early morning flights are best as the sun illuminates the eastern faces of Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff for St. Helens and about 15-20 minutes into the flight for the best view of Rainier's summit. On clear days, you may even spot Mount Adams in the distance.
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Columbia River
Cross the mighty river that marks the border between Oregon and Washington immediately after takeoff.
Seattle Skyline
Enjoy a perfect view of the Space Needle, downtown skyscrapers, and the Elliott Bay waterfront.
Puget Sound
Watch the intricate coastlines, deep blue inlets, and white ferries crossing the water.
Olympic Mountains
Look toward the western horizon to see the rugged, snow-capped peaks of Olympic National Park.
San Juan Islands
During the descent into Bellingham, view the scattered emerald islands of the northern sound.
Sit on the left for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Olympic Mountains and the glittering lights of the Seattle-Tacoma corridor. In the afternoon, the sun reflecting off the Puget Sound creates a stunning shimmering effect. This side is also better for spotting the massive Boeing factory in Everett during the mid-flight segment.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 356 km (221 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 36 min
Departure: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Arrival: BLI (48.79280090332031, -122.53800201416016)
Route Type: Domestic
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