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PDX → DEN
Which side of the plane to sit from Portland International Airport (Portland) to Denver International Airport (Denver)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a spectacular, close-up view of Mt. Hood immediately after departure and a panoramic perspective of the Front Range Rockies during the descent into Denver.
Mt. Hood
Oregon's highest peak appears incredibly close, offering a detailed look at its glaciers and crater.
Cascade Range
A continuous chain of volcanic peaks including Mt. Jefferson and the Three Sisters in the distance.
High Desert
The starkly beautiful transition from lush forests to the volcanic badlands of Eastern Oregon.
Front Range Rockies
The dramatic wall of the Rocky Mountains as the plane descends toward the Denver plains.
Denver Skyline
Panoramic views of downtown Denver and Mile High Stadium on the final approach into DEN.
The right side is the clear winner for the iconic Mt. Hood pass-by within the first 10 minutes. During winter, the snow-covered Rockies provide a brilliant white landscape. For the best lighting, choose a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the mountain faces as you approach Colorado.
Columbia River Gorge
The winding river canyon carving through the Cascade Mountains just east of Portland.
Mt. Adams
A massive, snow-capped stratovolcano standing prominently to the north shortly after takeoff.
Snake River
The deep blue ribbon of the Snake River as it cuts through the arid landscapes of Idaho.
Wind River Range
The rugged, glacier-carved peaks of western Wyoming visible during the mid-flight cruise.
Sit on the left for better views of the Columbia River and Mt. Adams during the initial climb. This side often avoids direct southern sun glare during midday flights heading southeast, making photography easier. Look for the distinct sawtooth ridges of the Wyoming wilderness about an hour into the flight.
Distance: 1,592 km (989 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 7 min
Departure: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Arrival: DEN (39.861698150635, -104.672996521)
Route Type: Domestic
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