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PDX โ DFW
Which side of the plane to sit from Portland International Airport (Portland) to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (Dallas-Fort Worth)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers unparalleled views of the Pacific Northwest's volcanic giants and the dramatic Columbia River Gorge immediately after takeoff, followed by a vast panorama of the Northern Rockies and the Great Salt Lake.
Columbia River Gorge
Witness the massive river carving through the Cascade Mountains with steep basalt cliffs on the Washington-Oregon border.
Mt. St. Helens & Mt. Adams
Looking north, you can see the cratered peak of St. Helens and the massive snow-capped dome of Mt. Adams.
Great Salt Lake
As you traverse the Great Basin, the shimmering turquoise and silver waters of the Great Salt Lake appear to the north.
Colorado Rockies
The northern reaches of the Southern Rockies provide a jagged horizon of snow-dusted peaks and deep valleys.
High Plains
Transition into the geometric patterns of Kansas and Oklahoma's agriculture as the mountains give way to the prairie.
Sit on the left for the best mountain photography during the first 30 minutes. Use a polarizing filter to reduce haze over the Great Basin. For evening flights, the northern view avoids the direct glare of the setting sun, making it easier to spot distant peaks.
Mount Hood
Immediately after departure, the plane often banks near Oregon's tallest peak, offering a close-up view of its glaciers.
Painted Hills Area
The colorful, layered clay formations of Central Oregon's high desert are visible shortly after crossing the Cascades.
Arches and Canyonlands
Gaze down at the deep orange and red canyons of Southeastern Utah, including the winding paths of the Colorado River.
Palo Duro Canyon
Near Amarillo, the second-largest canyon in the U.S. appears as a massive red scar across the Texas panhandle.
DFW Metroplex
During the descent into Dallas, enjoy views of the sprawling urban layout and the stadium complexes in Arlington.
The right side is ideal for catching the sunset on late afternoon flights, though glare can be intense. This side is superior for viewing the red-rock formations of Utah. Choose a seat forward of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of Mount Hood's summit during the initial climb.
Distance: 2,597 km (1,614 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 28 min
Departure: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Arrival: DFW (32.896801, -97.038002)
Route Type: Domestic
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