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PDX → FAT
Which side of the plane to sit from Portland International Airport (Portland) to Fresno Yosemite International Airport (Fresno)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a world-class display of the Cascade Volcanic Arc and the northern reaches of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
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Mount Hood
Immediately after departure from PDX, witness Oregon's highest peak in stunning detail.
The Three Sisters
A spectacular trio of volcanic peaks located near Bend, Oregon, visible as you track south.
Crater Lake
The deepest lake in the US, known for its intense blue color, located within a collapsed caldera.
Mount Shasta
A massive, ice-clad stratovolcano that dominates the landscape of Northern California.
Lassen Peak
The southernmost active volcano in the Cascades, surrounded by geothermal features.
Northern Sierra Nevada
As you descend toward Fresno, the rugged granite peaks of the Sierra range appear to the east.
Sit on the left side (Window A) for the most iconic landmarks. For the best photography, choose a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the volcanoes. Mount Hood appears very quickly after takeoff, so keep your camera ready. Crater Lake is best spotted about 35-45 minutes into the flight.
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Willamette Valley
Lush green agricultural heartland of Oregon stretching between the Cascades and Coast Range.
Oregon Coast Range
Dense evergreen forests and rolling mountains that separate the valley from the Pacific.
Klamath National Forest
Rugged, densely forested terrain at the border of Oregon and California.
Sacramento Valley
The northern half of the Central Valley, featuring an intricate grid of rice paddies and orchards.
Sacramento River
California's longest river winding through the valley toward the Bay Area.
The right side (Window F) is ideal for sunset flights, providing views of the sun dipping toward the Pacific. It offers a great perspective on the vast scale of California's agricultural industry. During winter months, this side often provides views of dramatic cloud layers or 'tule fog' blanketing the Central Valley floor.
Book Hotels in FresnoDistance: 1,009 km (627 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 21 min
Departure: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Arrival: FAT (36.77619934082031, -119.71800231933594)
Route Type: Domestic
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