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PDX destination photo
IAD destination photo

PDXIAD

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a premier view of Mount Hood immediately after takeoff and generally superior positioning for viewing the Grand Tetons and the Blue Ridge Mountains during the descent into Virginia.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🏔️

Mount Hood

A stunning, close-range view of Oregon's highest peak just minutes after departing PDX.

🏜️

Sawtooth Mountains

The jagged and dramatic peaks of central Idaho provide incredible high-altitude terrain views.

🌋

Grand Tetons

The unmistakable sharp spires of the Teton Range are a primary landmark across the Wyoming skyline.

🌾

Mississippi River

Witness the massive scale of the 'Big Muddy' as it winds through the heart of the American Midwest.

⛰️

Shenandoah Valley

Beautiful views of the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains and the lush Virginia valley during the approach to IAD.

Ensure you are seated behind the wing for an unobstructed view of Mount Hood on takeoff. For morning flights, the sun will be on this side, so bring sunglasses or a polarizer for photos. This side is consistently better for spotting the major Rocky Mountain landmarks.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🌋

Mount Adams

The massive stratovolcano in Washington state is clearly visible to the north shortly after departure from Portland.

🏔️

Glacier National Park

On more northerly flight tracks, the rugged, snow-dusted peaks of northern Montana are visible in the distance.

🌊

Lake Michigan

Expansive views of the southern Great Lakes, often including the curve of the shoreline near Chicago.

🏙️

Cleveland Skyline

Direct views of the Lake Erie shoreline and the urban sprawl of Northeast Ohio.

⛰️

Appalachian Plateau

The dense, forested ridges of Pennsylvania and Maryland as the plane begins its initial descent.

Sit on the left if you want to catch the 'Ring of Fire' volcanoes of Washington state. For night flights, this side often offers views of the Aurora Borealis during solar activity periods, as you are looking north toward the Canadian border.

Top Activities in Washington
Route Information

Distance: 3,736 km (2,321 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 24 min

Departure: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)

Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)

Route Type: Domestic

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