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PDX → MSP
Which side of the plane to sit from Portland International Airport (Portland) to Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport (Minneapolis)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior lighting for photography on this eastbound route, featuring the northern Cascades, the vast wilderness of the Bitterroot Range, and the sprawling waters of Lake Sakakawea.
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Mt. St. Helens & Mt. Adams
Stunning volcanic vistas of the Cascade Range shortly after departure from Portland.
Columbia River Gorge
Aerial view of the deep canyon where the Columbia River cuts through the mountains.
Bitterroot Mountains
The dense, rugged wilderness of the Idaho Panhandle and Western Montana.
Glacier National Park
Distant views of the jagged, snow-capped peaks along the Canadian border.
Lake Sakakawea
The massive, winding reservoir on the Missouri River stretching across North Dakota.
Minneapolis Skyline
Clear views of the downtown skyline and U.S. Bank Stadium during the final approach.
Sitting on the left side avoids direct sunlight for most of the flight, preventing glare and window heat. Morning flights offer beautiful front-lighting on the Cascade peaks. Watch for the transition from the green forests of the west to the geometric patterns of the Great Plains mid-flight.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesMount Hood
A spectacular close-up of Oregon's tallest peak immediately after takeoff.
High Desert
The dramatic rain shadow effect as the landscape turns arid east of the Cascades.
Sawtooth Mountains
The iconic, sharp-edged granite peaks of central Idaho.
Yellowstone Region
Vast plateaus and thermal basins visible in the distance over the Wyoming border.
The Heartland
Intricate crop circles and farming patterns across the Dakotas and Minnesota.
Mall of America
The massive retail complex is often visible just south of the MSP airport during landing.
While the right side gets an incredible view of Mount Hood at takeoff, you will face the sun for the duration of the trip, which can be intense. In winter, look for the 'frozen' appearance of the Missouri River. Keep your window shade down during mid-flight to avoid overheating unless actively spotting landmarks.
Book Hotels in MinneapolisDistance: 2,289 km (1,422 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 3 min
Departure: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Arrival: MSP (44.882, -93.221802)
Route Type: Domestic
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