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PDX → PSC
Which side of the plane to sit from Portland International Airport (Portland) to Tri Cities Airport (Pasco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides an unparalleled close-up view of Mount Hood, the crown jewel of the Oregon Cascades, along with the scenic south bank of the Columbia River Gorge.
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Mount Hood
The flight path passes extremely close to this 11,249-foot glacier-capped volcano.
Multnomah Falls
Look closely at the cliffs of the Gorge to spot Oregon's most famous waterfall.
The Dalles Dam
A massive hydroelectric structure spanning the Columbia River with a visible navigation lock.
Wind Farms
Thousands of white wind turbines line the ridges of Sherman County and the Columbia Plateau.
Columbia Basin
The dramatic shift from lush green forests to the golden high desert plateau.
The right side is the definitive choice for mountain lovers. Mount Hood appears massive and dominates the window for the first 15-20 minutes. Late afternoon or sunset flights are particularly stunning on this side, as the 'Alpenglow' effect turns the snow-capped peak pink and orange. Sit behind the wing to ensure your view of the mountain isn't obstructed during the turn toward the Gorge.
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Mount St. Helens
Excellent views of the horseshoe-shaped crater and the blast zone to the north.
Mount Adams
Washington's second-tallest peak dominates the skyline for much of the cruise phase.
Beacon Rock
A massive basalt monolith rising from the river bank near Skamania.
Hanford Site
The sprawling historical nuclear production complex is visible during the descent into Pasco.
The Tri-Cities Confluence
Watch the Yakima and Snake Rivers merge into the mighty Columbia near the airport.
Choose the left side for 'volcano spotting'—on clear days, you can often see Mount Rainier in the far distance beyond Mount Adams. Morning flights are ideal as the sun illuminates the eastern faces of the Washington peaks. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff from PDX as the plane climbs past the Columbia River.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 279 km (173 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 28 min
Departure: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Arrival: PSC (46.26470184326172, -119.11900329589844)
Route Type: Domestic
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