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PDX → SJC
Which side of the plane to sit from Portland International Airport (Portland) to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (San Jose)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a spectacular parade of the Cascade Range's most famous volcanoes, including Mount Hood and Mount Shasta, which are the highlights of this route.
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Mount Hood
Portland's iconic glacier-capped peak is visible almost immediately after takeoff.
The Three Sisters
A striking trio of volcanic peaks located in the central Oregon Cascades.
Crater Lake
The intense blue waters of this volcanic caldera are often visible mid-flight in clear conditions.
Mount Shasta
A massive, isolated stratovolcano that dominates the Northern California landscape for a significant portion of the flight.
Lassen Volcanic Park
Ancient volcanic terrain and steaming vents at the southern terminus of the Cascade Range.
Choose a window seat on the left to witness the 'Ring of Fire' volcanoes. Morning flights are ideal as the rising sun illuminates the eastern faces of the mountains. Keep an eye out early; Mount Hood appears within the first 10 minutes of flight. Mount Shasta will be visible for about 20 minutes mid-route.
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Willamette Valley
Lush green agricultural land stretching between the Coast Range and the Cascades.
Oregon Coast Range
Rolling forested hills with occasional glimpses of the Pacific Ocean on the far horizon.
Napa and Sonoma
Aerial views of Northern California's premier wine country and its geometric vineyard patterns.
San Francisco Bay
Iconic views of the bay area, including the bridges and Alcatraz, during the descent into San Jose.
Silicon Valley
Dense urban landscape and headquarters of major tech companies as the plane approaches SJC.
The right side is better for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. On the approach to SJC, look for the vibrant red and green hues of the salt ponds at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay. If the pilot follows a coastal arrival, you may catch a distant glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Book Hotels in San JoseDistance: 916 km (569 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 32 min
Departure: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Arrival: SJC (37.362598, -121.929001)
Route Type: Domestic
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