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PDX → SMF
Which side of the plane to sit from Portland International Airport (Portland) to Sacramento International Airport (Sacramento)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic Cascade Range, featuring a sequence of iconic snow-capped volcanic peaks from Mt. Hood down to Mt. Shasta.
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Mt. Hood
Oregon's highest peak, visible immediately after departure, towering over the Willamette Valley.
Mt. Jefferson
A sharp, rugged stratovolcano that stands as the second-highest peak in Oregon.
The Three Sisters
A trio of massive glaciated peaks clustered together near Central Oregon.
Crater Lake
If the flight path is slightly inland, you can spot the brilliant blue waters of the deepest lake in the USA.
Mt. Shasta
A massive, isolated peak in Northern California that dominates the skyline for over 100 miles of the flight.
Lake Oroville
A sprawling reservoir in the Sierra Nevada foothills visible during the initial descent into Sacramento.
Sit on the left (port side) for the 'string of pearls' volcanic view. Morning flights are ideal as the sun rises in the east, illuminating the eastern faces of the mountains. On clear days, Mt. Shasta is the star of the show about 45 minutes into the flight.
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Willamette Valley
Lush agricultural land and the winding Willamette River visible just south of Portland.
Oregon Coast Range
Dense evergreen forests stretching toward the Pacific, visible on the western horizon.
Klamath Mountains
Ancient, rugged terrain spanning the border between Oregon and California.
Sutter Buttes
Known as the world's smallest mountain range, these volcanic domes rise abruptly from the flat Sacramento Valley.
Sacramento River
The winding artery of California's Central Valley, guiding the plane toward the airport.
Choose the right side (starboard) for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Pacific Coast Range. This side is also best for seeing the unique circular formation of the Sutter Buttes during the final 15 minutes of the flight.
Book Hotels in SacramentoDistance: 771 km (479 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 17 min
Departure: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Arrival: SMF (38.69540023803711, -121.59100341796876)
Route Type: Domestic
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