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PDX → STS
Which side of the plane to sit from Portland International Airport (Portland) to Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (Santa Rosa)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides an unparalleled gallery of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic volcanoes and the striking deep blue of Crater Lake.
Mount Hood
Visible almost immediately after takeoff, Oregon's highest peak dominates the horizon with its glaciated summit.
Cascade Volcanoes
A sequential view of Mount Jefferson and the Three Sisters peaks stretching south along the range.
Crater Lake
The deep sapphire waters of the USA's deepest lake are often visible nestled within its massive caldera.
Mount Shasta
As you cross into California, this massive 14,179-foot stratovolcano offers a truly majestic sight.
Umpqua National Forest
Dense, carpet-like evergreen forests covering the rolling ridges of Southern Oregon.
Morning flights are ideal to avoid harsh afternoon glare when photographing the Cascades. Ensure you are seated behind the wing to get unobstructed shots of Crater Lake, which usually appears about 40 minutes into the flight. In winter, the contrast between the white peaks and dark forests is spectacular.
Portland Skyline
Views of downtown PDX and the West Hills as the plane gains altitude and turns south.
Pacific Coastline
On clear days, the distant glint of the ocean and the rugged edge of the continent are visible beyond the Coast Range.
Siskiyou Mountains
The complex, ancient terrain of the Klamath-Siskiyou region marks the border between OR and CA.
Sonoma Vineyards
Neat rows of grapevines and rolling golden hills appear during the final descent into Santa Rosa.
Russian River
The winding path of the Russian River as it snakes through the valley toward the sea.
Book an evening flight to witness breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. While the coast is distant, the golden hour light reflects beautifully off the water. Watch for the terrain to shift from dense Oregon pine to the characteristic oak-dotted hills of Northern California as you enter the Napa-Sonoma region.
Distance: 787 km (489 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 19 min
Departure: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Arrival: STS (38.50899887, -122.8130035)
Route Type: Domestic
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