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SEA → PDX
Which side of the plane to sit from Seattle Tacoma International Airport (Seattle) to Portland International Airport (Portland)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a front-row seat to the dramatic peaks of the Cascade Range, featuring world-class views of multiple iconic volcanoes and the vast evergreen wilderness of the Pacific Northwest.
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Mt. Rainier
Looming immediately south of Seattle, this massive glaciated peak is the centerpiece of the flight shortly after takeoff.
Mt. St. Helens
Unrivaled views of the horseshoe-shaped crater and the Spirit Lake recovery zone from the 1980 eruption.
Mt. Adams
The second-highest peak in Washington is clearly visible just east of the primary flight path.
Cascade Range
Continuous stretches of deep green evergreen canopy and rugged ridges spanning the mountain foothills.
Mt. Hood
The iconic, symmetrical peak marking the Oregon border appears prominently during the descent into Portland.
Sit on the left for morning flights to see the sun illuminate the eastern glaciers of the mountains. The flight is very short (approx. 45 mins), so have your camera ready within 10 minutes of takeoff as Mt. Rainier appears almost immediately.
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Puget Sound
Beautiful views of the southern inlets and islands as the plane climbs out of the Seattle metro area.
Olympic Mountains
On clear days, the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Peninsula are visible on the western horizon.
Chehalis River Valley
Winding silver river ribbons through the agricultural valleys and timberlands of Southwest Washington.
Columbia River
The massive, industrial waterway that defines the border between Washington and Oregon, often filled with cargo ships.
Portland Hills
A great view of the West Hills and the urban landscape of Portland during the final approach into PDX.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to witness the sunset over the Pacific horizon. If the plane approaches PDX from the west, you will get a great view of the downtown Portland skyline and the Willamette River.
Book Hotels in PortlandDistance: 208 km (129 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 21 min
Departure: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)
Arrival: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Route Type: Domestic
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