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SEA → SMF
Which side of the plane to sit from Seattle Tacoma International Airport (Seattle) to Sacramento International Airport (Sacramento)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers an unparalleled front-row seat to the 'Parade of Volcanoes' along the Cascade Range, featuring multiple iconic peaks at eye level.
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Mount Rainier
Washington's highest peak appears massive shortly after takeoff from SEA.
Mount St. Helens
A clear view of the horseshoe-shaped crater and the 1980 eruption blast zone.
Mount Hood
Oregon's iconic snow-capped pyramid standing tall east of the flight path.
Three Sisters
A trio of volcanic peaks offering a dramatic jagged skyline in central Oregon.
Mount Shasta
The dominant 14,000-foot stratovolcano in Northern California, often visible for many miles.
Book an early morning flight on the left side to see the sunrise hitting the glaciers of the Cascades. During winter, the peaks are heavily snow-covered, making them even more prominent. Ensure your window is clean as these are some of the best aerial photo opportunities in the US.
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Puget Sound
Aerial views of the islands and waterways south of Seattle during the initial ascent.
Olympic Mountains
A distant but majestic view of the rugged peaks to the west.
Willamette Valley
The patchwork of green farmland and vineyards throughout Oregon.
Coastal Range
Rolling forested mountains that separate the inland valleys from the Pacific Ocean.
Sit on the right for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Pacific Coast Range. This side is also better if you want to avoid the harsh glare of the morning sun which can make the left side very bright.
Book Hotels in SacramentoDistance: 975 km (606 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 38 min
Departure: SEA (47.449001, -122.308998)
Arrival: SMF (38.69540023803711, -121.59100341796876)
Route Type: Domestic
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