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SLC → MFR
Which side of the plane to sit from Salt Lake City International Airport (Salt Lake City) to Rogue Valley International Medford Airport (Medford)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers an unparalleled view of the Great Salt Lake immediately after takeoff and a spectacular close-up of the volcanic peaks in the Cascade Range during the descent into Medford.
Great Salt Lake
The shimmering turquoise and deep blue waters of the lake, including Antelope Island, are best seen on the right side upon departure.
Bonneville Salt Flats
A dazzling white crust of salt stretching toward the horizon, famous for land speed records.
Goose Lake
A large, shallow alkali lake straddling the California-Oregon border surrounded by volcanic plateaus.
Mount McLoughlin
A striking, symmetrical steep-sided cinder cone volcano that dominates the horizon as you approach Medford.
Fremont-Winema National Forest
Endless canopies of Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir covering the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range.
The right side is the 'scenic winner' for this route. For the best photos of Mount McLoughlin, ensure your window is clear as the descent begins about 20 minutes before landing. In winter, the contrast of the white salt flats and snow-capped Cascades is breathtaking.
Bingham Canyon Mine
One of the largest man-made excavations in the world, this massive copper mine is visible shortly after departing SLC.
Ruby Mountains
Known as the Alps of Nevada, these jagged, snow-dusted peaks provide a stark contrast to the surrounding desert basins.
Black Rock Desert
The high-altitude desert plains of Northwest Nevada showcase unique geological formations and alkaline flats.
Upper Klamath Lake
A vast freshwater lake in South Central Oregon that signals the transition into the lush Pacific Northwest landscape.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun while viewing the Great Basin. Watch for the distinct 'basin and range' topography of Nevada, which is best viewed when the sun is lower in the sky to emphasize the shadows of the ridges.
Distance: 923 km (574 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 32 min
Departure: SLC (40.78839874267578, -111.97799682617188)
Arrival: MFR (42.37419891357422, -122.8730010986328)
Route Type: Domestic
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