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SNA → PDX
Which side of the plane to sit from John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport (Santa Ana) to Portland International Airport (Portland)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers an elite sequence of geological wonders, including the massive Mount Shasta, the deep blues of Crater Lake, and a spectacular close-up of Mount Hood during the approach into Portland.
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LA Basin
Shortly after takeoff, see the massive urban sprawl of Los Angeles backed by the San Gabriel Mountains.
Mount Shasta
The flight passes directly east of this 14,179-foot volcanic giant, offering unparalleled views of its glaciers.
Crater Lake
Look for the intense sapphire blue of the deepest lake in the USA, nestled inside a collapsed volcano.
The Cascades
A parade of peaks including the Three Sisters and Mount Jefferson lead up to a grand finale with Mount Hood.
Sit on the right for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the western sun. Mount Shasta appears roughly 60 minutes into the flight. As the plane descends into PDX, Mount Hood will often appear very large and close to the wing, providing one of the best photo opportunities in commercial aviation.
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Pacific Coastline
Dramatic views of the California coast, including the rugged cliffs of Big Sur and the Monterey Peninsula.
San Francisco Bay
A panoramic view of the Bay Area, often including the Golden Gate Bridge and the downtown skyline if the route is coastal.
Coast Range
The dense, emerald-green forests of the Oregon Coast Range provide a lush backdrop as you move north.
Columbia River
Detailed views of the industrial and natural beauty of the river that marks the border between Oregon and Washington.
The left side is superior for sunset flights, as the sun dips into the Pacific Ocean. To see the San Francisco skyline, hope for a clear day without the typical marine layer. This side also provides a great view of the turning maneuver over the Columbia River just before landing.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,385 km (861 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 51 min
Departure: SNA (33.67570114, -117.8679962)
Arrival: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Route Type: Domestic
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