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YVR → PDX
Which side of the plane to sit from Vancouver International Airport (Vancouver) to Portland International Airport (Portland)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers an unparalleled 'Volcano Row' experience, showcasing the most iconic peaks of the Cascade Range in close proximity during the flight south.
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Mount Baker
A massive, glaciated stratovolcano located just south of the Canadian border in Washington State.
Mount Rainier
Washington's highest peak and most iconic landmark, often appearing to float above the clouds.
Mount St. Helens
Clear views of the dramatic horseshoe-shaped crater left by the 1980 lateral eruption.
Fraser Valley
Aerial perspectives of the fertile valley and the winding Fraser River immediately after takeoff.
Mount Adams
The second-highest peak in Washington, often visible alongside Mount Rainier and St. Helens.
Sit on the left (Port) side and try to book a seat behind the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Cascade volcanoes. Morning flights are ideal as the sun illuminates the eastern faces of the mountains. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff for Mount Baker and roughly 30 minutes into the flight for the Rainier and St. Helens sequence. In winter, the heavy snowpack on the peaks provides stunning contrast against the dark evergreen forests below.
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Gulf and San Juan Islands
A beautiful archipelago of forested islands scattered across the Salish Sea.
Puget Sound
The complex network of marine waterways stretching from the border down to Olympia.
Olympic Mountains
The rugged, snow-capped interior peaks of Olympic National Park visible to the far west.
Seattle Skyline
Distant views of the Space Needle and the downtown core as the flight passes to the east of the city.
Columbia River
The wide, powerful river that marks the boundary between Washington and Oregon during the final descent.
The right (Starboard) side is the superior choice for sunset flights, as the sun dips behind the Olympic Mountains and reflects off the Salish Sea. It offers a more coastal perspective with intricate island geography. During the approach into PDX, the right side often gets a sweeping view of the Willamette Valley and the northern suburbs of Portland. Look for the distinct rain shadow effect over the Olympic Peninsula where the clouds often stop abruptly.
Book Hotels in PortlandDistance: 403 km (250 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 40 min
Departure: YVR (49.193901061999995, -123.183998108)
Arrival: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Route Type: International
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