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YYC → PDX
Which side of the plane to sit from Calgary International Airport (Calgary) to Portland International Airport (Portland)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a front-row seat to the 'Ring of Fire' volcanoes, including Mount Adams and the iconic crater of Mount St. Helens, followed by a panoramic view of the Portland cityscape.
Purcell Mountains
Rugged, snow-capped wilderness peaks of British Columbia shortly after crossing the border.
Mount Adams
A close-up view of this massive Washington stratovolcano as the flight crosses the Cascade range.
Mount St. Helens
The famous horseshoe-shaped crater and blast zone are clearly visible to the west on clear days.
Mount Rainier
The towering 14,411-foot giant of the Pacific Northwest dominates the northern horizon.
Portland Skyline
Clear views of the Willamette River, the city bridges, and downtown skyscrapers during the final approach.
The right side is superior for volcano spotting. Look for Mount St. Helens about 15 minutes before landing; the crater is best seen if the plane approaches from the northeast. Use a polarizing filter for photos to cut through the frequent Pacific Northwest haze.
Canadian Rockies
Dramatic limestone peaks of Kananaskis Country and the High Rock Range immediately after departure.
Lake Pend Oreille
The vast, deep blue waters of Idaho's largest lake surrounded by dense national forests.
Mount Hood
Oregon's highest peak appears as a massive, glacier-clad pyramid during the descent into the Columbia basin.
Columbia River Gorge
The deep canyon walls and the wide river marking the border between Washington and Oregon.
Mount Jefferson
A distant but clear view of the sharp, pointed spire of Oregon's second highest mountain to the south.
Sit on the left to see Mount Hood in all its glory. It is most impressive about 20 minutes before landing. For winter flights, the low sun angle in the south provides incredible shadow definition on the mountain ridges.
Distance: 882 km (548 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 28 min
Departure: YYC (51.113899231000005, -114.019996643)
Arrival: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Route Type: International
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