The left side wins by combining a dramatic Rocky Mountain departure with a Mount Hood approach, while the right side offers mostly flat plains and unremarkable high-desert terrain for the bulk of the flight.
Flown BJC to PDX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Portland is 967 miles (1,557 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
Wyoming's high plains, the Wind River Range foothills, and the Snake River Plain of southern Idaho are crossed during cruise, though at cruising altitude these appear as distant, muted terrain rather than dominant scenery.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BJC
LEFTDeparting BJC to the northwest, the Front Range and the Rocky Mountain foothills rise dramatically on the left side of the aircraft, with Longs Peak and the Indian Peaks Wilderness visible as the plane climbs. The right side shows only the flat plains stretching east toward Denver's suburbs.
Landing at PDX
LEFTOn approach into PDX from the east, the flight path often tracks near the Columbia River Gorge, putting Mount Hood's snow-capped cone prominently on the left side of the aircraft during descent. This iconic volcanic peak provides a striking final scenic feature before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Portland International (PDX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Portland. The left side wins by combining a dramatic Rocky Mountain departure with a Mount Hood approach, while the right side offers mostly flat plains and unremarkable high-desert terrain for the bulk of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Denver?
During takeoff from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing BJC to the northwest, the Front Range and the Rocky Mountain foothills rise dramatically on the left side of the aircraft, with Longs Peak and the Indian Peaks Wilderness visible as the plane climbs. The right side shows only the flat plains stretching east toward Denver's suburbs. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Longs Peak, Indian Peaks Wilderness, South Platte River valley.
What can I see when landing at Portland International in Portland?
When landing at Portland International (PDX), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into PDX from the east, the flight path often tracks near the Columbia River Gorge, putting Mount Hood's snow-capped cone prominently on the left side of the aircraft during descent. This iconic volcanic peak provides a striking final scenic feature before touchdown. Notable sights include: Mount Hood, Columbia River, Willamette Valley farmland, Portland's West Hills.
How long is the flight from Denver to Portland?
The flight from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Portland International (PDX) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 967 miles (1,557 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Portland flight path pass over?
Wyoming's high plains, the Wind River Range foothills, and the Snake River Plain of southern Idaho are crossed during cruise, though at cruising altitude these appear as distant, muted terrain rather than dominant scenery.