While takeoff favors the left for the San Gabriel Mountains, the landing view of Mount Hood and the Cascade Range from the right side is more dramatic and iconic. The approach to Portland offers a longer, more rewarding visual sequence as the volcanic peak grows larger during descent.
Flown BUR to PDX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Burbank to Portland is 818 miles (1,316 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Sierra Nevada foothills and Modoc Plateau in northern California, then enters Oregon over the Klamath Basin. The Cascade Range becomes visible around the midpoint, with peaks like Mount Shasta (if on a slightly eastern routing) or the Three Sisters visible to the east. The Willamette Valley opens up in the final descent approach to Portland.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BUR
LEFTBurbank typically departs westbound on runways 8 or 15. Left seats face north and northwest during climb-out, giving direct views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin spreading below. Right seats see the San Fernando Valley but miss the dramatic ridge line.
Landing at PDX
RIGHTPortland typically lands on runways 10L/10R or 28L/28R. Approaching from the south on a standard descent, right seats face east and northeast toward the Cascade Range and Mount Hood. Left seats see the Willamette Valley but miss the dramatic volcanic peak that dominates the approach corridor.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) to Portland International (PDX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Burbank to Portland. While takeoff favors the left for the San Gabriel Mountains, the landing view of Mount Hood and the Cascade Range from the right side is more dramatic and iconic. The approach to Portland offers a longer, more rewarding visual sequence as the volcanic peak grows larger during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Burbank Glendale Pasadena in Burbank?
During takeoff from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Burbank typically departs westbound on runways 8 or 15. Left seats face north and northwest during climb-out, giving direct views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin spreading below. Right seats see the San Fernando Valley but miss the dramatic ridge line. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains (immediate north), Los Angeles downtown skyline (southeast, receding), Santa Monica Mountains (west-northwest on horizon), San Fernando Valley floor (below and right).
What can I see when landing at Portland International in Portland?
When landing at Portland International (PDX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Portland typically lands on runways 10L/10R or 28L/28R. Approaching from the south on a standard descent, right seats face east and northeast toward the Cascade Range and Mount Hood. Left seats see the Willamette Valley but miss the dramatic volcanic peak that dominates the approach corridor. Notable sights include: Mount Hood (east-northeast on horizon, snow-capped), Cascade Range foothills (east, receding), Willamette River (visible winding through Portland below), Columbia River (north, marking Washington border).
How long is the flight from Burbank to Portland?
The flight from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) to Portland International (PDX) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 818 miles (1,316 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Burbank to Portland flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Sierra Nevada foothills and Modoc Plateau in northern California, then enters Oregon over the Klamath Basin. The Cascade Range becomes visible around the midpoint, with peaks like Mount Shasta (if on a slightly eastern routing) or the Three Sisters visible to the east. The Willamette Valley opens up in the final descent approach to Portland.