The left side captures the Front Range of the Rockies on departure and the dramatic approach past Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge on arrival, giving it far more dramatic terrain than the flatter high-desert and plains views on the right.
Flown DEN to PDX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Portland is 989 miles (1,592 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
Southern Wyoming basin and range terrain, the Snake River Plain of southern Idaho, and the high desert plateau of eastern Oregon near the Blue Mountains
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
LEFTDeparting DEN toward the northwest, the aircraft's turn puts the Front Range of the Rockies—including the foothills near Boulder and the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park—right outside the left windows as the plane climbs over the high plains.
Landing at PDX
LEFTOn the typical easterly approach into PDX along the Columbia River corridor, the left side offers a clear view of snow-capped Mount Hood rising above the forested Cascade foothills, followed by the Willamette River and Portland's West Hills just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) 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 captures the Front Range of the Rockies on departure and the dramatic approach past Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge on arrival, giving it far more dramatic terrain than the flatter high-desert and plains views on the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing DEN toward the northwest, the aircraft's turn puts the Front Range of the Rockies—including the foothills near Boulder and the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park—right outside the left windows as the plane climbs over the high plains. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Longs Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park skyline, Denver's northwest suburbs.
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 the typical easterly approach into PDX along the Columbia River corridor, the left side offers a clear view of snow-capped Mount Hood rising above the forested Cascade foothills, followed by the Willamette River and Portland's West Hills just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Mount Hood, Columbia River Gorge, Willamette River, Portland's West Hills and downtown skyline.
How long is the flight from Denver to Portland?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Portland International (PDX) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 989 miles (1,592 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Portland flight path pass over?
Southern Wyoming basin and range terrain, the Snake River Plain of southern Idaho, and the high desert plateau of eastern Oregon near the Blue Mountains