Left side provides superior scenery for both departure and arrival. Takeoff offers Great Lakes views, and landing showcases Mount Hood and the Cascade Range—the most visually distinctive features of this route.
Flown DET to PDX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Portland is 1,960 miles (3,154 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
Wisconsin shoreline and lakes, Mississippi River valley, Minnesota-Iowa border region, Upper Missouri River basin, Black Hills (distant, far south), Rocky Mountain foothills in Montana and Idaho, Snake River Plain in Idaho, Blue Mountains in eastern Oregon
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DET
LEFTLeft side captures the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the initial climb over the Great Lakes shoreline. Right side faces inland toward flat Michigan terrain with minimal visual interest during departure.
Landing at PDX
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Cascade Range and Mount Hood during the descent into Portland. Right side faces the Columbia River Gorge but misses the dramatic volcanic peaks that define the approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit City (DET) to Portland International (PDX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Portland. Left side provides superior scenery for both departure and arrival. Takeoff offers Great Lakes views, and landing showcases Mount Hood and the Cascade Range—the most visually distinctive features of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit City in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit City (DET), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the initial climb over the Great Lakes shoreline. Right side faces inland toward flat Michigan terrain with minimal visual interest during departure. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie (distant), Michigan shoreline.
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. Left side offers views of the Cascade Range and Mount Hood during the descent into Portland. Right side faces the Columbia River Gorge but misses the dramatic volcanic peaks that define the approach. Notable sights include: Mount Hood, Cascade Range, Columbia River, Portland metro area.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Portland?
The flight from Detroit City (DET) to Portland International (PDX) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,960 miles (3,154 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Portland flight path pass over?
Wisconsin shoreline and lakes, Mississippi River valley, Minnesota-Iowa border region, Upper Missouri River basin, Black Hills (distant, far south), Rocky Mountain foothills in Montana and Idaho, Snake River Plain in Idaho, Blue Mountains in eastern Oregon