While right offers better views during Des Moines departure, left provides superior scenery for the majority of the flight and especially on approach to Portland, where the Cascade Range and Willamette Valley dominate the view.
Flown DSM to PDX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Des Moines to Portland is 1,467 miles (2,362 km), a flight of about 4 hours.
You'll cross the Missouri River (Iowa-Nebraska border), then the Great Plains of Nebraska and Wyoming. The Black Hills appear on the horizon in South Dakota/Wyoming (far left/north of typical flight path). As you approach Oregon, the Blue Mountains become visible, followed by the Cascade Range. The Snake River valley in Idaho and the transition from high desert to the Willamette Valley are notable midpoint markers.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DSM
RIGHTDes Moines sits in central Iowa with the Des Moines River running through the city. Banking right on departure gives you views of the river valley and the surrounding agricultural plains stretching eastward. Left would show similar farmland but fewer distinctive features.
Landing at PDX
LEFTApproaching PDX from the east, you descend over the Willamette Valley. Left seats offer views of the Cascade Range to the southeast and the valley floor itself. The right side shows less dramatic terrain as you're already past the major mountain views by final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Des Moines International (DSM) to Portland International (PDX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Des Moines to Portland. While right offers better views during Des Moines departure, left provides superior scenery for the majority of the flight and especially on approach to Portland, where the Cascade Range and Willamette Valley dominate the view.
What can I see during takeoff from Des Moines International in Des Moines?
During takeoff from Des Moines International (DSM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Des Moines sits in central Iowa with the Des Moines River running through the city. Banking right on departure gives you views of the river valley and the surrounding agricultural plains stretching eastward. Left would show similar farmland but fewer distinctive features. Notable sights include: Des Moines River valley, Iowa State Capitol building area, surrounding corn and soybean fields, Saylorville Lake (north of the airport).
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. Approaching PDX from the east, you descend over the Willamette Valley. Left seats offer views of the Cascade Range to the southeast and the valley floor itself. The right side shows less dramatic terrain as you're already past the major mountain views by final approach. Notable sights include: Cascade Range peaks (Mount Hood visible on clear days, 50+ miles southeast), Willamette River, Portland metro area sprawl, Tualatin Valley farmland.
How long is the flight from Des Moines to Portland?
The flight from Des Moines International (DSM) to Portland International (PDX) takes about 4 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,467 miles (2,362 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Des Moines to Portland flight path pass over?
You'll cross the Missouri River (Iowa-Nebraska border), then the Great Plains of Nebraska and Wyoming. The Black Hills appear on the horizon in South Dakota/Wyoming (far left/north of typical flight path). As you approach Oregon, the Blue Mountains become visible, followed by the Cascade Range. The Snake River valley in Idaho and the transition from high desert to the Willamette Valley are notable midpoint markers.