While the right side has a marginally better takeoff view over Lake St. Clair, the left side's approach into PDX delivers a much stronger visual payoff with Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge, making it the better overall side for this flight.
Flown DTW to PDX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Portland is 1,948 miles (3,135 km), a flight of about 4 hours 35 minutes.
Great Plains of North Dakota and eastern Montana, the Missouri River valley, and the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains near the Montana-Idaho border
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
RIGHTDeparting DTW to the west, the right side offers glimpses of Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River waterfront before the aircraft turns onto its westbound track. The left side mainly shows flat southeastern Michigan farmland with little visual interest.
Landing at PDX
LEFTPDX's typical westerly approach (runway 28) brings the aircraft down the Columbia River Gorge, with Mount Hood's snow-capped cone clearly visible to the south — on the left side of the aircraft. This is the single most dramatic landmark of the entire flight.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Portland International (PDX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Portland. While the right side has a marginally better takeoff view over Lake St. Clair, the left side's approach into PDX delivers a much stronger visual payoff with Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge, making it the better overall side for this flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing DTW to the west, the right side offers glimpses of Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River waterfront before the aircraft turns onto its westbound track. The left side mainly shows flat southeastern Michigan farmland with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Lake St. Clair, Detroit River, Downtown Detroit skyline, St. Clair shoreline communities.
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. PDX's typical westerly approach (runway 28) brings the aircraft down the Columbia River Gorge, with Mount Hood's snow-capped cone clearly visible to the south — on the left side of the aircraft. This is the single most dramatic landmark of the entire flight. Notable sights include: Mount Hood, Columbia River Gorge, Cascade foothills, Willamette Valley farmland.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Portland?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Portland International (PDX) takes about 4 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,948 miles (3,135 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Portland flight path pass over?
Great Plains of North Dakota and eastern Montana, the Missouri River valley, and the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains near the Montana-Idaho border