About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Portland International (PDX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Portland. Left side wins both departure and arrival. During the flight itself, the left side also faces generally south, giving views of the Great Salt Lake as the route passes over Utah, and the Snake River Plain across southern Idaho. The right side has the Cascades on descent but misses the Hood and Portland river views on landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Washington Dulles International in Washington?
During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. IAD typically departs westbound on runway 19R/01L or eastbound on 30. On a westbound departure climbing northwest toward the Appalachians, the left side gets a clear view back over the DC metro area including the Potomac River corridor and the Capitol dome visible in the distance to the east. On a northwest climb-out, the left side also picks up the Blue Ridge Mountains as the aircraft turns toward its cruise heading. Notable sights include: Potomac River snaking east toward DC, Blue Ridge Mountains ridge line to the west, Dulles Access Road corridor below, Shenandoah Valley opening up to the southwest.
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 sits on the south bank of the Columbia River and typically lands westbound on runway 28L/28R. On approach from the east, the left side faces south and gets a direct view of Mount Hood dominating the eastern horizon as the aircraft descends over the Columbia River Gorge, then the city of Portland and the Willamette River as you cross the threshold. Notable sights include: Mount Hood to the southeast, Columbia River Gorge below on approach, Willamette River bisecting Portland, Mount St. Helens visible to the north.
How long is the flight from Washington to Portland?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Portland International (PDX) takes Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Washington to Portland flight path pass over?
Appalachian ridges over West Virginia on departure, Ohio River valley, flat Midwest plains over Indiana and Illinois, Mississippi River crossing near St. Louis, Great Plains of Iowa and Nebraska, Rocky Mountain Front Range over Colorado or Wyoming depending on routing, Great Salt Lake visible to the south over Utah, Snake River Plain across southern Idaho, Cascade Range on descent into Oregon including Mount Hood and Mount Adams