Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff views of the Teton Range are more dramatic and sustained than landing views. While the landing approach offers Mount Hood and the Gorge, the Tetons provide a more spectacular opening to the flight.
Flown IDA to PDX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Idaho Falls to Portland is 537 miles (865 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Snake River Plain westward, passing south of the Yellowstone Plateau. Midway through the flight, passengers may glimpse the Blue Mountains and Wallowa Mountains of northeastern Oregon on the left (south) side. The terrain transitions from high desert and sagebrush (central Idaho) to forested foothills (western Oregon). The Powder River and Grande Ronde River drainages are visible as the aircraft approaches the Cascade Range.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IDA
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Teton Range and Snake River valley immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northwest from Idaho Falls, and the Tetons dominate the right horizon within the first 15 minutes of flight.
Landing at PDX
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Portland. The aircraft approaches from the east, and left-side passengers see the Cascade Range, Mount Hood, and the Columbia River Gorge as the plane descends toward PDX.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) to Portland International (PDX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Idaho Falls to Portland. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff views of the Teton Range are more dramatic and sustained than landing views. While the landing approach offers Mount Hood and the Gorge, the Tetons provide a more spectacular opening to the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Idaho Falls Regional Airport in Idaho Falls?
During takeoff from Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Teton Range and Snake River valley immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northwest from Idaho Falls, and the Tetons dominate the right horizon within the first 15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Grand Teton Range, Snake River valley, Henrys Fork drainage, Yellowstone Plateau (distant).
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 seats offer the best views during descent into Portland. The aircraft approaches from the east, and left-side passengers see the Cascade Range, Mount Hood, and the Columbia River Gorge as the plane descends toward PDX. Notable sights include: Mount Hood, Cascade Range, Columbia River Gorge, Willamette Valley.
How long is the flight from Idaho Falls to Portland?
The flight from Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) to Portland International (PDX) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 537 miles (865 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Idaho Falls to Portland flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Snake River Plain westward, passing south of the Yellowstone Plateau. Midway through the flight, passengers may glimpse the Blue Mountains and Wallowa Mountains of northeastern Oregon on the left (south) side. The terrain transitions from high desert and sagebrush (central Idaho) to forested foothills (western Oregon). The Powder River and Grande Ronde River drainages are visible as the aircraft approaches the Cascade Range.