The right side captures the most dramatic terrain of the trip: a glimpse of the Tetons on departure and the unmistakable silhouette of Mount Rainier during the Cascade crossing and descent into Seattle, while the left side mostly overlooks flat desert plateau with little variation.
Flown IDA to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Idaho Falls to Seattle is 565 miles (909 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
Sawtooth and Salmon River Mountains of central Idaho, the Columbia Plateau's high desert, and the eastern foothills of the Cascade Range near Yakima before the Snoqualmie Pass crossing.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IDA
RIGHTDeparting IDA to the northwest, the right side offers a brief but striking view back toward the Teton Range and the Snake River Plain's volcanic buttes, while the left side shows only the flat agricultural plain stretching toward the Lost River Range.

Landing at SEA
RIGHTOn the descent into SEA, the flight path crosses the Cascade Range near Snoqualmie Pass, giving right-side passengers a dramatic view of Mount Rainier's glaciated summit before the plane banks over Puget Sound for final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Idaho Falls to Seattle. The right side captures the most dramatic terrain of the trip: a glimpse of the Tetons on departure and the unmistakable silhouette of Mount Rainier during the Cascade crossing and descent into Seattle, while the left side mostly overlooks flat desert plateau with little variation.
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. Departing IDA to the northwest, the right side offers a brief but striking view back toward the Teton Range and the Snake River Plain's volcanic buttes, while the left side shows only the flat agricultural plain stretching toward the Lost River Range. Notable sights include: Teton Range, Snake River, Menan Buttes, Snake River Plain farmland.
What can I see when landing at Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
When landing at Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into SEA, the flight path crosses the Cascade Range near Snoqualmie Pass, giving right-side passengers a dramatic view of Mount Rainier's glaciated summit before the plane banks over Puget Sound for final approach. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade foothills, Puget Sound, Seattle skyline.
How long is the flight from Idaho Falls to Seattle?
The flight from Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 565 miles (909 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Idaho Falls to Seattle flight path pass over?
Sawtooth and Salmon River Mountains of central Idaho, the Columbia Plateau's high desert, and the eastern foothills of the Cascade Range near Yakima before the Snoqualmie Pass crossing.