Right side scores higher due to superior scenery on both legs. Takeoff offers immediate water and mountain views from Puget Sound and the Cascades. The cruise phase crosses the Columbia River Gorge and enters the High Plains with gradually increasing mountain drama. Landing provides the most visually striking moment—the abrupt rise of the Front Range from flat plains is far more dramatic than the gentle Cascade foothills visible from the left side. Left side offers only forested lowlands and open plains with minimal landmark density.
Flown OLM to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Olympia to Denver is 1,035 miles (1,666 km), a flight of about 2 hours 50 minutes.
Columbia River Gorge (visible as a deep canyon cutting through the Cascade Range), transition from Pacific Northwest forests to semi-arid shrublands of eastern Washington and Oregon, Snake River Plain (visible as a broad valley), Wallowa Mountains in northeastern Oregon, Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon, transition to the High Plains of Idaho and Wyoming, Laramie Range foothills approaching Denver
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from OLM
RIGHTRight side captures Puget Sound and the Cascade Range immediately after departure. Runway 35 (northbound) or 17 (southbound) departures both offer views of water and distant volcanic peaks within the first 10 minutes of climb.
Landing at DEN
RIGHTRight side offers the most dramatic approach scenery. Descending into Denver from the west, passengers see the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains rising dramatically from the High Plains, with the Continental Divide visible as a prominent ridge line. The urban sprawl of Denver and its surrounding metro area becomes visible in the final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Olympia Regional Airport (OLM) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Olympia to Denver. Right side scores higher due to superior scenery on both legs. Takeoff offers immediate water and mountain views from Puget Sound and the Cascades. The cruise phase crosses the Columbia River Gorge and enters the High Plains with gradually increasing mountain drama. Landing provides the most visually striking moment—the abrupt rise of the Front Range from flat plains is far more dramatic than the gentle Cascade foothills visible from the left side. Left side offers only forested lowlands and open plains with minimal landmark density.
What can I see during takeoff from Olympia Regional Airport in Olympia?
During takeoff from Olympia Regional Airport (OLM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures Puget Sound and the Cascade Range immediately after departure. Runway 35 (northbound) or 17 (southbound) departures both offer views of water and distant volcanic peaks within the first 10 minutes of climb. Notable sights include: Puget Sound, Cascade Range (Mount Rainier visible on clear days), Snoqualmie River valley, Olympia city grid.
What can I see when landing at Denver International in Denver?
When landing at Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers the most dramatic approach scenery. Descending into Denver from the west, passengers see the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains rising dramatically from the High Plains, with the Continental Divide visible as a prominent ridge line. The urban sprawl of Denver and its surrounding metro area becomes visible in the final descent. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Continental Divide, Denver metropolitan area, South Platte River valley.
How long is the flight from Olympia to Denver?
The flight from Olympia Regional Airport (OLM) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 2 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,035 miles (1,666 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Olympia to Denver flight path pass over?
Columbia River Gorge (visible as a deep canyon cutting through the Cascade Range), transition from Pacific Northwest forests to semi-arid shrublands of eastern Washington and Oregon, Snake River Plain (visible as a broad valley), Wallowa Mountains in northeastern Oregon, Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon, transition to the High Plains of Idaho and Wyoming, Laramie Range foothills approaching Denver