The right side offers the strongest visual bookends of the flight: Mt. Hood at departure and the Front Range of the Rockies at arrival, both dramatic and close-up. The left side's Cascade peaks are more distant and cruise offers limited additional scenery on either side over the high plains.
Flown PDX to BJC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Portland to Denver is 967 miles (1,557 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon, Snake River Plain in Idaho, and the high desert basins of southern Wyoming before the Rockies rise near the Colorado border
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDX
RIGHTDeparting PDX eastbound, Mt. Hood rises dramatically just south of the flight path, filling the right-side view during initial climb. The left side shows the more distant Cascade peaks like Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams, but they're farther away and less dominant.
Landing at BJC
RIGHTOn approach to BJC from the northwest, the Front Range of the Rockies dominates the right side of the aircraft, with foothill ridges and higher peaks like Longs Peak visible before the descent into the Denver basin. The left side mostly shows the flat plains east of the city.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Portland International (PDX) to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Portland to Denver. The right side offers the strongest visual bookends of the flight: Mt. Hood at departure and the Front Range of the Rockies at arrival, both dramatic and close-up. The left side's Cascade peaks are more distant and cruise offers limited additional scenery on either side over the high plains.
What can I see during takeoff from Portland International in Portland?
During takeoff from Portland International (PDX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing PDX eastbound, Mt. Hood rises dramatically just south of the flight path, filling the right-side view during initial climb. The left side shows the more distant Cascade peaks like Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams, but they're farther away and less dominant. Notable sights include: Mt. Hood, Columbia River, Mt. St. Helens (distant left), Willamette Valley.
What can I see when landing at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Denver?
When landing at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to BJC from the northwest, the Front Range of the Rockies dominates the right side of the aircraft, with foothill ridges and higher peaks like Longs Peak visible before the descent into the Denver basin. The left side mostly shows the flat plains east of the city. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Longs Peak, South Boulder Peak, Denver metro skyline (distant left).
How long is the flight from Portland to Denver?
The flight from Portland International (PDX) to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 967 miles (1,557 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Portland to Denver flight path pass over?
Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon, Snake River Plain in Idaho, and the high desert basins of southern Wyoming before the Rockies rise near the Colorado border