The right side delivers a near-continuous mountain show: Cascade volcanoes at departure, the Coast Mountains and Alaska Panhandle ranges along the route, and the Chugach Mountains framing the arrival into Anchorage. The left side spends much of the cruise over open Pacific and Gulf of Alaska waters with only intermittent island and coastal views.
Flown PDX to EDF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Portland to Anchorage is 1,536 miles (2,473 km), a flight of about 3 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks north over British Columbia's Coast Mountains and Vancouver Island before crossing the Gulf of Alaska, passing near the glaciated Fairweather Range and Alaska Panhandle coastline en route to Prince William Sound and the Chugach Mountains approaching Anchorage.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDX
RIGHTAfter departing PDX and turning onto a northbound track, the right side lines up with the Cascade volcanoes. Mount Hood is the first to appear close-in, followed by Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and eventually Mount Rainier as the flight continues north toward Seattle airspace.
Landing at EDF
RIGHTOn approach into Elmendorf/Anchorage, the Chugach Mountains rise abruptly just east of the airport, giving the right side a continuous wall of glacier-carved peaks through the descent and final turn, while the west side mostly shows the flatter tidal flats of Cook Inlet.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Portland International (PDX) to Elmendorf Afb (EDF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Portland to Anchorage. The right side delivers a near-continuous mountain show: Cascade volcanoes at departure, the Coast Mountains and Alaska Panhandle ranges along the route, and the Chugach Mountains framing the arrival into Anchorage. The left side spends much of the cruise over open Pacific and Gulf of Alaska waters with only intermittent island and coastal views.
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. After departing PDX and turning onto a northbound track, the right side lines up with the Cascade volcanoes. Mount Hood is the first to appear close-in, followed by Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and eventually Mount Rainier as the flight continues north toward Seattle airspace. Notable sights include: Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Rainier.
What can I see when landing at Elmendorf Afb in Anchorage?
When landing at Elmendorf Afb (EDF), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Elmendorf/Anchorage, the Chugach Mountains rise abruptly just east of the airport, giving the right side a continuous wall of glacier-carved peaks through the descent and final turn, while the west side mostly shows the flatter tidal flats of Cook Inlet. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains, Knik Arm, Eagle River valley, Anchorage bowl.
How long is the flight from Portland to Anchorage?
The flight from Portland International (PDX) to Elmendorf Afb (EDF) takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,536 miles (2,473 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Portland to Anchorage flight path pass over?
The route tracks north over British Columbia's Coast Mountains and Vancouver Island before crossing the Gulf of Alaska, passing near the glaciated Fairweather Range and Alaska Panhandle coastline en route to Prince William Sound and the Chugach Mountains approaching Anchorage.