The left side delivers sustained, dramatic scenery through both takeoff and cruise, with the Cascade volcano chain (Mount Hood, Mount Shasta) dominating the view for most of the short flight, while the right side is mostly flat valley until the final approach payoff at SFO.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Cascade Range spine near Mount Shasta and the Klamath Basin in southern Oregon/northern California before descending into the Sacramento Valley.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDX
LEFTDeparting PDX, the aircraft typically climbs out and turns south toward SFO, putting the Cascade volcanoes on the left. Mount Hood and, on clear days, Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams rise dramatically above the Willamette Valley farmland below.
Landing at SFO
RIGHTOn approach into SFO from the north, the aircraft descends over San Francisco Bay before lining up with the runway, putting the San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin Headlands on the right side of the plane. This is one of the most recognizable urban approach views in the US.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Portland International (PDX) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Portland to San Francisco. The left side delivers sustained, dramatic scenery through both takeoff and cruise, with the Cascade volcano chain (Mount Hood, Mount Shasta) dominating the view for most of the short flight, while the right side is mostly flat valley until the final approach payoff at SFO.
What can I see during takeoff from Portland International in Portland?
During takeoff from Portland International (PDX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PDX, the aircraft typically climbs out and turns south toward SFO, putting the Cascade volcanoes on the left. Mount Hood and, on clear days, Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams rise dramatically above the Willamette Valley farmland below. Notable sights include: Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Willamette Valley farmland.
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into SFO from the north, the aircraft descends over San Francisco Bay before lining up with the runway, putting the San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin Headlands on the right side of the plane. This is one of the most recognizable urban approach views in the US. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands.
How long is the flight from Portland to San Francisco?
The flight from Portland International (PDX) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes 1h 50m.
What does the Portland to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Cascade Range spine near Mount Shasta and the Klamath Basin in southern Oregon/northern California before descending into the Sacramento Valley.