The left side delivers a consistent volcanic-and-alpine show: Mount Hood and the Cascades at departure, then the Wasatch Range framing the city at arrival, while the right side offers mostly flat high desert and distant valley terrain.
Flown PDX to SLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Portland to Salt Lake City is 629 miles (1,012 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
Cascade Range volcanic peaks near Mount Jefferson, the high desert plateau of central Oregon, the Snake River Plain in southern Idaho, and the Wasatch Range rising ahead of the Salt Lake Valley
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDX
LEFTDeparting PDX on the westerly-favored runway, the aircraft banks left to establish its southeast course, bringing Mount Hood's snow-capped cone into view almost immediately, with the Cascade Range receding behind as the climb continues. The right side mostly shows the flat Willamette Valley and Coast Range foothills with less distinct scenery.
Landing at SLC
LEFTOn final approach into SLC heading south, the jagged, snow-dusted Wasatch Range sits directly on the left, rising steeply behind the city skyline. The right side faces the flatter Oquirrh Mountains and the distant Great Salt Lake, which is scenic but less dramatic than the close-in Wasatch peaks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Portland International (PDX) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Portland to Salt Lake City. The left side delivers a consistent volcanic-and-alpine show: Mount Hood and the Cascades at departure, then the Wasatch Range framing the city at arrival, while the right side offers mostly flat high desert and distant valley terrain.
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 on the westerly-favored runway, the aircraft banks left to establish its southeast course, bringing Mount Hood's snow-capped cone into view almost immediately, with the Cascade Range receding behind as the climb continues. The right side mostly shows the flat Willamette Valley and Coast Range foothills with less distinct scenery. Notable sights include: Mount Hood, Willamette River and downtown Portland, Cascade Range foothills, Columbia River Gorge in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
When landing at Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Left side for the best views. On final approach into SLC heading south, the jagged, snow-dusted Wasatch Range sits directly on the left, rising steeply behind the city skyline. The right side faces the flatter Oquirrh Mountains and the distant Great Salt Lake, which is scenic but less dramatic than the close-in Wasatch peaks. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range peaks including Mount Olympus and Twin Peaks, Salt Lake City downtown skyline, Salt Lake Valley suburban grid, Wasatch foothill canyons.
How long is the flight from Portland to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Portland International (PDX) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 629 miles (1,012 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Portland to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
Cascade Range volcanic peaks near Mount Jefferson, the high desert plateau of central Oregon, the Snake River Plain in southern Idaho, and the Wasatch Range rising ahead of the Salt Lake Valley