While the left side wins the dramatic close-up takeoff past San Jacinto Peak, the right side delivers a longer scenic payoff: the Sierra Nevada's eastern escarpment and Mount Shasta's volcanic cone during cruise, followed by Mount Hood and the Willamette Valley on descent into PDX.
Flown PSP to PDX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Palm Springs to Portland is 874 miles (1,406 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
Sierra Nevada eastern escarpment, California's Central Valley, Mount Shasta, southern Oregon Cascades
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PSP
LEFTDeparting PSP on runway 31L, the climb-out swings the aircraft northwest right past the base of San Jacinto Peak, whose 10,800-foot granite face rises dramatically just off the left wing. The right side mostly shows the flatter San Bernardino Mountains and the open Coachella Valley floor receding behind.
Landing at PDX
RIGHTOn approach into PDX from the south, the right side offers a clear view of Mount Hood's snow-capped volcanic cone rising over the Cascades, along with the Willamette Valley farmland giving way to Portland's urban grid before touchdown. The left side mostly faces the lower Coast Range and open farmland with no major landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Palm Springs International (PSP) to Portland International (PDX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Palm Springs to Portland. While the left side wins the dramatic close-up takeoff past San Jacinto Peak, the right side delivers a longer scenic payoff: the Sierra Nevada's eastern escarpment and Mount Shasta's volcanic cone during cruise, followed by Mount Hood and the Willamette Valley on descent into PDX.
What can I see during takeoff from Palm Springs International in Palm Springs?
During takeoff from Palm Springs International (PSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PSP on runway 31L, the climb-out swings the aircraft northwest right past the base of San Jacinto Peak, whose 10,800-foot granite face rises dramatically just off the left wing. The right side mostly shows the flatter San Bernardino Mountains and the open Coachella Valley floor receding behind. Notable sights include: San Jacinto Peak, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway route, San Gorgonio Pass wind farms, Coachella Valley floor.
What can I see when landing at Portland International in Portland?
When landing at Portland International (PDX), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into PDX from the south, the right side offers a clear view of Mount Hood's snow-capped volcanic cone rising over the Cascades, along with the Willamette Valley farmland giving way to Portland's urban grid before touchdown. The left side mostly faces the lower Coast Range and open farmland with no major landmarks. Notable sights include: Mount Hood, Cascade Range foothills, Willamette River, Portland downtown skyline.
How long is the flight from Palm Springs to Portland?
The flight from Palm Springs International (PSP) to Portland International (PDX) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 874 miles (1,406 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Palm Springs to Portland flight path pass over?
Sierra Nevada eastern escarpment, California's Central Valley, Mount Shasta, southern Oregon Cascades