While the Wasatch Range makes for a strong departure from SLC, the left side's combination of the vast Great Salt Lake at takeoff and an unobstructed, close view of Mount Hood on final approach into Portland gives it slightly more variety and a stronger signature landmark for the flight overall.
Flown SLC to PDX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Salt Lake City to Portland is 629 miles (1,012 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Snake River Plain and the high desert of eastern Oregon near the Idaho border, a flat, sagebrush-covered plateau between the Wasatch and Cascade ranges
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SLC
RIGHTSLC sits right at the base of the Wasatch Front, so climbing out gives right-side passengers a dramatic close-up of peaks like Mount Olympus and the Twin Peaks rising straight out of the valley floor. The left side shows the Great Salt Lake, but the mountain wall to the east is the more striking feature immediately after takeoff.
Landing at PDX
LEFTOn the westbound final approach into PDX's east-west runways, the descent path passes north of the Cascades, putting Mount Hood's snow-capped cone squarely on the left/south side of the aircraft. It's the closest, most dominant peak visible during the whole flight, standing out clearly above the Willamette Valley farmland below.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Portland International (PDX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Salt Lake City to Portland. While the Wasatch Range makes for a strong departure from SLC, the left side's combination of the vast Great Salt Lake at takeoff and an unobstructed, close view of Mount Hood on final approach into Portland gives it slightly more variety and a stronger signature landmark for the flight overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
During takeoff from Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Right side for the best views. SLC sits right at the base of the Wasatch Front, so climbing out gives right-side passengers a dramatic close-up of peaks like Mount Olympus and the Twin Peaks rising straight out of the valley floor. The left side shows the Great Salt Lake, but the mountain wall to the east is the more striking feature immediately after takeoff. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range, Mount Olympus, Twin Peaks/Lone Peak Wilderness, Salt Lake Valley floor.
What can I see when landing at Portland International in Portland?
When landing at Portland International (PDX), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the westbound final approach into PDX's east-west runways, the descent path passes north of the Cascades, putting Mount Hood's snow-capped cone squarely on the left/south side of the aircraft. It's the closest, most dominant peak visible during the whole flight, standing out clearly above the Willamette Valley farmland below. Notable sights include: Mount Hood, Willamette Valley farmland, Willamette River, Cascade foothills.
How long is the flight from Salt Lake City to Portland?
The flight from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Portland International (PDX) takes about 1 hour 50 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 Salt Lake City to Portland flight path pass over?
Snake River Plain and the high desert of eastern Oregon near the Idaho border, a flat, sagebrush-covered plateau between the Wasatch and Cascade ranges