The right side faces the Cascade Range for nearly the whole flight, including Lassen, Shasta, and the Oregon volcanoes at cruise. It then gets Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and the Columbia River on arrival. The left side has the better takeoff view with Sutter Buttes, but it spends most of the flight over the Klamath ranges and Willamette Valley without such distinctive peaks.
Flown SMF to PDX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sacramento to Portland is 479 miles (771 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Sacramento Valley, Sutter Buttes, Mt. Lassen, Mt. Shasta, Klamath Mountains, Rogue Valley, Oregon Cascades (Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson), Willamette Valley, Mt. Hood
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SMF
LEFTAssuming a north departure on Runway 35, the left side looks west across the Sacramento Valley farmland. The isolated Sutter Buttes sit off the nose to the left, with the Coast Range ridgeline beyond. The right side mostly gets haze-prone Sierra foothills.
Landing at PDX
RIGHTArriving from the south for a westbound landing on Runway 28, the right side looks north over the Columbia River and Vancouver, Washington. Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams stand on the horizon. The right side also has the Cascade volcanoes during the descent down the Willamette Valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sacramento International (SMF) to Portland International (PDX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sacramento to Portland. The right side faces the Cascade Range for nearly the whole flight, including Lassen, Shasta, and the Oregon volcanoes at cruise. It then gets Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and the Columbia River on arrival. The left side has the better takeoff view with Sutter Buttes, but it spends most of the flight over the Klamath ranges and Willamette Valley without such distinctive peaks.
What can I see during takeoff from Sacramento International in Sacramento?
During takeoff from Sacramento International (SMF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Assuming a north departure on Runway 35, the left side looks west across the Sacramento Valley farmland. The isolated Sutter Buttes sit off the nose to the left, with the Coast Range ridgeline beyond. The right side mostly gets haze-prone Sierra foothills. Notable sights include: Sutter Buttes, Sacramento River, Sacramento Valley farmland, Coast Range.
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. Arriving from the south for a westbound landing on Runway 28, the right side looks north over the Columbia River and Vancouver, Washington. Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams stand on the horizon. The right side also has the Cascade volcanoes during the descent down the Willamette Valley. Notable sights include: Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Columbia River, Mt. Hood.
How long is the flight from Sacramento to Portland?
The flight from Sacramento International (SMF) to Portland International (PDX) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 479 miles (771 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sacramento to Portland flight path pass over?
Sacramento Valley, Sutter Buttes, Mt. Lassen, Mt. Shasta, Klamath Mountains, Rogue Valley, Oregon Cascades (Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson), Willamette Valley, Mt. Hood