The left side bookends the flight with two strong, specific landmarks — the Gateway Arch and river confluence at takeoff, then Mount Hood dominating the final descent — while the right side's Rocky Mountain and Idaho terrain during cruise is scenic but more distant and less consistently visible.
Flown STL to PDX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Portland is 1,704 miles (2,742 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The route crosses the Great Plains of Nebraska, the high basin country of southern Wyoming near the Medicine Bow and Laramie ranges, the Snake River Plain of southern Idaho, and the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon before descending toward the Columbia River Gorge.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
LEFTDeparting STL toward the northwest, the initial climb and left turn onto a westbound heading put downtown St. Louis, the Gateway Arch, and the Mississippi-Missouri River confluence off the left side of the aircraft. It's a brief but distinctive urban and river view before the flat Midwest farmland takes over.
Landing at PDX
LEFTOn the typical easterly approach into PDX along the Columbia River corridor, the aircraft descends with Mount Hood's glaciated summit visible off the left side to the south, rising dramatically above the forested Cascade foothills. It's one of the most recognizable mountain views of any U.S. domestic approach.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Portland International (PDX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Portland. The left side bookends the flight with two strong, specific landmarks — the Gateway Arch and river confluence at takeoff, then Mount Hood dominating the final descent — while the right side's Rocky Mountain and Idaho terrain during cruise is scenic but more distant and less consistently visible.
What can I see during takeoff from Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
During takeoff from Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing STL toward the northwest, the initial climb and left turn onto a westbound heading put downtown St. Louis, the Gateway Arch, and the Mississippi-Missouri River confluence off the left side of the aircraft. It's a brief but distinctive urban and river view before the flat Midwest farmland takes over. Notable sights include: Gateway Arch, downtown St. Louis skyline, Mississippi River, Missouri River confluence.
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 typical easterly approach into PDX along the Columbia River corridor, the aircraft descends with Mount Hood's glaciated summit visible off the left side to the south, rising dramatically above the forested Cascade foothills. It's one of the most recognizable mountain views of any U.S. domestic approach. Notable sights include: Mount Hood, Columbia River Gorge, Cascade Range foothills, Sandy River valley.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Portland?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Portland International (PDX) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,704 miles (2,742 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Portland flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Great Plains of Nebraska, the high basin country of southern Wyoming near the Medicine Bow and Laramie ranges, the Snake River Plain of southern Idaho, and the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon before descending toward the Columbia River Gorge.