While takeoff favors the right, the landing descent provides more dramatic scenery with Puget Sound, the Cascade foothills, and Seattle's geography. The left side captures the most visually distinctive portion of the route during final approach.
Flown STS to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santa Rosa to Seattle is 618 miles (995 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path heads north from Santa Rosa, passing over the Cascade Range's western foothills and the Willamette Valley in Oregon. You'll cross from California into Oregon and then into Washington, with views of forested terrain, occasional clearings, and river valleys. The Sacramento Valley and Cascade Range dominate the midpoint geography. On clear days, volcanic peaks like Mount Shasta (far to the east) or Mount Hood (in Oregon) may be visible on the horizon, though they're typically too distant for detailed viewing. The landscape transitions from California's wine country through Oregon's evergreen forests to Washington's Puget Sound region.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from STS
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the North Bay geography immediately after departure. You'll see the Santa Rosa area, then the San Francisco Bay's northern reaches and the Diablo Range to the east as you climb northbound.
Landing at SEA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the southbound descent into Seattle-Tacoma. You'll see the Cascade Range to the east, Puget Sound's waters, and the approach over the Willamette Valley and Cascade foothills before landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santa Rosa to Seattle. While takeoff favors the right, the landing descent provides more dramatic scenery with Puget Sound, the Cascade foothills, and Seattle's geography. The left side captures the most visually distinctive portion of the route during final approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa?
During takeoff from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the North Bay geography immediately after departure. You'll see the Santa Rosa area, then the San Francisco Bay's northern reaches and the Diablo Range to the east as you climb northbound. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay (northern arm), Diablo Range, Santa Rosa urban area, Mount Tamalpais (distant, southwest).
What can I see when landing at Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
When landing at Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the southbound descent into Seattle-Tacoma. You'll see the Cascade Range to the east, Puget Sound's waters, and the approach over the Willamette Valley and Cascade foothills before landing. Notable sights include: Cascade Range (Mount Rainier visible on clear days), Puget Sound, Seattle urban area, Willamette Valley.
How long is the flight from Santa Rosa to Seattle?
The flight from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 618 miles (995 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santa Rosa to Seattle flight path pass over?
The flight path heads north from Santa Rosa, passing over the Cascade Range's western foothills and the Willamette Valley in Oregon. You'll cross from California into Oregon and then into Washington, with views of forested terrain, occasional clearings, and river valleys. The Sacramento Valley and Cascade Range dominate the midpoint geography. On clear days, volcanic peaks like Mount Shasta (far to the east) or Mount Hood (in Oregon) may be visible on the horizon, though they're typically too distant for detailed viewing. The landscape transitions from California's wine country through Oregon's evergreen forests to Washington's Puget Sound region.