Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery during takeoff with the Cascade Range in full view during climb-out. While left-side seats offer good landing views, the takeoff experience with the mountains is more visually rewarding and sustained over a longer portion of the flight.
Flown YKM to SEA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Yakima to Seattle is 103 miles (166 km), a flight of about 55 minutes.
Snoqualmie Pass (2,407 ft elevation, visible as a saddle in the Cascade crest), Interstate 90 corridor threading through the mountains, Keechelus Lake and other alpine lakes in the Cascade passes, transition from semi-arid eastern Washington to temperate western Washington forest, the western slope of the Cascades with increasingly dense coniferous forest coverage
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YKM
RIGHTRight-side seats offer immediate views of the Cascade Range as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Yakima. The peaks are directly along the departure corridor and become increasingly prominent within the first 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at SEA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into Seattle-Tacoma. The aircraft descends over Puget Sound and the Cascade foothills, with views of Lake Union, Elliott Bay, and the Seattle skyline becoming prominent on the left side during the final approach vectors.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Yakima Air Terminal McAllister Field (YKM) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Yakima to Seattle. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery during takeoff with the Cascade Range in full view during climb-out. While left-side seats offer good landing views, the takeoff experience with the mountains is more visually rewarding and sustained over a longer portion of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Yakima Air Terminal McAllister Field in Yakima?
During takeoff from Yakima Air Terminal McAllister Field (YKM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer immediate views of the Cascade Range as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Yakima. The peaks are directly along the departure corridor and become increasingly prominent within the first 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Cascade Range (Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount Hood visible on clear days), Yakima Valley agricultural plains, Naches River valley, Snoqualmie Pass approach.
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 descent approach into Seattle-Tacoma. The aircraft descends over Puget Sound and the Cascade foothills, with views of Lake Union, Elliott Bay, and the Seattle skyline becoming prominent on the left side during the final approach vectors. Notable sights include: Puget Sound, Lake Union, Elliott Bay, Seattle downtown skyline and Space Needle, Cascade Range peaks receding eastward.
How long is the flight from Yakima to Seattle?
The flight from Yakima Air Terminal McAllister Field (YKM) to Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) takes about 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 103 miles (166 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Yakima to Seattle flight path pass over?
Snoqualmie Pass (2,407 ft elevation, visible as a saddle in the Cascade crest), Interstate 90 corridor threading through the mountains, Keechelus Lake and other alpine lakes in the Cascade passes, transition from semi-arid eastern Washington to temperate western Washington forest, the western slope of the Cascades with increasingly dense coniferous forest coverage