Top 5 Views From Portland’s Most Scenic Flights
Portland is, undeniably, a gorgeous city. We truly have it all: Bridges, rivers, mountains (Oh my!) You can drive around, hike to viewpoints, and stand on rooftops to take it all in. But, in our experience? There’s no better way to experience Portland’s beauty than by air.
At Envi Adventures, we take people up for scenic flights over Portland and the Columbia River Gorge. And after every trip, our clients walk away with a memory that lasts a lifetime.
While we have several scenic flights in Portland to choose from, there are some that stand out above the rest. Here are five of the best views from Portland that Envi offers.
1. The Volcano
Most people are familiar with Mt. St. Helens for one thing: Its eruption. Back in 1980, the top of the mountain literally blew off, sending ash 80,000 feet into the sky and flattening miles of forest. But here’s what you don’t always hear: the aftermath is just as jaw-dropping as the eruption itself. The crater itself is nearly two miles wide, with a growing lava dome inside!
On The Volcano scenic flight, you’ll fly right up to the crater, circling the rim of this still-active volcano. You’ll spot Spirit Lake, which is still littered with logs from the eruption. And you’ll witness how nature has slowly reclaimed the area. This is one flight you definitely won’t forget!
2. The Portlandia
Want to see the city while skipping the traffic and dodging the crowds? In just 40 minutes, The Portlandia flight will let you see the best of the city in one go. You’ll fly past Portland International Airport, cruise over downtown’s skyline, and catch Mount Hood standing tall in the distance if the skies are clear.
Along the way, you’ll also get a unique perspective of Portland’s famous bridges, including the St. Johns Bridge, which is arguably the most beautiful in the city.
If you really want to level up the experience, we highly recommend booking this flight for sunset for some of the best views of Portland.
3. Wonderful Waterfalls
The Columbia River Gorge is one of Oregon’s most breathtaking landscapes. Unfortunately, everyone knows that! This leads to traffic, crowds, and fighting for a good photo spot among the millions of other yearly visitors. Or, of course, you could skip all that and see it by air!
On the Wonderful Waterfalls flight, you’ll glide above Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s most famous waterfall. From the sky, you’ll see Bridal Veil Falls, Latourell Falls, Horsetail Falls, and more, all tumbling down the cliffs of the Gorge.
The best part is that the experience is always changing depending on the time of year. Even on a rainy day, this flight is pure magic. For 40 minutes, it’s just you, the sky, and one of Oregon’s most incredible natural wonders!
4. Mountain Loop
On the Mountain Loop flight, you’ll get an up-close, unrestricted view of Oregon’s tallest and most famous peak. You’ll cruise around the summit, soaring past glaciers, deep valleys, and all of the other postcard-perfect aspects of Mt. Hood.
This mountain is nothing short of iconic. In the winter, skiers carve down its slopes at three different resorts. In the summer, hikers, campers, and climbers stroll its trails. But no matter the season, there’s no better way to experience it than from above.
From this vantage point, you can even see other mountains in the Cascade Range, including Mt. Adams and Mt. Jefferson. If visibility is perfect, you might even spot Mt. Rainier in the distance!
5. Vista View
Sometimes, our guests want a more time, short-term experience. We have you covered with the Vista View flight! This flight gives you a 20-minute front-row seat to one of the most stunning landscapes in the Pacific Northwest.
You’ll fly between the cliffs of the Gorge, tracing the Columbia River as it winds toward the coast. Below, Vista House at Crown Point sits, with Mt. Hood standing tall in the distance. This is the perfect first taste of what flying over Oregon is like. It’s fast, affordable, and unforgettable. And if you want the plane all to yourself? Just book a private flight.
6. Coastal Cruise (Seasonal Bonus!)
What can we say? You can’t have too much of a good thing! We had to include one more of our best Portland flights.
If you grew up watching The Goonies, you already know the scene: A pirate ship sailing out from behind a massive rock on the Oregon Coast. Well, guess what? That rock is real. And you can see it from the sky. On the Coastal Cruise, you’ll fly from Portland to the Pacific, soaring over the Coast Range before reaching the rugged, jaw-dropping shoreline of Oregon.
This seasonal fight runs from May to October, and we couldn’t recommend it more! Perfect for a wedding proposal, anniversary, birthday surprise, or just because you want to experience the most stunning flight in Oregon.
Experience Views From Portland Like Never Before With Our Flights!
There’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Oregon. But we think that you haven’t really experienced the best the state has to offer until you’ve seen it from the sky!
Whether you’re circling the crater of Mt. St. Helens, soaring past waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, or chasing the sunset along the Oregon Coast, these scenic flights in Oregon are about one thing above all else: Seeing the city in a way that most never will.
Whether you’re celebrating something special, crossing an adventure off your bucket list, or just looking for a new way to experience your own backyard, we’ve got a flight for you. From quick 20-minute tours to all-out adventures, there’s no better way to take in Oregon’s beauty.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick your flight, buckle up, and let’s make some memories. We’ll see you in the sky.
