Flying Over Mount Hood
In short: Portland: Flightseeing Tour Mount Hood is a 1-hour flight in an airplane, not a helicopter, for a small group limited to 3. It meets at 1350 NW Perimeter Way, Troutdale, 15 minutes before departure for check-in. The route in the listing gives an aerial view of Mount Hood and follows the Columbia River Gorge past Horsetail and Multnomah Falls. Weight limits apply.
What it is
A sightseeing flight from Troutdale over Mount Hood and the gorge. The listing describes a view from the air and does not mention a landing. Headsets are included, according to the listing.
The route, as the listing gives it
- Mount Hood: an aerial view of the mountain.
- Cascade Locks.
- Horsetail Falls.
- Multnomah Falls.
- The Columbia River Gorge.
On clear days, the listing adds, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams and Mount Jefferson are also visible. The route is "subject to change at pilot's discretion" and weather dependent. The listing's own elevation line gives 11,249 ft for the summit; the USGS and USFS figure is 11,240 ft.
What it shows of Timberline
The listing names Mount Hood but not Timberline Lodge, so this page does not claim a view of the lodge. Timberline Lodge stands at about 6,000 ft on the south side of the mountain. It was built by the WPA, dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on 28 September 1937 and has been a National Historic Landmark since 1977; Timberline Lodge covers the building and what to see there.
Who it suits, and who should look elsewhere
Suits
- Visitors with little time: the flight lasts 1 hour, against 8 to 9 hours for the road trips.
- Visitors who want to see the mountain and the gorge from above.
- Wheelchair users: the listing marks it as accessible.
Look elsewhere if
- Travellers above the weight limits: 250 lb per person and 600 lb per group, per the listing.
- Pregnant women: the listing states that it is not suitable.
- Anyone who wants to stand on the mountain or visit Timberline Lodge: the private tour gives the lodge 1.5 hours.
Included, and not stated
Included
- Flight of about 1 hour
- Headsets
Not included or not stated
- Transport to Troutdale: not stated in the listing
- Luggage or large bags: not allowed, per the listing
What travellers mention
Karl from the United States says he felt comfortable and describes a professional pilot. Linda from the United States mentions a clear day and a smooth flight.
Practical notes
Start times: check the calendar in the booking widget. The flight is weather dependent, per the listing, and the far peaks show only on clear days, so an early check of the forecast helps. When to go covers the seasons on the mountain.
Check-in at Troutdale is 15 minutes before departure, per the listing, and luggage and large bags are not allowed on board.
Two alternatives
Private, up to 5Mt Hood & Columbia River Private tour from Portland
Max 12 guestsFrom Portland: Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Tour
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mount Hood flightseeing tour in a helicopter?
No. The listing gives an airplane, for a small group limited to 3, with headsets included.
What are the weight limits on the flight?
250 lb per person and 600 lb per group, according to the listing. It also states that the flight is not suitable for pregnant women.
Where does the flight leave from?
1350 NW Perimeter Way, Troutdale, according to the listing, which asks passengers to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.
Which mountains can be seen from the flight?
Mount Hood, per the listing's route, and on clear days also Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams and Mount Jefferson. The route is subject to change at the pilot's discretion.