Trip Guides
The Best Air Tours in Portland: Soar Over Waterfalls, Bridges, and Volcanoes
April 1, 2022
April 1, 2022
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, air tours around Portland are a must. From breathtaking waterfalls to the iconic bridges of Portland, flying above the city and its surroundings offers unparalleled views. Whether you’re searching for an exhilarating adventure or just want a different perspective of the Portland area, airplane and helicopter tours provide unforgettable experiences. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the top air tours, covering Portland tours, waterfall tours, and bridge tours, so you can find the perfect flight for your next trip.
The Vista View Air Tour offers a quick yet impactful experience of the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood. In just 20 minutes, you’ll fly over Oregon’s most scenic landscapes, including panoramic views of the gorge’s waterfalls and the towering peak of Mount Hood. This tour is ideal for travelers short on time but looking to catch the beauty of Oregon from the sky. Whether it's the lush green of summer or the fiery reds and oranges of fall, this flight showcases the best of the region.
For a truly unique adventure, the Volcano Air Tour takes you on a breathtaking flight around the crater of Mt. St. Helens. As you circle the iconic volcano, you’ll witness the sheer power of nature and its impact on the landscape. This is a favorite tour for those interested in geology and the volcanic history of the Pacific Northwest. During winter, the contrast of the snow-covered crater against the rugged terrain makes for unforgettable views.
The Portlandia Air Tour offers an aerial tour of the city’s iconic bridges and skyline. This 40-minute flight covers Portland’s famous bridges, like the Steel Bridge, Tilikum Crossing, and the St. Johns Bridge, giving you a new perspective on the city’s infrastructure and beauty. As you soar above downtown Portland, you’ll also see Mount Hood in the distance, creating a stunning contrast between the urban and natural environments. This tour is perfect for travelers looking for a Portland bridge tour with a bird's-eye view.
If you’re searching for the ultimate Portland waterfall tour, the Wonderful Waterfalls Air Tour delivers. This 40-minute flight takes you over the Columbia River Gorge, offering unmatched views of its many waterfalls, including the iconic Multnomah Falls. As you fly through the gorge, the cascading waterfalls create a mesmerizing scene, especially in late spring when the falls are at their most powerful. It’s a fantastic way to capture the beauty of Oregon’s natural landscapes from above.
For a completely different experience, the Stumptown Air Tour offers a nighttime aerial view of Portland’s glittering skyline. This 20-minute flight showcases the city’s sparkling lights, with views of illuminated bridges and downtown buildings. The Willamette River reflects the city’s glow, making this a magical experience. If you want a Portland tour that captures the vibrant nightlife from above, this is the flight for you.
Named for the distinct triangular shape of its route, the Quicksand Triangle Air Tour takes you on a 50-minute journey over the Columbia River Gorge and around Mount Hood. As you fly, you’ll witness breathtaking scenery, including waterfalls, river valleys, and Oregon’s most famous mountain. This tour is perfect for those looking for a longer flight that combines the best of both the gorge and the volcanic landscape.
The Mountain Loop Air Tour offers an hour-long journey focused on one of Oregon’s most iconic landmarks: Mount Hood. As you circle the mountain, you’ll capture panoramic views of its rugged slopes and alpine forests. Winter provides a dramatic view with snow-covered peaks, while summer reveals lush, green meadows. If you’re looking for an air tour that focuses on Oregon’s tallest mountain, this is the perfect choice.
The Figure 8 Air Experience combines the best of both urban and natural landscapes, making it one of the most comprehensive Portland air tours available. You’ll fly over the city’s famous bridges, including the Fremont and Burnside bridges, before heading out to the Columbia River Gorge to catch breathtaking views of its waterfalls. This hour-long flight is perfect for those who want to capture everything from Portland’s bridges to Oregon’s famous natural landmarks.
The Experience Multnomah Air Tour offers a 40-minute flight over one of the most famous waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest: Multnomah Falls. This flight allows you to see the towering 620-foot cascade from above, as well as other scenic spots in the Columbia River Gorge. If a Portland waterfall tour is on your bucket list, this aerial view of Multnomah Falls is a must-do.
For a more private and personalized experience, the Portlandia Air Adventure offers an exclusive flight over the city. In this 40-minute tour, you’ll soar over Portland’s landmarks, bridges, and surrounding areas, all while enjoying the comfort of a private plane. It’s an ideal option for those celebrating a special occasion or looking for a unique way to explore the city’s skyline.
With a wide range of Portland tours, including flights over waterfalls, bridges, and mountains, these air tours offer a fresh perspective on the Pacific Northwest’s beauty. Whether you’re looking for a short scenic flight or an extended adventure, there’s a tour for every traveler ready to explore Portland’s skies.
Some of the best air tours in Portland include the Portlandia Air Tour, which offers stunning views of the city’s bridges and skyline, the Wonderful Waterfalls Air Tour for a bird’s-eye view of Multnomah Falls, and the Vista View Air Tour, which showcases the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood in just 20 minutes.
Prices for Portland air tours vary depending on the tour’s duration and the sights you want to see. Shorter tours, like the Vista View Air Tour, start at $59 for 20 minutes, while longer, more comprehensive tours, such as the Volcano Air Tour around Mt. St. Helens, cost $189 for a one-hour flight.
The best time for an air tour in Portland is during late spring to early fall when the skies are clearer, and the weather is more predictable. Spring and summer offer lush landscapes and flowing waterfalls, while fall offers beautiful foliage in the Columbia River Gorge. Winter flights can provide snow-covered mountain views but may have more weather-related cancellations.
Portland air tours offer views of the city’s skyline, iconic bridges, and natural landmarks like Multnomah Falls, Mount Hood, and the Columbia River Gorge. Depending on the tour, you might also fly around Mt. St. Helens or over Portland’s sparkling skyline at night.
Yes, Portland air tours are safe. The companies that offer these tours operate under strict safety regulations set by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). Pilots are highly trained, and aircraft are maintained to the highest safety standards.
Air tours in Portland range from 20 minutes to 1 hour. The shortest tour, the Vista View Air Tour, lasts 20 minutes, while longer options like the Mountain Loop Air Tour and the Volcano Air Tour last up to 60 minutes.
Yes, many air tours fly over Multnomah Falls. The Wonderful Waterfalls Air Tour and the Experience Multnomah Air Tour are two popular options that offer aerial views of the waterfall and the surrounding Columbia River Gorge.
Yes, you can take night air tours in Portland. The Stumptown Air Tour offers a 20-minute flight over Portland’s illuminated skyline and bridges, providing a magical view of the city’s lights after dark.
Yes, most air tour companies in Portland operate year-round, but flights are weather-dependent. Spring, summer, and early fall are the most popular times for air tours due to clearer skies, while winter flights may be canceled or rescheduled due to weather conditions.
Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the incredible views, and wear sunglasses to reduce glare from the windows. Dress comfortably, and layer up if flying in the colder months, as it can get chilly in the air.
You can book a Portland air tour directly through the air tour company’s website or by phone. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer and early fall.
Yes, you can still enjoy an air tour even if you're afraid of heights. The ride in small planes or helicopters is usually smooth and stable, and being inside the aircraft often feels less daunting than outdoor activities like hiking or ziplining. If you're unsure, you can choose a shorter tour, like the 20-minute Vista View Air Tour, to ease into the experience.
Yes, air tours in Portland are a great activity for families. Many tour operators offer family-friendly options, and children often enjoy the unique perspective from the sky. Be sure to check age restrictions and availability with the tour operator before booking.
Yes, many companies offer private air tours. The Portlandia Air Adventure is one example of a private tour that allows you to enjoy personalized views of the city and surrounding landmarks.
Absolutely! Portland air tours provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Pacific Northwest’s stunning natural landscapes and iconic cityscapes from a completely different perspective. The combination of waterfalls, mountains, and bridges makes these tours a memorable part of any trip.
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