Visiting KHIO (Portland, OR)

[cloudclimber]

Hi there, I am planning to fly from Bellingham KBLI to KHIO (Portland, Oregon). I am planning to fly over Olympia (WA) and then go directly to HIO. However, that means I have to make a steep descend from the mountains in the north of the airport on my approach. Is there a better approach to the airport? What is the common approach people use if visiting from the north?

Thanks,