The scenery surrounding Portland is some of the most beautiful in the USA, and arguably no better way to see it than from a carriage on a leisurely train trip. From traditional heritage trains to something more fun here, are the scenic train rides near Portland, Oregon…
1. Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad – an extraordinary heritage railroad that has a museum and where you can enjoy a charming train ride
Originating in 2003, the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad mainly runs from Garibaldi, Oregon to Rockaway Beach.
You will love taking a trip on this scenic railroad because of their stops in Salmonberry River canyon, Wheeler, and Nehalem River. During the holidays, you can take a train ride to the Rockaway Beach Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Look for more train rides to other special events throughout the year by visiting their website.
Located an hour and a half away from Portland via OR-6 East, you can visit the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Address: 402 American Ave, Garibaldi, OR 97118
Phone Number: (503) 842-7972
2. Oregon Pacific Railroad Company – a family-owned company that has a short line and two routes, perfect to appreciate the views
Known as Oregon’s progressive shortline railroad, the Oregon Pacific Railroad Company has been in operation for the last 30 years.
It’s worth a visit to Oregon Pacific Railroad Company because you can take a ride on the train to Oaks Amusement Park to enjoy amusement rides, arcades, skating, and delicious carnival food fare during the times they are open between the spring and fall.
This scenic railroad is only 10 minutes from Portland using the OR-99E N. Visit the Oregon Pacific Railroad Company on Mondays through Fridays from 7 am to 7 pm. The railroad is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Address: 9001 SE McBrod Ave, Milwaukie, OR 97222
Phone Number: (503) 659-5452
3. Pacific Northwest Live Steamers – a non-profit train park ideal to take the family for a train adventurer
Pacific Northwest Live Steamers operates out of Molalla Train Park in Molalla, Oregon and originated in 1954. The park was originally 1 acre and eventually expanded to 4 acres.
The Live Steamers are more than just a scenic railroad route, but it’s worth visiting because it’s a train park with free entry. However, you are free to donate to the park to help with keeping it operating. All trains are operating via a volunteer skilled engineer.
About 46 minutes from Portland using the OR-213 N route, you can visit the Pacific Northwest Live Steamers on Sundays only from 11 am to 4 pm.
Address: 31803 S Shady Dell Rd, Molalla, OR 97038
Phone Number: (503) 829-6866
4. Oregon Coast Railriders – distinctive railroad where you will pedal a railrider
Kim and Anita Metlen originally owned Joseph Branch Railriders and then went on to open Oregon Coast Railriders. Because of their love of fitness, nature, and history, this was their inspiration behind the railrider companies.
At this tourist attraction, you get to ride a bike on a railroad, which is a unique scenic railroad experience that makes visiting Oregon Coast Railriders totally worth it!
Oregon Coast Railriders is located about an hour and 39 minutes away from Portland using US-26 E. This tourist attraction is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 8 am to 5 pm. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Address: 130 Marine Dr, Wheeler, OR 97147
Phone Number: (541) 786-6574
5. Santiam Excursion Trains – a great activity where you can have a ride in the Santa Maria Valley 205 steam locomotive and have dinner too and cocktails too!
Originating in the 1950s, Santiam Excursion Trains offer special events during the holidays and brunch trains on select days of the year. Check their schedule for more details!
During your time on the Santiam Excursion Train, you can enjoy the Bar Car, otherwise known as the Ranch Car. Be one of 30 to 40 guests that get to sit in this train car to enjoy cocktails, snacks, and dinner during your scenic ride.
Located an hour and 20 minutes away from Portland using I-5 North, this tourist attraction is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.
Address: 750 S 3rd St, Lebanon, OR 97355
Phone Number: (541) 619-0342
6. Eagle Cap Train Rides – a must-visit to the land of the wallowas, one of the 7 wonders of Oregon
Eagle Cap Train Rides was featured on a show called Grant’s Getaways on Travel Oregon on KGW TV
The Eagle Cap Train Rides takes you through the Land of the Wallowas, which is one of the 7 wonders of Oregon, making this sight worth a visit to this scenic railroad!
The Elgin, Oregon location of this scenic railroad is located in the Northeast corner of Oregon, which is about 4.5 hours away from Portland utilizing the I-84 W route. They operate off-season hours of 9 am to noon on Mondays through Fridays and 9 am to 4 pm on those days during the season, plus any Saturdays when a train ride is scheduled to commence.
Address: 300 Depot St, Elgin, OR 97827
Phone Number: (800) 323-7330
7. Willamette Shore Trolley – one of the most picturesque train rides in Oregon starting from lake Oswego
The Willamette Shore Trolley is a heritage railroad that originated in 1987 and is named so because it travels along the Willamette River between Portland and Lake Oswego.
If you have a birthday coming up, you can utilize the trolley for a train ride and birthday celebration. Hence, this is a great reason
Located only 15 minutes from Portland using I-5 N, you can visit the Willamette Shore Trolley August 7th through September 5th annually on Saturdays and Sundays. Check back to sign up for special events during Halloween, Christmas, and other holidays.
Address: 311 N State St, Lake Oswego, OR 97034
Phone Number: (503) 697-7436
8. Sumpter Valley Railroad – one of the greatest heritage railroads in the state of Oregon ideal for a summer family friendly activity
Sumpter Valley Railroad is one of the smaller scenic railroads on the list, measuring 5 miles in length from McEwen to Sumpter.
It’s worth a visit to Sumpter Valley Railroad because you pass through the historic mining village in Sumpter during the train ride, which is a great history lesson within itself.
About 5 and a half hours away from Portland utilizing I-84 W, visit the Sumpter Valley Railroad on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm when the railroad is operating in-season.
Address: 211 Austin St, Sumpter, OR 97877
Phone Number: (541) 894-2268
9. Mount Hood Railroad – a short-line railroad that offers panoramic passenger excursions
The Mount Hood Railroad originated in 1890, which makes this scenic railroad the oldest of the ones featured on this list.
Feel the thrill of marveling at the scenic views of the Columbia Gorge when you travel on the Mount Hood Railroad through forests, vineyards, and orchards.
This scenic railroad is about an hour away from Portland using I-84 W. Daily operating hours are 8 am to 4:30 pm. Check for special holiday hours in case they are closed or have abbreviated hours that day.
Address: 110 Railroad Street, Hood River, OR 97031
Phone Number: (541) 399-8939
10. Albany & Eastern Railroad Co – perfect choice for a breathtaking train ride in the Willamette Valley of Oregon
As a shortline railroad that services Willamette Valley residents, Albany & Eastern Railroad Co (AERC) connects with Union Pacific Railroads and BANSF.
While the average person cannot ride this train like a tourist attraction, you can receive services from AERC such as switching, freight hauling, car repair (as well as inspection and maintenance), and reloading and transloading.
This railroad is about an hour and 18 minutes away from Portland utilizing I-5. If you are in need of one of their services, contact them today!
Address: 263 Industrial Way, Lebanon, OR 97355
Phone Number: (541) 259-6470
11. Klamath and Western Railroad Inc. – a greenery beautiful place where you can ride through the woods and enjoy some fresh air
Klamath and Western Railroad Inc. was formerly known as Over the Hill Livesteamers.
Children and adults alike will love visiting here because of the scenic forest area that you get to see during your train ride. Enjoy the gift shop and food fare after your train ride for a wondrous experience.
Located about 4.5 hours from Portland via OR-58 W and I-5, you can visit Klamath and Western Railroad Inc every Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm on from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Address: 36951 S Chiloquin Rd, Chiloquin, OR 97624
Phone Number: (541)-783-3177
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Gaby Maia – writer and photographer
Born and raised in Brazil, Gaby has always had a taste for the intriguing, the off-beat and the far flung. After traveling around most of South America, living in Spain and Italy and then moving to England, her feet have stayed continually twitchy. Studying for a degree in Spanish translation and then learning five more languages only poured more fuel onto her traveling ardor. Gaby likes nothing better than discovering new destinations in her spare time and meeting the locals, tasting the cuisine and then writing about her favourite places. Her other indulgences include French cinema, boxing, photography, colourful manicures and soaking up the rays on a sun-infused beach. The places she loves the most include Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Turkey, Barcelona, Lisbon and Cornwall. Find Gaby on Linkedin or Twitter.
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