Started in 1986 by a local nonprofit railroad group, the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad runs local seven-mile tours through the scenic hills and farmland around the Chehalis River. Inspired by the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, the idea behind the C-C Railroad is to give tourists a rail experience on a 1916 steam locomotive that had once been used as a logging train. The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad offers a brunch and dinner train, with both serving four-course meals. There are holiday-themed events on board the train during Easter and the Fourth of July as well as a weekly murder mystery dinner. Booking tickets in advance is recommended. The season opens in May on Memorial Day weekend and ends the last week of September.
Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum
1101 Sylvenus St.
Chehalis WA 98532
360-748-9593
steamtrainride.com
Named part of the Best of Western Washington series by Seattle station King 5's Evening News, the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad features the longest continually operated steam train in the West. Run by volunteers and rail enthusiasts, the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad has been in business since 1980. Offering numerous tours around the outside of Mount Rainier National Park, the train leaves from the Elbe Train Depot, travelling around the base of Mount Rainier through forests and rivers. The train is in service from Memorial Day through October, with higher ticket prices during the months of July and August. The railroad may be used for special event functions. On holidays such as Easter, Mother's Day and Father's Day there are special promotional trips and barbecues. Trips are Thursdays through Sundays only. The Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad opens for a special Santa Express during the month of December.
Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad
54124 Mountain Hwy E.
Elbe, WA 98355
360-569-2588
mrsr.com
As the home of the National Pacific Railway System, the Toppenish, Simcoe & Western Railroad was a major mode of transport for the logging industry. Today, it sits as a museum and rail tour depot. Open from May 2 through Oct. 31, the museum gives weekly lectures on the railroad days of old, with a couple of steam and diesel engine trains on site. The museum used to give tours via a cab car on a freight train, but this has since been canceled. Instead, tours are taken through the railway system via caboose. There are also special tours during the fall and holiday seasons for Halloween and Christmas.
Toppenish, Simcoe & Western Railroad
10 South Asotin Ave.
Toppenish, WA
509-865-1911
nprymuseum.org
