Posted in Washington Explore, Trips September 02, 2022 by

6 Epic Train Rides In Washington That Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience

Train rides in Washington are truly amazing. Who doesn’t love a train ride? And the Pacific Northwest has some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes and scenery. Washington was once home to three continental railroads (the Northern Pacific, the Great Northern and Milwaukee Road), and these days you’ll find plenty of train rides that help preserve our rich history. Come aboard and enjoy a truly unique experience.

1. The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum, Chehalis
The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum Facebook
Editor's Note: The Steam Locomotive #15 repairs are currently underway. The Diesel Engine #6 will pull the train on excursions until such time as the Steam Engine is repaired. Be sure to visit the website for the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum for the most up-to-date information.

The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum is committed to preserving the area’s railroad history, and it even operates on former Milwaukee track. You can choose between several different routes or go all out and book an escape room train. This railway offers some of the best dinner train rides in Washington State, so be sure to check it out.
Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum, 1101 SW Sylvenus St, Chehalis, WA 98532, USA
2. Lake Whatcom Railway, Acme
Lake Whatcom Railway
With the goal of preserving our Pacific Northwest train heritage, the Lake Whatcom Railway offers 90 minute rides with a stop at a meadow in the woods where passengers can get out and explore the area. Learn more about one of the best train trips in Washington.
Lake Whatcom Railway, 5159 N.P. Road, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, USA
3. Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, Elbe

Editor's Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other complications, Mt. Rainer Railroad has ceased operations for the foreseeable future.
Image/Visit Mount Rainer
Not only is this train ride extremely scenic and beautiful, but it will take you to a logging museum where you can learn stories about early railroad pioneers and logging camps. This is one of the best scenic train rides in Washington, so check your calendar and pencil in your next trip.
Museum and Event Grounds for Mt. Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum, 54124 Mountain Hwy E, Elbe, WA 98330, USA
4. Alki Tours' Snow Train, Seattle-Leavenworth
Leavenworth Snow Train Facebook
Editor's Note: Alki Tours are not running tours in 2022, but check in with Alki’s website for future dates.

Every December, the Snow Train takes lucky passengers from Seattle to Leavenworth for the annual Lighting Festival. The train operates on Burlington Northern tracks, and the experience has been voted Best of the Northwest Escapes by Evening Magazine.
Alki Tours, 6417 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, WA 98136, USA
5. Northwest Railway Museum, Snoqualmie
Northern Railway Museum Facebook
Visit the historic depot and learn how the railway system changed our state. Then take a beautiful 70 minute round trip ride through the area.
Northwest Railway Museum, 38625 SE King St, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, USA
6. Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, Yacolt
Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Facebook
From May until December, you can take a ride on this railroad from Chelatchie Prairie to Lucia Falls. This is an all volunteer, not for profit operation run by people who truly love trains. Learn more about this great train ride in Washington.
Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, 207 Railroad Ave, Yacolt, WA 98675, USA

Have you experienced one of these historic train rides in Washington?

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The OIYS Visitor Center

train rides in Washington

September 07, 2022
Jessica Bohl

What are some great Washington day trips you can take by train?

If you love spending the day exploring a new place and you love trains, then there are some great excursions for you in Washington State. Hop aboard an Amtrak train in Seattle and head north to the charming and eclectic city of Bellingham. Relax and enjoy the comfortable ride and the great views out the window. If you’re in Eastern Washington, take a different Amtrak train and route from Spokane to Ephrata. It is a 2-hour ride, which you can spend gazing outside at the lovely scenery. For those in Southern Washington, why not take a trip to Seattle? Board the Amtrak in Vancouver and take the 3.5-hour ride to Seattle. Enjoy the day shopping, seeing the sites, or taking in a sporting event. Spend the night or hop on the train that same day to return to home.