If you enjoy scenic trips, boarding a train in Washington can be an amazing experience because we have such breathtaking landscapes to pass through! Train rides in Washington are just a little bit more magical than you would find in other places. Here are five rides around the Evergreen state that you've got to check out:

5. Chehalis - Centralia Railroad

Their Polar Express and Santa Steam Trains are scheduled to run each year, giving a vintage locomotive experience for passengers all over! They even have Murder Mystery Trains where you can solve a mystery and enjoy a four-course meal along the way. Tickets will be available on their website, so be sure to check head on over to to purchase tickets and for more information.

And don’t forget to explore their train museum, too! If you’re in Chehalis and looking for train rides near me, riding these trains are a fantastic way to enjoy the day!

4. Amtrak Cascades

These European-style trains run along a 467-mile rail corridor, spanning the entire Pacific Northwest, including a few stops down in Oregon, too. They have seven train sets, each named after a Northwest mountain – Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, Mt. Baker, Mt. Olympus, Mt. Jefferson, and Mt. Bachelor. In our state, you can get on board in Vancouver, Kelso/Longview, Centralia, Olympia/Lacey, Tacoma, Tukwila, Seattle, Edmonds, Everett, Stanwood, Mount Vernon, and Bellingham. View their schedule, get tickets, and more on Amtrak’s website!

Amtrak offers so many Washington train rides to enjoy that you’ll love having a new way of exploring the state. Make sure to check one of these out!

3. Chelatchie Prairie Railroad

From May through December, you can check out the events at this volunteer-run railroad located in north Clark County! Be sure to take a look at the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad schedule for more details and when to book your trip. The scenic route runs between Yacolt to Moulton Falls and Chelatchie Prairie, so don't forget to bring a camera!

Washington train rides don’t get more scenic than the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad!

2. Great Northern & Cascade Railway in Skykomish

Who doesn't love free rides?! This impressive spot offers free train rides to the public as well as a railroad education program. The Railroad operates from the first weekend in May through the last weekend in October, every weekend plus holidays, with one locomotive, 10 riding cars, and over 2,700 feet of track. Even when they close, the gift shop stays open all year long. We think this is one of the most fun and informative train rides in Washington State.

1. Snoqualmie Valley Railroad

This steam train offers a picturesque view on Saturdays from January through April, and weekends from April through the end of December. Starting from Snoqualmie Depot, it goes eastbound toward North Bend Depot. If you want, you can get off when you get to North Bend. Then it starts heading back west near the top of Snoqualmie Falls, where you can see the lower river valley and the top of the town's iconic waterfall. The train then goes back east and stops again at Snoqualmie Depot. If you first boarded in Snoqualmie, your trip ends here, but if you boarded at North Bend Depot, you can stay on and continue back to North Bend. Check out more info on the Snoqualmie Valley Railroad website!

Just to remind you, advance purchase of tickets is recommended for this Washington train ride. There is no admission to the Snoqualmie Valley Railroad Depot and grounds, but there is a $10.00 ticket purchase for each adult and $5.00 for each child ages 2-12.

Have you been on any other scenic train rides in Washington? Did you love them? Tell us about them below!

Does riding trains make you hungry? Be sure to check out this steakhouse in a historic trail depot when you’re in Walla Walla!