Idaho is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It’s characterized by its diverse geography, including rugged mountains, vast forests, and expansive plains. The state is famous for its outdoor recreational opportunities, with activities such as hiking, skiing, fishing, and whitewater rafting attracting adventurers from around the world. There are only a two passenger trains in Idaho – one long-distance train operated by Amtrak and one narrow-gauge railway in theme park.
Long-distance trains in Idaho
Long-distance trains stop at only one station in Idaho – Sandpoint (SPT). The Empire Builder train from Chicago to Portland and Seattle stop at the station in the middle of the night. Eastbound trains depart from the station at 2:30 a.m. The station site is owned by BNSF Railway.
Currently, there are no passenger trains in Boise – the capital of the Idaho. Amtrak’s Pioneer train from Salt Lake City to Portland passed daily across Southern Idaho from 1977 but was ceased in 1997.
There are plans to reinstate Boise – Salt Lake City passenger service in the future.
Narrow-gauge trains in Idaho
There is only one narrow-gauge railway in Idaho.
Silverwood Theme Park Railway – a narrow-gauge railway (914 mm) transporting passengers around the Silverwood Theme Park through wood. The route is 3,2 miles (5 km) long. The train operates from May to the second half of September. Silverwood Theme Park is located near the town of Athol. Park is open weekends from May to early October and daily from June to August. Top speed is 16 km/h. The railway was opened in 1998.
Silverwood Theme Park Railway – official website
Tourist trains in Idaho
At present, there are no tourist trains in Idaho. In the past, Idaho Northern and Pacific Railroad operated two tourist trains: Thunder Mountain – scenic route between Horseshoe Bend and Cascade (1998-2016) and Payette River Flyer from Smith Ferry to Cascade (16 km) (2014-2016).
Related articles:
Railways in the United States of America by state
