Oregon is situated in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The state is renowned for its diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged coastlines and dense forests to towering mountain peaks and arid deserts. Oregon’s coastline, stretching over 360 miles along the Pacific Ocean, is dotted with picturesque beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns. The largest city of Oregon is Portland. There are many trains in Portland – Amtrak’s trains, tourist railways and miniature railways.
Long-distance trains in Oregon
There are seven Amtrak stations in Oregon:
Albany (ALY)
Chemult (CMO)
Eugene (EUG)
Klamath Falls (KFS)
Oregon City OR
Portland (PDX)
Salem (SLM)
Most important is the Portland Union Station. The station in Salem is very pretty. Three Amtrak’s trains pass through Oregon: Amtrak Cascades, Coast Starlight and Empire Builder.
Amtrak Cascades is an international train from Vancouver to Seattle and Portland.
Coast Starglight is a train from Seattle to Los Angeles.
Empire Builder runs between Chicago to Portland and Seattle.
Commuter trains in Oregon
Portland is the largest city and cultural hub of Oregon. The city is famous for its vibrant arts scene and thriving culinary culture. The city is home to numerous breweries, coffee shops, food carts, and craft markets.
There is a commuter railroad in the Portland metropolitan area. Westside Express Service (WES) trains run from Beaverton to Wilsonville. The line is 14.7 km long, consists of five stations and is connected with MAX Light Rail at Beaverton Transit Center. Service operates on a 45-minute headway on weekdays during the morning and evening rush hours. Passenger service is owned by TriMet and operated by Portland & Western Railroad (P&W). The line was opened in 2009.
WES Commuter Train – official website
Tourist trains in Oregon
Eagle Cap Excursion Train – a tourist train operating sporadically in the Wallowa Mountains, between the Elgin and Minam stations – about 42 km, shorter trips are also available. Passengers travel through a very scenic route. Diesel hauled train follows the Grande Ronde River downstream through rugged cliffs and timbered ridges, then travels up the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River. The railway operates a few days each month from May to October.
Eagle Cap Excursion Train – official website
Mount Hood Railroad – an excursion and dinner trains on the Hood River – Parkdale route (35 km) through Northern Oregon. Depending on weather conditions, rides operate from April to December, once or twice a week. On selected days, there are additional attractions like train robberies. Usually diesel hauled trains. Mount Hood Railroad is a 22 mile short line located 60 miles east of Portland, Oregon via Interstate 84. Hood River may also be approached from the south via Highway 35. The operator runs also freight trains. There are four classes: economy, parlor, premium and VIP.
Mount Hood Railroad – official website
Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad – tourist trains in Oregon run once or twice a month on an eight-kilometer section between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach. The section is part of the Tillamook – Enright line, which is 44 kilometers long (37 km are passable). However, the operator currently has no plans to extend the route, despite excursion along the scenic Tillamook Bay and the Oregon Coast between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach are very popular. Only chartered trains cover the entire passable route on request. It operates typically one or two days each month from May to October and in December. Diesel or steam hauled trains.
Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad – official website
Portland Train Rides – a diesel hauled vintage trains run on the Oregon Rail Heritage Center – Oaks Amusement Park route (4 km), in the suburbs of Portland. Rides take place every Saturday from January to November; trains running several times a day. The railroad is very popular among residents and has also appeared in several films. It is a scenic 45-minute trip along the east bank of the Willamette River and Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge to Oaks Park.
Oregon Rail Heritate Center – official website
Santiam Excursion Trains – a very popular excursion trains from Lebanon to Sweet Home (about 17 miles). Usually diesel hauled but a steam engine does run for at least 1 weekend each month.. It operates typically two Sundays each month and a few other days from May to November. There are brunch and dining trains.
Santiam Excursion Trains – official websire
Sumpter Valley Railway – a tourist narrow-gauge railway (914) operating on weekends and holidays from May to September between McEwen and the historic mining town of Sumpter (8 km). Trains are comprised of a vintage carriages are hauled by steam locomotive The railway is located in the forest, away from major cities. There is a small museum at the McEwen station. Round trips from McEwen usually take just over two hours.
Sumpter Valley Railway – official website
Miniature railways in Oregon
Klamath & Western Railroad – a miniature railroad in Chiloquin with a gauge of 190 mm. Typically operated by a miniature steam locomotive, it runs on Sundays from May to October.
Klamath & Western Railroad – official website
Phoenix & Holly Railroad – a miniature railroad operated on selected weekends. The railway is one of the attractions at Flower Farmer in Canby. In addition to riding the train, children can also interact with animals in the enclosures. Total length of the route is 1,1 km. 381 mm gauge. Tickets are relatively expensive.
Phoenix & Holly Railroad – official website
Shady Dell Pacific Railroad – a miniature park railway in Molalla. 190 mm gauge, length of the route is 1.1 km. Rides are available on selected days. Usually steam hauled. Train is run by the Pacific Northwest Live Steamers.
Shady Dell Pacific Railroad – official website
Washington Park and Zoo Railway – a miniature railway at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, transporting passengers on selected days around the zoo garden and nearby Washington Park. The train ride lasts approximately six minutes. 762 mm gauge. The railway was inaugurated in 1958. The railroad is operational year-round when the Oregon Zoo is open, except in January and part of February, when it is closed for required maintenance. There are two main trains – Zooliner and Oregon Express.
Heritage trams in Oregon
Oregon Electric Railway Museum – the Oregon Electric Railway Historical Society, the operator of the Oregon Electric Railway Museum, runs a historic tram in Brooks on Saturdays and Sundays from April to the end of September. The length of the route is 1 mile (1.6 km). In late July and August, the museum hosts the popular Great Oregon Steam-up festival.
Oregon Electric Railway Museum – official website
Riverfront Trolley – a heritage tram operating from March to September on a five-kilometer route in Astoria. The picturesque route runs along the Columbia River in the scenic town.
Riverfront Trolley – official website
Willamette Shore Trolley – a historic tram carrying passengers on an eight kilometer route between Lake Oswego and Riverwood, in the suburbs of Portland. It operates on weekends from May to September. The route runs along the Willamette River, and an attraction is the Elk Rock Tunnel. The line has been active since 1887, previously serving a narrow-gauge railway with steam locomotives. The Vintage Trolley is a replica trolley in the style of Portland’s Council Crest cars.
Willamette Shore Trolley – official website
Related articles:
Railways in the United States of America by state
