*** The Mount Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum announced on June 7th that it has suspended train passenger service and events through August 3rd due to the impacts on its parent company from the 416 Durango fire. Please visit the Mount Rainier Railroad website for more details. ***

Spring is here and with it comes an opportunity to experience the Mt. Rainier area from the seat of a steam train. Whether you decide to travel standard class in a Tacoma Rail car representative of the 1950’s era Amtrak or enjoy first class in a mid-century passenger car, your adventure transports you back in time with the sound of the steam whistle and a journey through the forested foothills of Mt. Rainier.

Mt. Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum is getting ready to fire up the steam train at the end of May. They have a variety of excursions that run through the end of the year and are perfect to plan while you’re staying at a Mount Rainier cabin. Now is the time check them out and book your tickets in advance. There are rides for the romantic, the adventurous and even the small locomotive lovers. Check out their lineup below.

photo: Mt. Rainier Railroad & Logging Museum via facebook

Steam Train Ride & Museum Tour: Traveling through the forested foothills of Mt. Rainier, riders are transported back in time. Listen to the locomotive’s plaintive whistle echo off the surrounding hills as the train takes you to our museum and event park near the town of Mineral. At the museum, visitors will have an opportunity to explore the historic logging camp and view the world’s most comprehensive collection of steam logging locomotives before returning to the depot in Elbe. Train fare includes entrance fee to the museum.

Dates: This classic ride runs from the end of May through August on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 am and 2:15 pm daily and July and August on Fridays at 2:15 pm.
Online: mtrainierrailroad.com/train-excursions/

Return of the Willamette: Celebrate the return of the #2! The restoration team at Mt. Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum is pleased to announce the return of the Willamette #2, the ONLY operable Willamette in the world! Built by the Willamette Iron and Steel Works in 1929 for J. Neils Lumber Co. in Klickitat, WA, the #2 sports the painted name of her next owner – Rayonier Inc. of Sekiu, WA – where she worked from 1949-1962.

Dates: You can catch this ride on June 2 and 3 at 11 a.m and 2:15 p.m.
Online: facebook.com/events/179947652639289/

Dads & Grads BBQ Steam Train: Full steam ahead! Celebrate your dads and grads with a steam train ride through the forest and foothills south of Mt. Rainier. Ride the train to our museum for a mouth-watering BBQ feast, lawn games, and live entertainment. Seating for this three-hour special event excursion is limited.

Dates: Catch this ride June 16 and 17 at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm daily.
Online: facebook.com/events/615384815466894

Train to Table: Your table awaits. Travel to our 20-acre museum grounds aboard a classic steam train. At the foothills of Mt. Rainier, experience family – style al fresco dining in a historic setting. Embrace the atmosphere of a turn-of-the-century logging camp through a rustic menu of locally sourced food and a family-style presentation. It’s the perfect way to start your weekend in the wilderness.

Dates: You can catch this ride Every Friday in July and August at 5:30 p.m.
Online: facebook.com/events/370089086826994/

Hard Cider Express: Ride the rails through the forested foothills of Mt. Rainier and disembark in the bygone era of early 20th century Cascadia, all while enjoying Washington’s finest hard apple ciders! This 3-hour event includes train ride, cider tastings, museum admission, souvenir tasting glass, and a delicious meal. This event is exclusively for passengers 21 years of age or older. Guests must present valid identification before boarding the train.

Dates: You can catch this ride September 8/9 at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
Online: mtrainierrailroad.com/hard-cider-express/

Washington Wine Express: All aboard for the sip of a lifetime. Ride the rails through the forested foothills of Mt. Rainier and disembark in the bygone era of early 20th century Cascadia. This 3-hour special event includes wine tastings from Washington vineyards, train ride, museum admission, souvenir tasting glass, and a delicious meal. This event is exclusively for passengers 21 years of age or older. Guests must present valid identification before boarding the train.

Dates: Catch this ride September 15/16, 22/23 and 29/30 at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
Online: facebook.com/events/1602905863162737/

Oktoberfest Express: Ride the rails through the forested foothills of Mt. Rainier and disembark in the bygone era of early 20th century Cascadia, all while enjoying Oktoberfest beers from Washington and beyond! This 3-hour event includes train ride, beer tastings, museum admission, souvenir tasting glass, and a delicious meal. This event is exclusively for passengers 21 years of age or older. Guests must present valid identification before boarding the train.

Dates: You can catch this ride October 6/7 at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
Online: facebook.com/events/363404814176756/

PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express: The magic of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride comes to life in Elbe, Washington. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, families will enjoy a trip to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate and cookies served aboard the train. Passengers will be entertained by a reading of The Polar Express. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa will greet the children and each child will receive their own sleigh bell, just like in the movie, for those who BELIEVE. Experience the joy of caroling and holiday entertainment that will surely become an annual holiday tradition for the whole family. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride and join in on the magic of Christmas!

Dates: You can catch this ride on select dates from November 16 to the end of December. Departures at 3:30, 5:30, and 7:30 p.m.
Online: mtrainierrailroad.com/train-excursions/polar-express/

Opening Weekend/Memorial Day Weekend/Return of the Willamette: Traveling through the forested foothills of Mt. Rainier, riders are transported back in time. Listen to the locomotive’s plaintive whistle echo off the surrounding hills as the train takes you to our museum and event park near the town of Mineral. At the museum, visitors will have an opportunity to explore the historic logging camp and view the world’s most comprehensive collection of steam logging locomotives before returning to the depot in Elbe. Train fare includes entrance fee to the museum.

Dates: You can catch this ride May 26/27 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. daily.
Online: facebook.com/events/346139595789213/

Easter Express: The Easter Bunny has been spotted! Climb aboard living history out for a fun-filled springtime steam train ride through the forests and foothills of Mt. Rainier. Photogenic Peter Rabbit is ready for his close-up and will be hopping through the train to visit with all families. At the museum, follow Peter to Mr. MacGregor’s garden for the chance to hunt for treat-filled eggs. Tickets include roundtrip train ride, egg hunt for the kids and museum admission. The Easter Express fills up fast, so hop to it and reserve your tickets early. And parents – don’t forget to bring your camera and something for the little ones to gather eggs in!

Dates: You can catch this ride Easter Weekend, 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. daily.
Onlne: facebook.com/events/1512573745450132/

Mother’s Day Weekend Train Rides: Treat mom to the experience of a bygone era as our beautifully restored steam engine winds through the springtime forest and foothills south of Mount Rainier. Tickets for this two-hour excursion include train ride, museum admission, and a gift for mom. Outdoor tables are available for picnickers. Seating on the train is limited. Place advance reservations to guarantee availability!

Dates: Mother’s Day Weekend, 11:00am and 2:15pm daily.
Online: facebook.com/events/124609974755546/

Rails to Ales: Description: Enjoy craft beer tastings aboard a steam train ride through the forest and foothills south of Mount Rainier. This 3-hour event includes a steam train ride, beer tastings, live music, museum admission, and refreshments. This event is exclusively for passengers 21 years of age or older. Guests must present valid identification before boarding the train.

Dates: You can catch this ride 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
Online: facebook.com/events/724827721047891/