Best Scenic Railroads and Train Tours in Oregon: A True Insider’s Guide
In Oregon, there’s never a shortage of panoramas displaying Mother Nature’s skilled handiwork. We’ll reel off ten incredible ways to see the state’s beauty aboard bronze age beauties themselves – the iconic train. Railroads and train tours in Oregon offer a charming, slower-paced way to take in breathtaking vistas, from coastal scenery to wilderness wonderlands.1. Mount Hood Railroad
Whisking passengers through 22 miles of rolling orchards, dense forests, and the towering peak of Mount Hood, this trip brings the heart of the Pacific Northwest to life. Trust us, all four trips offer awe-inspiring views but the Fruit Blossom Special in the spring? That’s a local favorite!2. Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad
You can’t skip the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. The vintage steam train gently travels from Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach, immersing you in the ethereal beauty of Tillamook Bay. Be sure to book the Sunset Dinner Train for an unforgettable seafood and skyline combo!3. Oregon Coast Crawler
For those craving coastal sights, plus a touch of nostalgia, the Oregon Coast Crawler delivers. It huffs its way through the stunning Nehalem River Canyon and offers quite the postcard-perfect scenery of Nehalem and Wheeler by the bay.
4. Sumpter Valley Railroad
Sumpter Valley Railroad gives you a glance into Oregon’s gold rush era as you roll through the Elkhorn Mountain range, dotted by picturesque mining towns and verdant woods. Visit in autumn to experience the Harvest/Halloween train for a spook-tastic time.5. Eagle Cap Excursion Train
Running along seventeen beautiful miles of the Wallowa River, the Eagle Cap Excursion Train offers breathtaking views of Oregon’s “Switzerland of America.” Be sure to get off at Minam Store for some scrumptious huckleberry pie!6. Oregon Pacific Railroad
Running along the Willamette River in inimitable Portland, you won’t want to miss the Oregon Pacific Historic Holiday Express. It’s an enchanting night ride with a beautifully lit vintage train to get you in the holiday mood.7. Chehalem Valley Excursion Train
Running through wine country, the Chehalem Valley Excursion Train offers Oregon’s most exquisite vineyards, hazelnut orchards, and country farms. It’s like savoring a bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir, with each vista!8. Tillamook Air Museum Excursion
This unique rail tour also offers a hefty dose of aviation history. The Tillamook Air Museum Excursion offers the splendid costal and dairy scenery of Oregon plus access to a World War II-era blimp hangar that is sure to fascinate history buffs.9. Willamette Shore Trolley
While technically not a train, the Willamette Shore Trolley in Lake Oswego deserves a spot on any rail enthusiast’s list. The trolley trundles along a scenic route, with stunning views of Mt. Hood looming in the distance.10. The Coast Starlight
Board the Coast Starlight for a journey from Klamath Falls to Portland and you’ll relish the grandeur of Oregon’s landscapes. This Amtrak route, lauded as one of the country’s most spectacular, traverses mountains, forests, valleys, and the Pacific coastline.So, fellow Oregonian friends, there it is – the best scenic railroads and train tours our gloriously green state has to offer. Don’t just take our word for it, there’s nothing quite like feeling the rhythm of the tracks beneath you while soaking up Oregon’s natural beauty. Happy railroading, folks!