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
1101 SW Sylvenus St, Chehalis, WA 98532, USA
Flickr / 28101583@N07
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
Fairhaven Station, 401 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA
Flickr / wsdot
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!

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3. Chelatchie Prairie Railroad
Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, 207 Railroad Ave, Yacolt, WA 98675, USA
Facebook / 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
Skykomish, WA 98288, USA
Facebook / GN&C Railway
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
Snoqualmie Valley Railroad, Snoqualmie, WA, USA
Flickr / doublegrande
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!

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Train Rides In Washington

Megan McDonald | December 16, 2022

Where can I ride the train in Washington?

There are several great places to take a train ride in Washington state. Whether you’re looking for a shorter, more scenic day trip within the Pacific Northwest, or a longer ride to use as transportation to another area or city, including to Canada, Washington State has a number of great train rides to enjoy. 

These are some of our favorite Washington train rides:

 

What cities does Amtrak stop in Washington state?

Amtrak runs an extensive Pacific Northwest route, the Amtrak Cascades, and stops in the following cities nearby the state of Washington:

  • Vancouver
  • British Columbia
  • Seattle 
  • Tacoma 
  • Portland 
  • Salem 
  • Eugene

This allows you to plan an epic adventure throughout the northwest of the United States and Canada. It’s a stress-free way to explore the area. They also offer great Cascade Amtrak day trip options if you want to stay closer to home! There are many different ways to utilize the stops on Cascade Amtrak, including linking them to travel east across the country.

What is the most scenic railroad in Washington State?

Washington State is gorgeous and has several scenic railroad trips to choose from. In fact, many of the most popular railroad trips originate in Seattle before heading south to California, such as on the Coastal Starlight route with Amtrak. Others depart from Seattle and head into areas like Glacier National Park. In fact, many of the railroad options in Washington State made it onto our 18 Epic Train Rides That Show Off America’s Prettiest Landscapes list! 

The Cascades area is well known for its scenic beauty, and the west coast of the United States has much to offer in views, and many of the railroads offer a slower, more scenic route through the states.

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