Who doesn’t love a great story about riding the rails? Today, you can create your own train memories and experience the railway steam age with your “ticket to ride” on the historic Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad operated by the Western Forest Industries Museum (WFIM).
“The railroads built Washington State and the rural areas, and logging,” says Western Forest Industries Museum Executive Director and CEO Bethan Maher. “They were the Amazon or Boeing of their time, during the early days of this century and the end of the last century.”
The heritage railroad’s excursion trains driven by a steam engine chug through Mount Rainier’s foothills of old growth forest and sparking streams. And although a bridge fire on recently acquired additional trackage affects the railroad’s expansion plans, passenger excursions operating on the separate main line remain on schedule.
So book your train trip now to depart from the Elbe Depot on routes to Mineral or New Reliance. And bonus: exciting new ”RailCycle” pedal-powered custom rail bikes allow you to “ride the rails” in a different way, on guided trips leaving from Mineral.
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad’s History Began in Early Logging Days
The nonprofit WFIM’s steam-powered locomotives, the “iron horses” of their day, make these excursions possible. Trips feature an open-air car, two historic Pullman passenger coaches, and a baggage car outfitted as a gift shop and concession stand. Trips also include a Brunch Train, Whiskey Train, Easter Bunny Express, Family Halloween Train and Polar Express. Cars are pulled by a Polson Logging No. 70, a 70-ton 2-8-2 “Mikado” type steam locomotive built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1922 for the Polson Logging Company. When the Polson 70 needs maintenance, the railroad may substitute a diesel engine.
Andrew Barkis, Hometown Property Management owner and State Representative to the 2nd Legislative District, says the railroad is a treasure preserving a living history while providing an opportunity to learn about the area’s railroading past and experience Pacific Northwest beauty. “In addition, it is a vital economic driver for the rural economy of that part of the 2nd and 20th legislative districts,” he explains. “The towns of Eatonville, Elbe, Ashford, Mineral and Morton all benefit from the significant economic contribution the railroad brings.”
The Tacoma Eastern Railways ran from Tacoma toward Mount Rainier beginning in the 1890s, primarily as a logging railroad that also carried passengers. Later, Mount Rainier National Park visitors including U.S. President William Howard Taft rode the train. In the 1900s, the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad took control but closed operations in 1980. Weyerhaeuser Corporation acquired a portion to move logs from Thurston and Lewis counties to the Port of Tacoma, until transferring those rail interests to the City of Tacoma in 1998.
Weyerhaeuser also permitted logging mogul Tom Murray Jr. to use seven miles of track for his historic railroad equipment and to run Mt. Rainier Scenic passenger excursions. In 2016, the for-profit American Heritage Railways purchased and operated the railroad until shutting it down in 2020 due to operational difficulties and the pandemic. In 2022, WFIM took over the assets and resumed trips in 2023, with 80,000 passengers that year. The railroad has carried over 1.6 million riders since 1980.
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Passenger Train and RailCycle Trips Continue Despite Recent Bridge Fire on Separate Track
In 2025, the museum purchased a short line from Tacoma for a planned restoration and expansion to include a log transport. “As a nonprofit, we want to take that history and preserve it and use it as an asset in a new way,” Maher explains. On April 30 this added track’s 400-foot-long, 70-foot-high 28-span wooden trestle bridge burned down in an apparent deliberate fire. Built between 1909 and 1921 and rebuilt 20 years ago, the bridge remained structurally sound until the devastating fire. Barkis says he is angry that someone intentionally destroyed the bridge and commends firefighters who worked in the difficult remote location to prevent the fire’s spread.
Maher says while a blow, the bridge fire did not affect the main line’s passenger excursions or RailCycle trips. However, the loss is a significant hurdle to expansion and restoration plans. Clean up and replacement will cost millions.
“These trestles that were originally built at the turn of the century are engineering marvels,” says Barkis. “This one is no exception. As a critical component for the future expansion of the railroad, it is imperative that it be rebuilt.”
“It is very important to preserve our history for the next generations,” Barkis adds. “This railroad is a living, working example of how to do that.”
To get on board and support the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad, you can book trips, donate to WFIM, and give to the “Bridge the Gap” fire recovery fund.
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad
54124 Mountain Hwy E., Elbe
253.900.7245
