Oregon Coast: Scenic Railroad Excursion Along Coastline

Exploring the breathtaking Oregon Coast by rail is an unforgettable experience. The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad offers a 1.5-hour excursion along the coastline, providing stunning views of Tillamook Bay and coastal estuaries. Passengers can enjoy the journey aboard a historic steam locomotive for just $33.92 per person, with onboard narration sharing rich historical insights. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this excursion promises to deliver a perfect blend of scenic beauty and local culture, leaving you eager to discover more.

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Key Points

A scenic 1.5-hour train ride along the Oregon coast, with tickets starting at $33.92 per person and a reserve now, pay later option available.
Onboard narration provides historical insights, and passengers can enjoy layovers in charming coastal towns like Rockaway Beach and Garibaldi.
Seating options include coach cars, table cars, covered open cars, and open-top cars, each offering unique perspectives during the journey.
Wheelchair-accessible options are available, but some seating areas may not accommodate mobility needs, so passengers should consider their requirements when selecting.
The excursion typically operates with a historic steam locomotive, but a diesel locomotive may be used due to maintenance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad offers a scenic train ride along the Oregon coast, with tickets starting at $33.92 per person.

Scenic train rides along the Oregon coast with tickets starting at $33.92 per person.

The 1.5-hour excursion provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now and pay later option is available.

The train typically runs on a 99-year-old McCloud River Railroad steam locomotive #25, though a diesel locomotive may replace it due to maintenance.

Passengers can explore the shops, restaurants, and beach in Rockaway Beach or Garibaldi during a layover midway through the journey.

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Experience Highlights

Scenic views of Tillamook Bay and coastal estuaries captivate passengers during the train ride. The onboard narration provides historical insights about the area and the train itself.

Passengers can also:

Explore the shops, restaurants, and beach in Rockaway Beach or Garibaldi during the layover.
Typically, the train is pulled by a 99-year-old McCloud River Railroad steam locomotive #25, though a diesel engine may replace it due to maintenance needs.
Enjoy the variety of seating options, including a coach car, table car, covered open car, and open-top car.

Seating Options

A variety of seating options are available to passengers on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad Excursion. Travelers can choose from coach cars with cushioned seats and sliding windows, table cars with two-seat and four-seat options, covered open cars with bench seats and a roof, or open-top cars with bench seats and no roof. This allows passengers to select the experience that best suits their preferences and needs. The different seating areas offer unique perspectives and experiences during the 1.5-hour journey along the scenic Oregon coastline.

| Seating Option | Description |

| — | — |

| Coach Car | Cushioned seats, sliding windows |

| Table Car | Two-seat and four-seat tables |

| Covered Open Car | Bench seats, roof |

| Open-Top Car | Bench seats, no roof |

Accessibility and Restrictions

Wheelchair accessible options are available for the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad Excursion, though certain seating areas may not be suitable for wheelchair users.

Key accessibility and restrictions include:

Passengers must select their return trip time after purchasing the outbound ticket.
Pets aren’t allowed onboard.
Some seating options, such as the open-top car, may not accommodate wheelchair users.

Passengers are advised to consider their mobility needs when selecting seating to ensure a comfortable and accessible journey along the scenic Oregon coastline.

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What to Bring and Important Information

Recommended items for the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad Excursion include a camera to capture the scenic views and sunscreen to protect against the coastal sunshine.

Passengers should also wear comfortable clothes as they’ll have the opportunity to explore shops, restaurants, and the beach during the layover in Rockaway Beach or Garibaldi.

It’s important to note that the meeting point varies based on the ticket option booked, so passengers should check their reservation details.

Plus, riders will be notified in advance if diesel power will be used instead of the typical 99-year-old steam locomotive, as substitutions may occur without notice.

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Exploring Rockaway Beach and Garibaldi

During the layover in Rockaway Beach or Garibaldi, passengers can explore the charming coastal towns and take advantage of the opportunity to visit local shops, sample fresh seafood at the restaurants, and stroll along the sandy beaches.

In Rockaway Beach, visitors can peruse the quaint shops, indulge in saltwater taffy, and beachcomb for hidden treasures.

In Garibaldi, they can tour the historic Garibaldi Maritime Museum, charter a deep-sea fishing trip, and savor the panoramic views from the town’s pier.

Whether wandering the towns or relaxing on the shore, the layover offers a delightful taste of Oregon’s coastal charm.

History of the Locomotive and Route

The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad‘s historic locomotive, McCloud River Railroad #25, has a storied past that adds to the allure of this scenic train excursion.

Built in 1920, this 99-year-old steam locomotive powered freight trains for decades before finding a new home on the Oregon coast. Passengers can often enjoy the sight and sounds of this antique engine as it hauls the train along the coastline.

While diesel power may occasionally replace the steam locomotive due to maintenance needs, the historic charm remains a highlight of the experience.

Scenic Highlights Along the Journey

As the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad winds its way along the Pacific shoreline, passengers are treated to a breathtaking panorama of natural beauty.

Key scenic highlights along the journey include:

Serene estuaries, towering coastal bluffs, and lush forests captivate passengers along the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad.

Tillamook Bay: A serene estuary teeming with shorebirds and marine life, offering a glimpse into the region’s thriving coastal ecosystem.
Coastal Bluffs: Towering cliffs and rocky promontories provide dramatic backdrops, showcasing the power and grandeur of the Pacific Ocean.
Lush Forests: The train passes through dense evergreen forests, allowing passengers to appreciate the verdant, verdant landscapes that characterize the Oregon coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Food and Drink Available for Purchase on the Train?

Food and drink are not mentioned as available for purchase on the train. However, passengers can explore shops and restaurants during the layover at Rockaway Beach or Garibaldi stations.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drink on Board?

Passengers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on board. The railroad doesn’t provide catering, but you can enjoy snacks and beverages from home or local shops during the scenic 1.5-hour journey.

Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available?

There are occasional discounts and promotional offers for the scenic railroad excursion, such as package deals with local hotels or seasonal specials. Customers should check the website or contact the operator for any current deals.

How Often Does the Train Run Throughout the Day?

The train operates multiple times throughout the day, with departure times varying. Passengers can check the schedule when booking their tickets to find the most convenient time for their visit.

Are There Any Guided Tours or Activities at the Stop Locations?

The train excursion includes an opportunity to explore shops, restaurants, and the beach at the stop locations. Passengers can disembark and enjoy guided activities during the layover at Rockaway Beach or Garibaldi.

The Sum Up

The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad excursion offers a captivating journey along the stunning coastline, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and rich history. With its affordable price, immersive experience, and opportunities to explore charming towns, this excursion is a must-do for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure on the Oregon Coast.