mt. rainier scenic railroad

What a unique way to take children to see Santa! It was my 4-yo niece's first ride on a train so she was already excited, but then to see Santa onboard! Pick up your tickets at the will call window, then use the restroom just beyond it before boarding. Consider sitting on the side of the train that faces the depot - there's more landscape scenery on that side whereas the other has lots of local flavor (rundown houses & lots of blue tarps). The train is decorated beautifully and there is delicious cocoa & average store bought cookies once you board, plus a dining car towards the back that sells popcorn & candy. The conductor comes around in the beginning to punch your tickets, then makes the rounds again to release families in small groups to go back to Santa's train car. They have cute decorations and Christmas trees to enjoy while you wait, then you're free to take as many photos of your child with Santa as you'd like. Afterwards Santa presented the boys with little toy train engines and the girls with stuffed teddy bears. There is a brief stop in the town of Mineral where you can look around the small museum and take photos. The ride is very smooth and they play festive Christmas music, but despite the partly sunny weather we never saw Mt. Rainier until our drive home. All in all, a great family outing but something we probably only need to do once for the price.

We decided to do the Santa train ride to hit two birds with one stone. It was a good experience, the kids enjoyed seeing Santa but it's more something to cross off a list.Pros:Santa was excellent (short lines as we went during the stop at mineral), i was able to get some decent shots. Santa gave the kids a small toy which was a very nice touch. The different coaches have different seating configurations. We sat in decent comfy seats vs tables with chairs. Mineral was a nice stop for the kids to walk around, the family restroom was very clean. Cons:Scenery was so so, probably because it was winter. We saw better views of Mt Rainier on the drive up to Elbe.Sunday 3:30pm time was not ideal, completely dark on the train ride back to Elbe. Book earlier to get a better time and day slot.

We went on this ride in Mid-October... mid day. The leaves were changing color and it was very picturesque. It was overcast that day, so no view of the mountain, but since our home has a great view of the mountain, it was not too disappointing. The train was great, we sat inside car on the way up and the open car on the way back... exposing the views on either side of the trip. Got some nice photos of the river the train follows for a good bit. If you are a train enthusiast, the museum at the turnaround point of the ride was fascinating and the kids we saw seemed to really like it.

I took my two three year old girls and had fantastic views the entire train ride! It was a very sunny day and I have one of the best photo's of mt rainier on my Facebook page from the trip I took almost two years ago. I just now wanted to write a review after reading a few other posts. I had so much fun with my girls that I was thinking of taking the Santa train ride! I would recommend this cute little train ride to anyone who wants to have a nice family outing!

we sat in the open car...and it was very nice...if you like a breeze!! it was a sunny day so it was great. It was fun to hear the whistle and ride the train...It would be great on a hot summer day. If you are looking for an "amazing time"...this may not be it...but it was great to be out in nature riding along. The Museum at the other end is still somewhat new...and very nice...not too much there...but enough to see..bring your own lunch and munchies if you wish....

If you have been on many other steam engine train rides, this will be just another trip for you. If this is your first time ride on a steam engine train or riding after a very loooonnngg time (like I did), it will be a nice and nostalgic moment. You will really enjoy the trains whistle and sound... This ride starts from Elbe. First you will collect or buy your tickets from the small office and then wait for the train on the small platform. Train will be parked (?!!!) few meters away from our boarding point. Boarding will start 10-15 minutes before the departure time. There are no seat reservations. There are around 4-5 coaches (one window wide open windows - ideal for summer ride, another one completely closed - a restaurant like setting which has a small shop in it, and a couple of other coaches which partially closed windows).The entire trip takes around 1.45hrs - 2 hrs which starts from Elbe and reaches Mineral. there is a small rail museum at Mineral. You will spend 20-25 minutes in Mineral and then board the train and come back to Elbe. If the weather permits, you will see the beautiful Mt. Rainier on your way.

We've done many steam engine train rides on vacation. This one is pretty short and stops at a quaint train museum that gave the kids a chance to run around, ring train bells and climb. There was really only one GREAT view of Mt. Rainier on the ride, but it was a beautiful view. The gentleman taking tickets was well informed about the area, the train and the national park. Honestly, my kids were just excited to go on a train ride and that desire was well fullfilled!

I was really excited to see and ride the train. When I arrived to the train station, I though the steam locomotive was really cool to see. I sat and watched as it blew steam and whistled, like a little school boy. I got on the train and started the trip. It was very bumpy, cloudy, and there wasn't much to see while in the train. We arrived at Mineral and had a great time seeing other locomotives and parts of the museum. I enjoyed the trip and was pleased that I went, especially since we only paid half price, but once was enough for me.

The four year old and grandparents had a great time. We were lucky the day of our trip was sunny and we're able to see Mt. Rainer. Recommend wearing layers and brining snacks. Clearer direction on wear to form line for boarding would be helpful.

The steam train was smelly and noisy and wonderful. We took a 35 minute ride to a replica logging camp with loads of equipment and old gear for maintaining the steam trains. They could have given us a little bit more on the history of the train itself. It would be difficult for a handicapped person to climb into the train but the logging camp is fully accessible.

We heard about the Civil War train and reenactment, WHAT A FUN TIME! I may even join the Civil War group.

One has to admire the dedication of the volunteers who have rebuilt and refurbished the train that is used for this excursion. There was quite a crowd the day I was there and the weather was sunny and warm, so a ride in a railroad car with the windows wide open was an enjoyable experience. The station is quite nice with the expected "train goodies" for sale, restrooms, nice staff and there is plenty of parking available. I saw that there was a shaded and grassy picnic area next to the tracks, so packing a lunch would be fun. There were many riders the day we came, so I was glad we arrived 30 minutes before the train was scheduled to depart as we did have to wait in line to redeem our ticket voucher. Loading is haphazard. It doesn't matter where you wait because the conductor opens whichever steps he chooses. There are plenty of seats, however they are very cozy if the train is full. Also canted back and somewhat uncomfortable. The museum is the destination of the ride and I found it to be more interesting than I thought it would be. Again, the dedication of the volunteers is quite evident and we were able to look at an assortment of engines as we wandered through the buildings. I will have to take exception to the word "scenic" and this may well be because I am a native Washingtonian and have experienced Mount Rainier often. The train leaves the town of Elbe and largely follows the highway. As it leaves Elbe, it passes the back yards of some very interesting and quaint buildings, abandoned trailers, and piles of junk. You can see the Nisqually River and one view of Mount Rainier, but all in all, it isn't a beautiful or scenic ride.

This is a very interesting trip back to the logging camp era. Must have great funding as they refurbished 6 engines with diesel not coal. Did get one great view of mt Rainer although there are plenty of opportunities for pictures on the way. Even the walmart has a scenic view. Take a picnic lunch.

First of all, it's all volunteer so I have nothing but admiration for people who give of their time for something they are passionate about. I was very happy to support the group financially. But a few practical comments:Visited from Seattle--long drive for short experience. Getting tickets was no problem, loading the train was very chaotic. Nice train ride through the woods, but could have been anywhere as there was only a short glimpse of Mt Rainier. Maybe something to do on the way to Paradise, but not as a stand-alone destination.BBQ was not very good, music was too loud to talk. Did not have enough time to visit the exhibits of the museum AND eat. So suggest skipping the food and eating in Elbe. Was disappointed to not to have time to see the exhibits so cannot comment on them. But they had several refurbished old locomotives which were neat.

While visiting relatives in Spanaway, we went out to the Railroad. We got there at least 1 hour before departure and there was no one in line so we had no trouble buying ticket. However about 30 minutes before the train left and up until it left, the line was very long. After buying the tickets, we went across the street and ate at a burger place, which only had outdoor seating. The food was decent. The 2 lane highway that runs through this town heads up to Mt. Rainier and is very busy. In order to cross the road with children (or by yourself), I simply held up my hand in the STOP position and waited for them to oblige and then crossed the road. But you must be assertive as there is no traffic light. The railroad trip was about 2 hours. There was some very scenic views and views of Mt Rainier. At the end of the line is an opportunity to get off the train and visit the former historic timber camp. We had about 30 minutes to do that and it was quite enjoyable. The engine is moved from one end to the other and then you head back down the same path. Going back is a really good time to relax because there is really not that much to see -- because you saw it all coming up. There is a refreshment bar on the train: sodas, water, candy. The prices are again very reasonable and not gouging. The price for this entertainment is very decent--about $27 for a Senior and $18 for a child. My 7 year old granddaughter never stopped looking and enjoying the train ride both ways. The next day we went to Mt. Rainier, which I will write another review about. I do recommend this as a nice excursion, particularly if you have young children and hope this review has been helpful.