6 Railway Rides the Whole Family Will Enjoy

Trains seem to possess a magical quality that sparks the interest of every child. When my daughter was two, she could name every Thomas the Train character and always shouted “Percy!” every time she saw MAX pass by. I thought no kid could love trains more than my daughter until I had a son. He is infatuated with anything that runs on rails. We’ve checked out every train rides book from the children’s section of our library, and at two-years-old he could distinguish between freight and passenger trains, commuter rails, trams, and trolleys! And now, thanks to him, so can I.   

Recently, I set out in search of train rides within a short driving distance from Portland, and here are the best six I found: 

Train Rides in Portland

1. Oregon Pacific Railroad: 2250 Southeast Water Avenue, Portland

Times: Saturdays at 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, and 4 PM from ORHC; departures from Oaks Park on the half hour; March through mid-November; special holiday trains/hours possible

Cost: Adults (14 years+) are $14, children (ages 3-13) are $6, and infants (ages 2 and under) are free

Within walking distance from OMSI, you’ll find the Oregon Pacific Railroad. Climb aboard the diesel locomotive for round-trip train rides departing from the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. Passengers enjoy a scenic 45-minute trip along the east bank of the Willamette River and Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge to Oaks Park, where they can get off and back on later at no additional cost. Cars include at least one caboose and a custom-built, open-air car (prepare for a breezy ride).

Before or after your train ride, check out the Oregon Rail Heritage Center which houses several enormous, restored steam locomotives, as well as rotating exhibits, a kids train table, and a souvenir shop. Access to the museum is free, but donations are encouraged. 

2. Willamette Shore Trolleys: 311 N. State Street, Lake Oswego

Times: Saturdays and Sundays at 12 PM, 1 PM, and 2 PM; Late May to early September; special holiday trollies possible

Cost: $8 per passenger

Willamette Shore Trolleys have been running since the late 1800’s. In 1914, when the line was electrified, the trolley served Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Newberg, McMinnville, and Corvallis. Today, passengers enjoy beautiful round-trip train rides on two vintage trolleys that take passengers from Lake Oswego along the Willamette River to Powers Marine Park.

Due to current trestle repairs, the line is currently running from Lake Oswego through the Elk Rock Tunnel to the Large Trestle, and back.

Check the website for more detailed schedules and fares. 

Train Rides Outside of Portland

3. Pacific Northwest Live Steamers: 31803 Shady Dell Rd., Molalla

Times: Park Hours are Sundays from 11 AM to 4 PM with train rides available starting at 11:30 AM, May through October; available for birthday parties on Saturdays only by reservation

Cost: FREE with donations gratefully accepted; party pricing based on number of guests

Down a country road and just a few miles outside of Molalla’s city center, you’ll find Pacific Northwest Live Steamers. This railway park is perfect for children because the trains here are kid-sized. The park features 4,200 feet of 7 1/2 inch tracks with train rides that loop around a picnic area, through a tunnel, beside a small pond with a waterfall, and over a bridge. Visitors can also enjoy watching model trains as they wind around the park through tunnels and model towns that are currently under construction. The park stays running thanks to volunteers, so donations are welcome. 

4. Astoria Riverfront Trolley: Astoria Waterfront

Times: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12 PM to 6 PM, Memorial Day to Labor Day (weather permitting)

Cost: $1 per passenger round trip, or $2 to ride all day

The average round trip on the Astoria Riverfront Trolley is about one hour with nine stops along the beach town’s waterfront where passengers embark and disembark at their leisure. Jump off and catch a bite at your choice of restaurants along the route, or ride the whole trip listening to knowledgeable conductors entertain you with monologues of Astoria’s immigrant, maritime, fishing, and cinematic history.

Due to issues on the track, it is currently running from the Riverwalk Inn to 6th street.

5. Mt. Hood Railroad: 110 Mt Hood Railroad, Hood River

Times: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, departing at 12 PM; April – October; special holiday train November – December

Cost: Currently, only the First Class option is available; Adult tickets (ages 13+) are $49, children (2-12) are $39, and lap infants (2 and under) are free

Enjoy luxury train rides with the family aboard the Mt. Hood Railroad, a heritage and short-line freight railroad that departs from Hood River and runs 22 miles through beautiful forests, vineyards, and orchards. Stopping at Clear Creek Station in Parkdale for a 45-60 minute layover and BBQ lunch for an additional fee, before returning to Hood River. 

Passengers can also choose themed excursions: the Fruit Blossom Special (April – May), the Western Train Robbery (May – October), Parkdale Excursions (June through October), and the family favorite Christmas Train Ride (November – December). 

6. Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad: Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach

Times: Daily, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m during the summer months, and special excursion trains throughout the year

Cost: Round trips start at $20 with special pricing for children and seniors

Combine sightseeing along the Oregon coast and up the Nehalem River Canyon between Garibaldi and Rockaway with a fun trip aboard a historic steam locomotive. The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad is a perfect option for all ages, and has various prices for seasonal fares and special events. The round-trip train rides with magnificent views last 1.5 hours with a 30 minute layover at both the Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach stops. Passengers ride in their choice of caboose, indoor car, or two outdoor cars (one open and one covered).