RailsNW is pleased to invite you on a unique rail adventure. Come along and ride a self-propelled diesel passenger train on a 63 mile trip through the Eagle Cap Wilderness area.
Passenger service on this breathtaking and historic line resumed in 2004 with the Eagle Cap Excursion Train. This is the ex- Union Pacific Joseph branch and features many miles of rugged canyons and lovely valleys. And for this historic trip, we are using “Rail Diesel Cars (otherwise known as RDC’s) from the 1950s.
On this trip you will have a choice of departing from Elgin or Joseph. You can also choose to take the train round trip with an overnight in Joseph, in a region known as “Oregon Alps”, because of the majestic mountains located across the lake from Joseph. Whichever direction you choose you will be traveling through the same spectacular scenery.
The Elgin trip leaves early on a Saturday morning and steals you away from the noise of everyday life and into a peaceful roadless canyon country. The train rumbles beside the wild and scenic Grande Ronde River down stream, and then turns up the Wallowa River. We then begin crossing the beautiful Wallowa Valley to the base of the towering Wallowa Mountains. Watch for wildlife and soaring eagles as we pass by dramatic timbered and open ridges, basalt cliffs, and rustic farmlands. A delicious lunch will be served during this seven hour trip and a concession area is available on the train.
When we arrive in Joseph, a thriving art community, those returning to Elgin will board motor coaches returning them to their vehicles. For those traveling round trip with us, be sure to arrange lodging and transfers well in advance as there is nothing close to the rail yard.
Click here for local hotels, inns and lodges in and around Joseph.
On Sunday we will begin our return rail journey, new to some and equally exciting to those on their second leg. We expect to arrive Elgin late afternoon, where a motorcoach will be waiting to return our one-way passengers to Joseph. For our two-day (round trip) passengers, this unforgettable journey comes to a close as we arrive Elgin.
Don’t wait to long to jump onboard this awesome trip, as space is limited to less than 100 passengers, and both trips will quickly sell out.
We’ll see you onboard!
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