Visit Rainier

Forest Cafe

Wide variety of classic American cuisine along with daily specials, and a great selection pies and other home baked goods. Beer and wine in the restaurant, and also in our small bar from 4:00pm until close.

Emergency rock slope repair work to cause traffic delays on SR 410

Travelers who plan to use State Route 410 near the northeast entrance of Mount Rainier National Park should prepare for traffic delays starting Tuesday morning, May 30.

Climb aboard living history for a steam train ride through the forest and foothills south of Mount Rainier.

Photo courtesy Allen’s Photographic

This Memorial weekend enjoy a steam train ride across the Upper Nisqually River, explore fascinating museum exhibits and rediscover America’s love affair with the locomotive. Tickets for this two-hour excursion include museum admission. Train departs from the depot in Elbe, WA at 11:00 AM and 2:15 PM. If you’ve never been to Elbe, you’re in a treat! With a population of less than 50 residents, Elbe is a small town that’s big on charm! You’ll feel like you stepped back in time when you see the historic church next to a century old steam train!

Seating is limited, to guarantee availability advance reservations suggested. Choose to enjoy the First Class 1940’s era vintage Milwaukee Road passengers cars complete with reserved table and chair seating, dedicated attendant storytellers onboard, climate control, complimentary beverages and snacks and a unique Mt Rainier Railroad souvenir. Tickets for seating in the First Class Car are Adult $54 /Child $34. OR opt for open seating in the Standard Class cars, these Tacoma Rail cars are representative of the 1950’s era Amtrak passengers cars offering reserved seating in climate controlled environment with comfortable front-facing upholstered seats in paired rows. Standard Class Car Adult $41 /Child $21.

Mom and daughter ride the steam train in Elbe, WA

Photo courtesy Stormking Photography

Parking is $4 per vehicle. Fares are quoted in US funds and do not include a $3/ticket booking fee. For personal assistance with reservations please call 888-783-2611.

Area Lodging Near the Mt. Rainier Railroad: If you love trains consider booking an overnight at the Hobo Inn. Located next door to the train station, the Hobo Inn is a roadside motel made entirely out of converted cabooses! Perfect for the train enthusiast. Click here for additional options just a short drive from the train station in the nearby town of Ashford, WA. Ashford is located closer to the Nisqually entrance of Mt. Rainier National Park. Visitors to Ashford will find charming country inns, comfortable cabin rentals, rustic campsites, and historic lodges.

Area Dining Near the Mt. Rainier Railroad: Within walking distance of the train depot is the Mt. Rainier Railroad Dining Company which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a diner themed train car. There is also a locally owned pizzera, the Pizza Express serves pizza by the pie or slice. The Pizza Express offers covered outdoor seating. And if you’re in the mood for some pub-grub, you’ll find kittycorner from the depot is the Elbe Bar and Grill. If you’re not hungry for a meal but do want a quick snack try the DeWitt’s Elbe Junction for a shop filled with gourmet snacks, beverages and a host of locally produced items by artisans from the region.

Additional Activities Before or After the Train Ride: If you’re riding the 11:00 AM train you could explore the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park after your train ride. If you want to explore the park before the train ride, consider booking the later train to give yourself ample time to enjoy the scenery at the park before it’s time to check-in for boarding. You’ll also find Ex Nihilo, a sculpture park made entirely of recycled iron. The whimsical park is free and open to the public and typically takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to visit. There’s much more in the region. Extend your adventure and stay overnight. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is open and offers an incredible opportunity to enjoy hours of fascinating watchable wildlife. There’s also a zipline and adventure course in the wildlife park!

If you choose this adventure, we’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to tag us in your posts on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. #visitrainier

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Climb aboard living history for a steam train ride through the forest and foothills south of Mount Rainier.

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