The Mt. Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum is closed for 2021 and the foreseeable future.
The Mt. Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum operates steam train rides that travel 14 miles between the towns of Elbe and Mineral near Washington state’s Mt. Rainier National Park. Weekly steam train excursions operate annually during the months of May through October. The train carries passengers from the depot in Elbe and travels through a forest and foothills before arriving at the logging museum in Mineral. Once at the museum, guests can get off the train to explore the exhibits. Museum admission is included in the train ticket price during regular excursions and most special events. Museum entrance is not included during the winter holiday excursions.
Along the Route
The route from Elbe to Mineral features views of the thick forest and foothills south of Mount Rainier. The route begins in the small town of Elbe (population 29). A tiny historic church, the second oldest and second smallest church in the United States, is located next door to the train depot. Volunteers operate the church and on sporadic occasions offer complimentary tours throughout the summer and fall months. The highlight of the train journey is crossing the Upper Nisqually River. The river is fed from a glacier at Mt. Rainier National Park. It is here at the river crossing that passengers can see the mountain from the train. The view of the mountain features the Paradise side. Even though the tracks are down at an elevation of just 1,470 feet, on a clear day guests can see the soaring peak of Mt. Rainier high above at 14,416 feet, and it is often sporting a year-round coat of snow. The train will cross the river once on the way to the museum and again on the return trip back to the depot.
Altitude:
Elbe’s elevation in the valley is 1,214 feet above sea level and Mineral sits comfortably at 1,470 feet of elevation. If you have any health concerns, check with your physician for advice.