Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, Heritage railroad in Yacolt, Washington, United States.
The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad operates vintage trains through forests and farmlands in Clark County, crossing the East Fork Lewis River on a large wooden trestle. The route connects Yacolt with Lucia Falls, following the path of the original rail line.
The rail line was built in 1888 as the Vancouver, Klickitat & Yakima Railroad and served the timber industry for many decades. Clark County purchased the property in 1981 to preserve it as a heritage attraction.
The railroad maintains a collection of historic equipment, including an Alco S-2 locomotive and a Pullman passenger car from the Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railway. These vehicles show how rail transport once operated in the region.
The railroad schedules excursions on about one or two weekends each month, with additional themed rides during Halloween and Christmas seasons. Visitors should plan ahead as operating dates vary by season and special events.
On the return journey from Yacolt, the train travels in reverse, allowing passengers in specific cars an unusual forward-facing view. This perspective reveals the approaching track and surrounding landscape from an unexpected direction.
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