Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, Heritage railway in Elbe, Washington.
Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad is a narrow-gauge heritage line that operates steam locomotives and vintage freight cars on a route through forests north of Mount Rainier. The route crosses valleys and river landscapes with views of the mountain and surrounding terrain.
The railroad was founded in 1980 to preserve steam locomotives and cars from the early logging era. These machines came from the time when such rail lines were essential for transporting logs and materials in the region.
The railroad tells the story of regional logging communities through its locomotives and displays. Visitors see in the cars and facilities the tools and machines that once played a role in the daily work of forest workers.
Train excursions depart from Elbe and travel through accessible terrain with regular stops along the way. Visitors should bring weather-appropriate clothing and arrive early, as trains fill up quickly on pleasant days.
The train crosses the Nisqually River on a historic bridge from which visitors can see Mount Rainier's snow-covered peak on clear days. The ride also stops at unusual places like the House of Gears, where old machine parts display the engineering of the pioneer era.
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