By Karen Kirkwood
What better way to see the countryside than sitting on a park bench in a vintage open-air rail car? The steam train in Chehalis, Washington, offers just such a ride.
The 1916 Baldwin engine puffs along at about 14 mph, refreshing the riders with a gentle breeze. Less adventurous riders can enjoy the view from inside a refurbished 1920s coach. And for those passengers who have their hearts set on blowing the whistle, cab rides are available.
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In 1986, a group of local citizens founded the Chehalis–Centralia Railroad Association. They restored a 1916 logging locomotive that had been on display in a Chehalis park for 33 years. According to Wanda Thompson, a member of the organization and an avid steam train rider, they did not want to see the historic engine deteriorate further. The group obtained a few railroad cars and began offering rides to the public in 1989.
The 9-mile track runs southwest of Chehalis. Old barns, farm machinery, and two-story farmhouses dot the landscape. “We watch the farms through the seasons,” Wanda told me. “First, the fields being worked, then the planting, the crops |
growing, and finally, the harvest.” Besides horses and cows, Wanda says they have seen bald eagles, elk, deer, and coyotes. The train plays hide-and-seek with the winding Chehalis River. Catching sight of the river and crossing the trestles add to the fun.
Special events include Seniors Day, Kids Day, and Military Day. Dinner train rides are offered throughout the season, including on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Other special rides include an Easter Egg Hunt and a Pumpkin Train.
The most intriguing event is the Murder Mystery Dinner Train. One can almost imagine being a passenger on the Orient Express! A murder, as provided by an acting troupe, |
 supposedly happens on this steam train ride. And it is up to the passengers to find out “who done it.” The troupe involves the riders in setting the scene and helps the group find the solution by the ride’s end.
The Chehalis–Centralia Railroad and Museum is located off exit 77 on I–5. The cost for rides, excluding dinner and special events, ranges from $7 to $13. Rides are offered on weekends, Memorial Day Weekend through September. The entire train or one car can be chartered for private parties. (360-748-9593; www.steamtrainride.com)
Northwest Travel May/June 2007 |
