2008 EXCURSION SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

Elgin, Oregon

Northeast Oregon's popular Eagle Cap Excursion Train begins its fifth season of operation on Saturday, April 26, with a 3.5 hour trip that highlights the colors and beauty of spring. Departing at 10 a.m. from Elgin, Oregon, the train follows the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers into scenic roadless canyons with dramatic basalt cliffs, grassy ridges and tall pines. The trip is the first of many opportunities to enjoy the unique experience of riding a train and capture the essence of northeast Oregon.

Officials of the Wallowa Union Railroad and the Friends of the Joseph Branch feel the 2008 schedule for the Eagle Cap Excursion Train has much to offer sightseers and rail fans alike.

"We wanted to provide more opportunities to view the rivers and canyon in the lush greens of spring," said Mary Ann Keyser, excursion train coordinator. "It's a great time for seeing all kinds of birds and wildlife along the river, as well." In addition to the April trip, there are four excursions in May. The second trip of the season is Mother's Day Brunch on May 11. The brunch includes a huge array of breakfast and lunch items with everything from sliced baked ham and scrambled eggs to pastries, lunch meats and fruit and salads. The delicious brunch is a wonderful way to treat Mom to a relaxing day of great food and no cooking. May 17 and May 31 are on the same stretch of railroad on excursions titled The Two Rivers.

Saturday, May 24, Memorial Day weekend, the train departs from Wallowa and travels east on two rare opportunities to view the Wallowa Valley from the comfort and unique perspective of the train. Called the Wallowa Mountainview, these 2.5 hour trips depart at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., taking advantage of the exquisite views of the Wallowa Mountains and the lush green valley ranches.

Most trips this year depart from Elgin, at the western end of the line and journey directly into the roadless canyons of the Grande Ronde River and the "Wild & Scenic" Wallowa River. The excursions are a photographer's and wildlife watcher's paradise. Go to www.eaglecaptrain.com to view the full schedule and trip descriptions. Tickets for all excursions are available now, through Alegre Travel, 1-800-323-7330.

Trips are offered for every Saturday, June through October, plus a few Thursdays and a new Friday evening trip that invites passengers to unwind and relax at the end of the work week. Refreshments will be available for purchase on these trips. In addition, the train can be chartered for special events, such as reunions, weddings, and parties. For charter information, contact Mary Ann Keyser, 541-886-3200.

Ticket prices range from $20 to $75, depending on the trip length, youth/senior discounts, and the food that is included with the trip. Most excursions include lunch on the train. Reservations for all trips can be made through Alegre Travel in La Grande, 541-963-9000 or 1-800-323-7330. Alegre can also assist with lodging and travel arrangements.

The Eagle Cap Excursion Train is operated by the Wallowa Union Railroad, with assistance from the Friends of the Joseph Branch. It runs on the historic line that winds for sixty-three miles between Elgin and Joseph in scenic northeast Oregon, and is owned by Wallowa and Union Counties through an intergovernmental agreement. WURR also operates a freight service on the line. See the website, www.eaglecaptrain.com, for descriptions of the trips and information about the "Joseph Branch" railroad's Centennial Celebration, September 20, 2008.