The Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, Through Scenic Washington State

The Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad dates back to 1981 when it began operating former Milwaukee Road trackage that had been abandoned by that railroad upon it pulling out of the Pacific Northwest in 1980. Since that time the railroad has steadily grown and today offers a number of different excursion trains pulled by an eclectic collection of steam locomotives, including all three types of geared steamers.

The railroad’s different excursion trains include a trip between Mineral and just past Divide, Washington, it’s most popular and most often run excursion. This ride features an 18-mile round trip over several trestles. Another trip the Mount Rainier Scenic offers includes its run between Mineral and Morton, a long 30-mile round trip that is only run on special occasions. This latter trip was just recently added in 2007.

Aside from these two excursions the railroad operates several special trains including the Father’s Day Express, BBQ Trains, Pumpkin Express, and much more. Lastly, you might also want to consider some of the other features the railroad offers including caboose rentals, lounge car rentals, cab rides in the locomotives, and tours of the facilities.

The Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad’s roster currently includes no less than nine steam locomotives, four of which are operational, with the rest awaiting restoration to some degree. Aside from the railroad’s steam fleet they also own a number of diesels. A complete roster of the railroad is below:

· MRSR #41 – American Locomotive Company (Alco) RSD-1 (Originally Rock Island 747)

· Great Northern #136 – EMD NW2 (Originally Great Northern 5336)

· Hammond Lumber Company #17 – American Locomotive Company (Alco) 2-8-2T

· Pickering Lumber #11 – Three-truck Shay Geared Locomotive

· Hillcrest Lumber Co #10 – Three-truck Climax Geared Locomotive

· MRSR #91 - Three-truck Heisler Geared Locomotive

· #45 – Baldwin Locomotive Works 2-6-2

· Rayonier #70 – Baldwin Locomotive Works 2-8-2 Mikado

· MRSR #5 - Porter 2-8-2

· Rayonier #2 – Three-truck Shay Geared Locomotive

· #10 – Three-truck Hiesler Geared Locomotive

So, if you’re ever in the Seattle/Puget Sound region consider taking the short drive south to Elbe, Washington to see the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad and ride one of its excursion trains, which will take you through some of the best scenery one can see in the State of Washington. Lastly, if you have the time please consider volunteering to help them with not only restoration work but also maintaining their railroad. I am sure they would very much appreciate the help!

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