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Oregon "The Polar Express" Train Rides In Hood River!

Published: November 12, 2025

By: Adam Burns

The Mount Hood Railroad (MHRR) began life in the early 1900s to connect the Oregon Lumber Company’s mill at Dee with mainline rails and steamboats on the Columbia River at Hood River.

Incorporated in 1905 by interests tied to the Eccles family, the line opened south from Hood River to Dee in 1906 and reached its present end of track at Parkdale in 1909. Freight was king: rough-cut timber and, increasingly, fruit from the Hood River Valley’s apple and pear orchards.

In 1968 Union Pacific acquired the property, but as trucks siphoned away carloads the branch’s future dimmed. Local investors stepped in during 1987 to keep the rails turning and added excursion trains to diversify revenue.

Ownership changes and preservation. In 2008 the short line was sold to Permian Basin Railways, part of Iowa Pacific Holdings. When Iowa Pacific faltered a decade later, the Mount Hood line entered receivership; in January 2022 it was purchased by a local group, Mount Hood Capital Investments LLC, whose principals include orchardist L. Scott Webster. The new owners emphasized strengthening tourism, partnering with The Fruit Company brand, and revitalizing service across the 22-mile route.

Where it runs and what it does today. MHRR is a 22-mile short line between Hood River and Parkdale with a Union Pacific interchange at Hood River. While the railroad’s public face is passenger excursions and railbikes, it also maintains freight capability for regional shippers; most revenue, however, comes from seasonal passenger service.

Riding Today: Excursions & Railbikes

Spring, Summer, and Fall trains. From April into October, MHRR runs scenic trips showcasing the Columbia Gorge and the quilt of orchards in the Hood River Valley. Typical excursions run about 2.5 to 3 hours round trip with a layover at The Fruit Company campus, giving riders time to stretch, browse the gift shop, and learn about local agricultural heritage. Seasonal offerings include a Spring Train, Summer Train, and a fall “Harvest Train” timed to color and harvest windows.

Hood River Railbikes. A popular warm-season option is the guided, motor-assisted tandem railbike experience that climbs about 5½ miles up-valley. The midpoint stop includes a short factory-museum visit at The Fruit Company before the easy return descent, making it an accessible alternative or complement to the train.

Depot & practicals. Public excursions generally stage from the historic depot area in downtown Hood River (ticketing is often shown at 110 Railroad Avenue), with event-specific instructions provided during booking.

Spotlight: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride (Official)

Each holiday season, the railroad transforms for its licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, the immersive experience based on Chris Van Allsburg’s classic book.

2025 season dates. For 2025, regional tourism listings show the event operating Nov. 21, 2025 through Jan. 3, 2026 on select dates, aligning with the railroad’s published calendars. Always confirm the date/time you want during checkout, as demand varies and extra departures may be added.  To learn more and planning your trip please click here to visit the railroad's website.

Duration & storyline. The journey lasts about 90 minutes round trip. On board, the Conductor and cast lead interactive narration; pajama-clad families sip hot cocoa and enjoy a cookie while the train “travels to the North Pole,” where Santa boards to greet children and present a small sleigh bell. Alcohol is not permitted on this family event, and restrooms are limited on board (with accessible facilities on the event grounds).

Seating classes & typical inclusions (assigned by MHRR):

VIP – booth/table for four plus a ceramic Polar Express mug souvenir.

Premium – comfortable seats with a small bistro table plus a tumbler souvenir.

Parlor – chairs at a table for four; only car class that can accommodate wheelchairs (27-inch width limit; lift available; call ahead).

Standard – booth seating without a table.
If you want a private table in VIP or Parlor, book in multiples of four; otherwise you may be paired with another party. If you’re coordinating with friends, either book together or note the other party’s name during checkout so the railroad can seat you together.

Pricing tiers. MHRR uses Value, Regular, and Peak price bands tied to specific dates/times; published 2025 ranges at press time list adults from $59–$109 and children (2–12) from $49–$99 depending on date and class, with a $10 “lap infant” ticket for under-2s riding on an adult’s lap. (Always verify current prices at purchase.)

Where to go & parking. Due to crowds, all Polar Express guests are directed to an overflow lot at 113 Portway Avenue, Hood River, where shuttles run to the boarding area. Buying parking during checkout smooths your arrival.

What to expect on board (at a glance): hot cocoa and a cookie for all riders; interactive songs and storytelling; Santa’s visit and bell keepsake for each child; festive décor and cast; guidance to dress warmly for time on the outdoor platform during boarding and after arrival.

Accessibility & policies. Parlor is the only wheelchair-accommodating class (27-inch chair width max; no storage for power chairs). There are no wheelchair-accessible restrooms on the train; accessible restrooms are on the event grounds. Tickets are nonrefundable due to high demand; consider the optional cancellation add-on if your plans may change. Pets are not permitted.

Why Mount Hood Is a Classic Northwest Ride

Scenery & seasonality. Few American branch lines pack so much visual variety into 22 miles: river views, fruit orchards, vineyard blocks, forests, and postcard-worthy angles on Mount Hood (and even Mount Adams to the north on clear days). Spring brings blossoms; summer frames blue-sky mountain vistas; fall layers on color and harvest action; winter holidays add lights and music.

Agritourism connection. The integration with The Fruit Company—now tied to the railroad’s ownership—adds a local-flavor layover with a small museum and factory store that tells the valley’s produce story. It’s an easy way to connect the region’s rail, timber, and orchard heritage in one outing.

Freight roots, tourist focus. MHRR still advertises freight service and UP interchange capability, but its bread-and-butter today is experiences—scenic trains, themed events, and railbikes—designed to sustain a rural short line while sharing the valley’s history with visitors.

Planning Tips

Book early for Polar Express peak nights and earlier evening departures; they sell fast. Seat assignments are handled by the railroad according to your class—book in groups of four for private tables in 

Mind the parking instructions for holiday trains (overflow lot & shuttle) and arrive early.

Dress for the platform. Cars are heated, but you’ll spend a few minutes outdoors during boarding/disembarkation—winter layers and sturdy closed-toe shoes are recommended.

Consider railbikes in warmer months for a different vantage point on the same right-of-way.