Oregon ~ Beer Tasting ~ Train Rides

Published: July 26, 2026

If your idea of a perfect night out involves craft beer, scenery, and the gentle rhythm of jointed rail, Santiam Excursion Trains delivers a refreshingly different kind of “brew tour.” Based in Lebanon, Oregon, this operation has built a reputation for fun, themed excursions that pair classic passenger-rail ambiance with the laid-back flavors the Willamette Valley does so well—especially on their adults-only beer tasting rides.

The Route

Santiam Excursion Trains operates out of Santiam Station at 750 S. 3rd Street in Lebanon, with trains departing and returning to the same convenient depot. From there, the railroad’s excursions typically run eastward toward Sweet Home, following a corridor that parallels the South Santiam River and the general alignment of U.S. Highway 20—a mix of open valley views, farmland, and tree-lined stretches that feel pleasantly removed from the pace of I-5.

While Santiam offers rides for all ages across the calendar, their 21+ experiences are designed specifically for adults looking to unwind—think happy hour vibes, date-night energy, and a social atmosphere that’s easier to enjoy when you’re not competing with the noise and distractions of a typical bar or restaurant.

Railroad and Equipment

A big part of Santiam’s appeal is that this isn’t a “theme-park train.” Much of the operation is closely tied to the Albany & Eastern Railroad (AERC)—a real short line whose locomotives and restored cars regularly power and host Santiam’s excursions.

On many trips, motive power is handled by AERC diesels, including the notably photogenic former Southern Pacific SD9 #5399, repainted in SP’s classic “Black Widow” scheme. Depending on the day, other AERC power can appear as well (including GP9, SW9, and GP35 models noted by Santiam).

Just as important as the locomotives are the cars—because beer tasting rides are all about where you spend your time. One highlight is Passenger Car 1099, a Pullman-built coach (1947) whose former smoking section has been converted into a snack and drink bar, with flexible seating that can be arranged for dining-style service. Then there’s the star of the show for many adults: Santiam’s Bar Car, a beautifully detailed former Great Northern “Ranch Car” (GN 1241 “Running Crane Lake”), warmly decorated with western touches and built to comfortably seat and serve a crowd in a classic lounge setting.

For riders who want fresh air and unobstructed views, Santiam also highlights open-top flat cars rebuilt with benches and railings—popular year-round for the “riding the rail” feeling that turns a tasting event into something closer to an outdoor adventure.

Beer Tasting Train

Santiam markets its beer tasting rides with a simple promise: “craft brews and great views.” The concept is intentionally social—bring friends, sample a variety of beers, and let the changing scenery do what it does best: keep the evening moving without feeling rushed.

Rather than asking you to plan a multi-stop brewery crawl, Santiam frames the experience as a “just show up and enjoy” kind of tasting. Their beer-focused trips are described as featuring both crowd favorites and some lesser-known beers, aiming for a mix of styles that makes the ride approachable whether you’re a devoted hophead or someone who just wants a fun night out.

And because these rides are part of Santiam’s broader adult-oriented offerings, the vibe tends to overlap with their general 21+ ride concept: relaxing, scenery-forward, and supported by onboard beverage service (beer, wine, and cocktails) from the bar car.

“Growler N Grub”: a signature beer-themed outing

One of the beer-tasting concepts Santiam specifically calls out is “Growler N Grub,” billed as a one-time event when it appears on the schedule. While the exact inclusions can vary by date and theme, rider feedback suggests some Growler N Grub-style trips may combine drinks onboard with a destination meal stop—one testimonial describes traveling from Lebanon to Sweet Home’s “The Point” for dinner and returning, with drinks offered along the way.

That “dinner-and-rail” structure is a natural fit for craft beer: you get the tasting and social time on the outbound leg, enjoy food at the destination, then settle in for a mellow ride back—often the portion of the evening where the train’s lounge atmosphere shines brightest.

Adults-only rules (and why they matter)

Santiam is clear that their 21+ rides are adults only, and a valid ID is required to board. That policy keeps the experience consistent: it’s designed for groups of friends, couples, and celebrations where the social energy is part of the point—birthdays, promotions, reunions, and the sort of “let’s do something different” night you’ll actually remember.

The setting

What makes a beer tasting train different from a brewery taproom isn’t just novelty—it’s the way the train changes your sense of place. Onboard, you’re not locked into one room with the same four walls. You’re drifting past farmland and forests, tracing the Santiam River corridor, moving between Lebanon and Sweet Home while you chat, taste, and snack.

And because Santiam’s consist can include everything from classic lounge seating to open-air cars, groups often end up “mixing it up” over the course of the ride: a pour in the bar car, fresh air for photos and river views, then back inside to compare notes on what you liked best.

Planning Your Trip

Oregon doesn’t exactly suffer from a lack of beer culture—but Santiam Excursion Trains gives it a stage you can’t replicate in a taproom. You’re sipping in a vintage railcar with real short line horsepower up front, rolling through the Santiam River valley between Lebanon and Sweet Home, with the bar car acting as the evening’s anchor point.

For railfans, it’s a chance to enjoy restored passenger equipment (and sometimes famous paint schemes) in motion. For craft beer fans, it’s an easy, festive way to sample and socialize without worrying about driving between stops. And for everyone else, it’s simply a genuinely fun idea: skip the bar—ride the bar instead. To learn more about their beer tasting events please click here to visit Santiam's website.

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