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An Oregon Christmas Train Ride In Sumpter!

Published: November 17, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Tucked into the rugged forests and gold-bearing hills of eastern Oregon, the Sumpter Valley Railroad (SVRy) is one of the West’s most authentic and best-preserved narrow-gauge heritage railroads.

Operating between the tiny town of McEwen and the historic mining community of Sumpter, the line offers visitors a unique chance to step back into the early 20th century—a period when narrow-gauge railroads stitched remote logging camps, mines, and frontier settlements together across the Pacific Northwest.

Today, the Sumpter Valley Railroad Restoration, Inc. keeps this legacy alive through meticulously restored steam locomotives, period equipment, and scenic excursions. Among its most popular offerings each year are the Christmas Trains, beloved family outings that blend history, holiday cheer, and vintage railroading in an unforgettable way.

Origins of a Frontier Narrow-Gauge Line

The Sumpter Valley Railway was chartered in 1890 by the Oregon Lumber Company (OLC), which needed a transportation lifeline to the rich pine forests along the upper John Day River. Rather than build a standard-gauge railroad, the company elected for the more economical three-foot narrow-gauge standard. Narrow-gauge lines were faster and cheaper to build, could handle tighter curvature through rugged terrain, and were ideal for the lumber industry’s mobile needs.

Construction began at Baker City, an important regional hub on the Oregon Short Line. The tracks snaked westward toward the booming mining town of Sumpter, reaching it in 1897. Additional mileage continued into the forests southwest of town, eventually extending all the way to Prairie City by 1910. This gave the little railroad, affectionately known as the “Stump Dodger,” a respectable length of nearly 80 miles.

For decades, the Sumpter Valley served as the region’s primary artery for moving timber, gold-mining supplies, livestock, and general merchandise. Its train crews became fixtures of the eastern Oregon frontier, navigating steep grades, deep snow, and isolated mountain camps where the railroad often provided the only reliable link to the outside world.

Peak Years and the Logging Era

Although some mining activity persisted, timber quickly became the railroad’s economic mainstay. The OLC built a vast network of logging spurs, portable trackage, and seasonal lines feeding freshly cut logs to the company’s mills and then to the Sumpter Valley main line for shipment east.

During its peak years in the first decades of the 20th century, the SVRy roster included numerous freight cars, passenger coaches, home-built cabooses, and several impressive wood-burning steam locomotives. Among these were the famous 2-8-2 “Mikado” locomotives, Nos. 19 and 20, built by Alco in the 1920s. These engines were unusually large for American narrow-gauge operations and embodied the railroad’s growing traffic demands.

The line also handled small-town passenger service and mail routes, carrying miners, farmers, families, and travelers across the isolated interior. The depot at Sumpter, once a hive of activity, welcomed riders heading to local hotels, mercantile shops, and mines.

Decline and Abandonment

By the 1930s, competition from trucks, improved roads, and the shrinking economic base of the timber industry began to erode the railroad’s profitability. Passenger trains were discontinued, and freight segments were gradually abandoned. During World War II, the U.S. Army purchased locomotives Nos. 19 and 20 and shipped them to Alaska for service on the White Pass & Yukon Route.

The final blow came in 1947 when the last remaining main-line operations ceased. Track removal began almost immediately, and within a few years, nearly the entire railroad had vanished—along with the depots, yards, and many of the structures that had once lined its right-of-way. For decades, the Sumpter Valley existed only in fading photographs and the memories of those who had worked or traveled on the line.

Preservation Efforts and the Rebirth of the Railroad

Interest in reviving the railroad began to grow during the 1960s and 1970s as rail historians and local residents discovered surviving equipment, historical maps, and fragments of the original grade. A group of volunteers formed Sumpter Valley Railroad Restoration, Inc. (SVRy), with the ambitious goal of rebuilding a representative segment of the line and restoring surviving locomotives.

Their efforts were nothing short of extraordinary. Volunteers cleared brush, relaid track, rehabilitated structures, and began collecting historic narrow-gauge equipment. In the 1970s, the group acquired steam locomotive No. 3, a restored 1915 Heisler geared engine that became the railroad’s primary power for many years.

The most impressive achievement came with the return of former Sumpter Valley Mikado Locomotive No. 19 from Alaska, where it had served for decades. After extensive restoration, the engine returned to service in the early 2000s, becoming one of only a handful of operating narrow-gauge 2-8-2s in North America.

Today, SVRy operates approximately five miles of track between McEwen and Sumpter, offering breathtaking mountain views, dense pine forests, and glimpses of the region’s mining heritage.

A Ride Aboard the Sumpter Valley Railroad Today

A visit to the Sumpter Valley Railroad is a deeply immersive experience. Steam trains run on select weekends from late spring through early autumn, with additional themed trains throughout the year. The journey takes passengers along the scenic Powder River valley, through stands of Ponderosa pine, and past remnants of the mining operations that once defined the region.

At Sumpter, guests can explore the restored depot, take photographs, visit local museums, and walk to the impressive Sumpter Valley Dredge, a massive floating gold-mining machine that stands as one of Oregon’s most unusual historic artifacts.

The railroad’s commitment to authenticity is evident in every detail—from wooden coaches and restored handcars to historically accurate operating practices. Crews dress in period attire, locomotives are meticulously maintained, and interpretive commentary helps riders understand the heritage they are experiencing.

The Christmas Trains

Among the railroad’s most beloved seasonal offerings are the Christmas Trains, which typically run on select December weekends. These festive excursions have become a highlight of the winter calendar in eastern Oregon, attracting families, communities, and holiday travelers alike.

Because the railroad’s normal operating season ends in early autumn, the Christmas Trains hold special significance—they bring steam or diesel-powered holiday trains back to life when snow often blankets the valley, giving the entire trip the feel of a turn-of-the-century Christmas postcard.

A Holiday Experience for All Ages

The Christmas Trains are designed as family-friendly outings where guests of all ages can enjoy the magic of the season. While each year’s program may vary, typical features include:

• Decorated vintage coaches, warmly lit with garlands, ornaments, and old-fashioned touches.
• Visits with Santa Claus, who greets children, poses for photos, and hands out small gifts or treats.
• Onboard holiday music, often featuring traditional carols, Christmas favorites, or recorded period tunes.
• Seasonal beverages, such as hot chocolate, cider, or coffee, available at depots or sometimes onboard.
• Charming winter scenery, with the train rolling through pine forests, open meadows, and snow-covered landscapes.

Though the distance covered is modest, the experience emphasizes nostalgia, warmth, and the distinct atmosphere that only a historic narrow-gauge train can provide

.A Community Tradition

The Christmas Trains have evolved into a cherished regional tradition. Volunteers work for weeks to decorate the equipment, prepare depots, and create a welcoming environment. Many families return year after year, often making the train ride part of their annual holiday celebrations.

The event also supports the ongoing preservation of the railroad. Proceeds help maintain the locomotives, coaches, track, and infrastructure necessary to keep the Sumpter Valley Railroad operating into the future. Each ticket purchased plays a part in ensuring that this unique narrow-gauge line continues to steam through Oregon’s mountains for generations to come.

Conclusion

The railroad is a treasure of Oregon’s eastern frontier—part living museum, part historic railway, and part community celebration. Its Christmas Trains encapsulate everything that makes heritage railroading special: nostalgia, craftsmanship, storytelling, and the shared joy of riding behind a historic locomotive through a winter landscape.

For families looking to create holiday memories, railfans seeking authentic narrow-gauge history, or travelers exploring the region’s frontier heritage, the Sumpter Valley Railroad offers an experience unlike any other. Each December, the lights, music, and festive atmosphere bring the railroad to life again, proving that even long after its revenue days ended, the “Stump Dodger” still has magic to share.  To learn more about the Christmas Trains and planning your visit please click here to visit the railroad's website.