Why the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad is a Must-See Attraction

This post about Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.

My son Owen LOVES trains! Almost every day, he asks me if we can “sit down on a train.” I usually have to tell him no. But today, I have to tell him YES because we’re heading to Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad!

If you and your kids are fascinated by trains, you won’t want to miss the adventure that the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad offers. Nestled in southern Pierce County in Washington state, this charming railroad offers a nostalgic journey through breathtaking landscapes, all while providing an educational glimpse into the region’s rich logging history.

Perfect for families, the Rainier Railroad combines fun, education, and beautiful scenery into one unforgettable experience.

A local nonprofit organization called the Mt. Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum Historical Association operates the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad, dedicating itself to preserving the history of the area’s railroading and logging operations.

With its vintage steam locomotive and engaging logging museum, it provides visitors with an opportunity to step back in time and explore the fascinating world of early 20th-century logging and railroading.

Let me walk you through our Rainier Railroad experience with my kids. Plus, I got awesome tips that you can take with you on your future trip.

About Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad

Nestled in southern Pierce County in Washington state, the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad is a historical gem. This attraction offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich logging history, and a local nonprofit organization operates it, dedicated to preserving the legacy of the area’s railroading and logging operations.

The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad runs through stunning landscapes, including dense forests and picturesque rivers, making it a perfect family outing.

Visitors can explore the logging museum located in Mineral, which showcases an impressive collection of logging artifacts and historical exhibits.

The museum also features interactive displays that engage visitors of all ages, providing a hands-on learning experience about the history of logging in the region. The train depot in Elbe is a charming starting point, offering amenities like a gift shop filled with train-themed merchandise, snacks, and drinks.

The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad also boasts unique attractions such as the RailCycle Mt Rainier, which allows visitors to pedal along the scenic tracks for an exciting and active adventure. This combination of historical education and outdoor fun makes the rainier railroad a must-visit destination for families and train enthusiasts alike.

Our Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Experience

The train depot in Elbe, WA, is the starting point for this incredible journey. Located just a short drive from Northwest Trek, it is conveniently accessible for a day trip. Whether you’re a train enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique family outing, the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad promises a day filled with excitement and discovery.

The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad is located in Elbe, WA (about 15-20 minutes past Northwest Trek.) They recommend that passengers arrive 30-45 minutes prior to the train ride so that there is plenty of time to park, get tickets (and pay $4 for parking), and get in line for the train.

We ended up getting there more than an hour early, and we found plenty to do to pass the time. For starters, their gift shop is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who love trains! Not only did they have a section of Thomas the Train books, but they also had train conductor hats, small trains, big trains, sticker books, and more.

Riding the Trains

We rode the first train run of the season. The steam locomotive had just been brought up the night before, and it had to run for 90 minutes in the morning to slowly warm the engine.

Owen was mesmerized watching the train conductors work on the train. The conductors waved and were very friendly toward all the kids.

We boarded the steam locomotive 15 minutes before our ticketed time, which gave us plenty of opportunity to pick our seats, take lots of photos, and just absorb the fact that we were on a real train. Once we started moving, we rode through the forest and over the Nisqually River before stopping at the logging museum in Mineral, which opened in 2012.

Owen enjoyed waving at the people in the cars who were stopped for the train crossing. His highlight at the logging museum was getting to climb aboard an engine and ring the bell.

He would have stayed there the whole time, but it was a hot attraction for all the small kids. He also enjoyed simply walking around looking at all the big trains.

We stopped inside some of the small houses where the exhibits were. Owen was fascinated by a model train where he could move the logs back and forth using a mechanism. We had to hold him, so it would have been more practical to have some sort of step stool available.

1. There are bathrooms at the train station, on board the train, and at the museum.
2. There are snacks/drinks available at the gift shop at the train station, on board the train, and at the gift shop at the museum.
3. You CAN eat and drink on board the train. This is essential if you have little kids.
4. It’s about a 2-hour excursion (45-minute ride to the Museum, 45 minutes to explore, and 45 minutes back).
5. You’ll need to pick up tickets inside the gift shop. These are souvenir tickets, so they are great for scrapbooks or displays.
6. The train windows can open, so if you’re easily chilly (like me), consider taking a jacket.
7. If you sit in the back car on the way to the Museum, you can get a good photo of the train slowly climbing a hill.

After the train ride, we walked across the street to Scaleburgers. Our friends highly recommended this burger shack, and I’m glad we checked it out. The burgers and fries tasted very fresh, and they were pretty flavorful.

They only accept cash, and the seating is outdoors. They don’t allow pets in the dining area. The prices were very reasonable, and they had a lot of options for everyone.

Since it was chilly when we went, there wasn’t much of a line. However, it was packed by the time we left. On a summer day, it might be quite a wait. But it was a great way to end our Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad train excursion!

Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Wrap-Up

Our visit to the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad was an unforgettable experience filled with adventure and learning. This attraction not only offers a delightful train ride on a steam locomotive but also provides a rich educational experience through its logging museum. The dedication of the local nonprofit organization ensures that the history and heritage of the region’s logging operations are preserved for future generations.

For families looking for a fun and educational outing, the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad is an ideal destination. From the excitement of the train ride to the interactive exhibits at the museum, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to try out the unique RailCycle Mt Rainier for an extra dose of adventure. Plan your visit to the rainier railroad and create lasting memories with your loved ones.