by Nikki C
A scenic drive on Highway 101 will take you through Oregon’s many coastal towns and give you some unbelievable views along the way. However, if you really want to slow down and take in all of the amazing scenery, hop on board one of the scenic train rides with the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad.
Coastal Excursions on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad
Their Coastal Excursions run between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach, paralleling the highway at a much more leisurely and enjoyable pace. The train stops in each of the towns along the way for a 30-minute layover, where restrooms are within walking distance. Riders are treated to scenic views of Tillamook Bay as well as historic sites and protected bird sanctuaries.
Dinner Trains
Board one of their Dinner Trains for a scenic train ride with a meal. They offer a Sunset Dinner Train, Brunch Train, as well as a special Mother’s Day Lunch and Valentine’s Day Dinner excursions.
Fall Excursions & Holiday Trains
Holiday excursions are also offered for holidays and events throughout the year. Their holiday options include Fall Splendor tours, 4th of July Fireworks, the Candy Cane Express during the holiday season, and a Valentine’s Day Special.
On the Candy Cane Express, families will love the scenic train ride along the coast with a warm cup of cocoa and cookies in hand. Santa is on board to spread the holiday cheer and lights are set up on the train to add to the festivity. The trip runs for an hour round-trip from Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach.
Fall Excursions are coming up soon in October and the beginning of November, so now’s a great time to book your tickets! The two-hour excursions, departing from Wheeler, will take you east along the Nehalem River towards Batterson, aboard a historic locomotive through Oregon’s beautiful fall scenery. Both open and enclosed cars are available in case of rain.
You can view their schedule and book tickets online through their website. Social distancing is enforced and they operating on a limited capacity to allow plenty of space between different parties.
Tickets for their regular Coastal Excursions, Fall Excursions, and Spring Break Trips are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors over 55, $18 for kids 12 & under, and infants under 2 are free. Their Dinner Train prices vary. They are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and any donated amount goes directly back into the maintenance and operation of the railroad.