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Mount Rainier Scenic Railway
Categories: Hotels & Travel Transportation Local Flavor Active Life Transportation, Local Flavor, Active Life [Edit]
PO Box 921Elbe, WA 98330
(360) 569-2588
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
14 reviews for Mount Rainier Scenic Railway
14 reviews in English
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Review from Joni L.
Tacoma, WA
12/5/2011
I rode the train in October for their Oktober Fest train. Included in the price (I think $65) was a plastic mug that you used to get (free) beer on the train and at the lake. We also ate bratwursts (all you can eat and I think four varieties), German potato salad (not my thing), coleslaw, and some kind of crumb cake (which was AMAZING!). I got full off of my first brat because I was eating Chex Mix that I had bought on the train for the ride up, plus beer is filling and I had my glass filled more than a few times. lol
It was a lot of fun, they had German performers at the lake and that gave us something to do. I also love people watching and there was no lack of that going on! Some weird lady hung out the window(like a dog) the whole ride up and I must have forgotten my "let-bygones-be bygones" attitude in the car that day so it annoyed me. I made sure I didn't sit by her on the way back.
It was overcast and I didn't see the mountain (not their fault) but I live here and see it everyday so I didn't really care, and I was a little surprised to see abandoned RV's and someones wood carving business in their backyard but lets get real, they have no control over what other people do in their own back yards! I did see a beaver dam and that made my day! I'm easy to please after a few drinks!
All-in-all, I had a lot of fun and I am planning on going back this month for the Santa train with the kiddies. We'll see if my first impression was a little skewed by the beer! -
Review from Alison B.
Seattle, WA
12/3/2011
We used to ride the Santa train in Strasburg, PA, before moving here this summer. I waited too long to book us on a holiday train here, but this one had tickets available, so we went for it. (I was able to book a AAA rate online as well. They never asked for my AAA card or number at any point.)
The staff on the train were nice and friendly and they had a good Santa, who gave out the typical cheap trinkets. Cocoa and cookies were available for free and there was a small concession stand in the Santa car with reasonable prices. The ride took about an hour and a half and made a loop somewhere at the far end so that we rode facing the same direction each time (as opposed to reversing). My little train buff had a ball.
Now, the less than perfect parts... the train cars are beaters. We managed to get in the one car that had plush, upholstered seats, but the other cars were wooden benches with iron rails. We had to walk through them to get to the Santa car and it was so bumpy that we were falling over into the benches. (Ouch!) The windows were dirty and scratched, making them difficult to see out of. Much of what we could see wasn't very scenic at all -- trees close to the tracks and abandoned RVs. It was too cloudy to see any mountains. Because we came from Seattle, we booked the 4pm train (the 1pm was sold out and the 10am was way too early with the drive and the 45-minute advance check-in) and it was starting to get dark not long after our train departed. The lights inside the train reflected on the windows, making it impossible to see anything outside. Well, until the power in our car went out completely, but by then it was dark and everyone was using their cell phones for light. (No cell service up there, by the way.) Long story short, our train ride was not scenic at all. It might be different on a sunny, summer day.
For the effort and the price, I think we'll try to find something different for next year's Santa train, but perhaps we'll make a day of Northwest Trek and this train one day when we know the skies are clear. -
Review from Michael S.
Seattle, WA
8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had passed by this train several times while riding my motorcycle in the area, but always kept forgetting about it when trying to think of something to do on a weekend. That changed yesterday when we headed down to take a train ride.
I didn't have reservations, but that wasn't a problem as there was plenty of room available when we went into the station to buy our tickets. We had some time to kill before the train left so we walked over to the old Elbe church and then had some coffee at the espresso stand that's right by the station.
When they were ready to board the train it was a little confusing at to where the boarding would begin, but we just followed the masses. We'd hoped to get a seat in the uncovered car, but by the time we got on the train all those seats had been taken.
The train ride to Mineral Lake was enjoyable, if a bit rocky. It was a somewhat overcast day, so when we reached the first bridge we could barely see Mt. Rainer as the top of it was hidden in the clouds.
Once we reached Mineral Lake we got off and walked around for a few minutes. There isn't much interesting to see there, so it's more of a way to stretch your legs and get off the train for a few minutes. If you were on the BBQ train this would be the location where you'd get off an enjoy your BBQ dinner before heading back.
After we walked around we hurried back and luckily got a seat in the uncovered car. Sadly, on the way back all of Mt. Rainer was hidden in the clouds. If you are dead set on setting the mountain from the train make sure the weather the day you go is clear, otherwise you'll miss it.
It's not the most scenic ride as you are going through the forest for quite a bit of the trip, but really I have to say I did it more for the experience. It was an interesting train ride and probably something good to do if you have kids or are interested in trains.
All the staff I had encounters with were very friendly. I might consider coming back for one of their themed train rides though to me it seems like something you do once for the experience, but there isn't a very strong reason to do it again. -
Review from JP M.
Marion, IA
7/22/2011
Pros:
1. Good, cheap food (half price hot dogs on the return trip)
2. Good customer service
Cons:
1. Scenery pretty meh
2. Uncomfortable seats
3. Short ride
4. Lake view shortened
Now that, I've made my list, my biggest issue was the fact that they led you on to believe that you would see Mt. Rainier, which you didn't. I loved the conductor's personality, and concessions were cheap. But I can't look past the issue. -
Review from Sam H.
Redmond, WA
8/26/2006 7 photos
Magnificent. Two of my favorite things in one day! First, my son was so filled with glee he could hardly contain himself. Second, a nice long drive drive down a scenic Washington highway with Jack Johnson to keep me company.
My dad has been trying to get me to bring Noah up to Elbe to ride the steam engine for months now. I finally did it and I'm glad I did. Always listen to your parents kiddos.
My son and I packed up a nice little picnic and took a drive down hwy 167 to hwy 161 to 7. Admittedly, it wasn't at all pretty until we got past Graham, but the drive was unfamiliar to me so that helped and there were a lot of lakes and animals to look at. The Rocky Point recreational area had the most pristine aquamarine water I've ever seen in Washington. The roads seemed to have been paved very recently too, so the winding never got scare. :)
The train itself is an old steam-powered logging train. You climb on next to the cute little gift shop (I just poked my head in) and choose your car. It was about 75-80 degrees out, so we rode in the open-air car. The train only gets going 15-20 MPH, so it's not too windy. They toot the horn a lot and you get to breathe some smoke, but that's all charm to me. There is one spot where the train goes over a very long tressel over a gorgeous river. You can get a clear view of Mt. Rainier from there too... it would beat anything you've seen in a picture book. Eventually, the train comes to a stop at a lake with a little picnic area and a few other things to look at. It would probably be a fun date to stop up there and sit by the lake while you wait for the next train...
They take a loop after the 15 minute stop and head back the way you came. This time you get to see what was on the other side of the train while you were riding in... all in all, it couldn't have been more fun for us. If you or your kid likes trains, this is a guaranteed hit.Listed in: Random assortment of junk
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Review from Amy B.
2/10/2009
I had no troubles getting tickets when I went and the cabin was warm, though the seat was definitely not cush. Didn't really expect it to be since it was wood. Oy, do wood seats get uncomfortable after... 30 seconds! :)
The scenery was beautiful. Almost ordinary beauty because I grew up in Washington and am very familiar with green trees and Mt Rainier in the background. Thought it was fun to be on an open, moving train though. It was.. how do you say... neat!?! Haha!
Would have been a joy to experience with a little kid. Should have packed a picnic lunch for when we got off the train at the lake, that would have been memorable!
Recommended for a weekend adventure!Listed in: Adventures
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Review from Angela S.
Seattle, WA
10/26/2009 4 photos
Came here in October for the Mystery Dinner Train ride with the Hubby and had a blast! Getting here is a whole different story, make sure you have plenty of time to drive here before the train leaves. Highway 7 is pretty treacherous if you've never been on it before, especially at night when there is no street lights!
It used to be Elbe where you would board the train, but because of the recent flooding in the area, you have to drive a few miles up to Mineral to board. We boarded at promptly 6pm, and the mystery had already began! The characters were entertaining us while we were getting our tickets punched and drinks and appetizers were being served immediately upon finding our seats. They served fruits, veggies, teriyaki drumettes, stuffed pasta shells, and our favorite the bruschetta! Drinks on the train you had to pay for, whether it was soda, water, wine, or beer... good thing we brought cash!
The train ride and mystery lasted for an hour or so until it was time for dinner, they had shuttles that drove us up to the an old school which was tastefully decorated in flapper decor and where the mystery was going to be solved. There was a line to ride the one shuttle they rented so most of us just walked up to the old school instead.The dinner consisted of a buffet style dinner including these delicious dinner rolls with a garlic/sun dried tomato butter, pork, chicken, baked potatoes, and green beans. Oh, and can't forget about desert! They had a super chocolate-ly cake with a dollop of whip cream... too sweet for my taste, but the hubby finished it off for me! Soda and water were no charge at the dinner event, but wine and beer they did charge for. The bathroom is kinda creepy, it's got a weird feel to it... I would probably avoid it next time!
After solving the murder and finishing up dinner, we walked back to the train, (or you could ride the shuttle which would have taken too long) it was a 1/2 an hour ride back to Mineral where our cars were. The Mystery Dinner Train lasted a little over 3 hours, and it went by pretty quickly. We found some pretty interesting information from them on the ride back to our cars.... #1, some of the cast were from the original Mystery Dinner Train from Seattle that closed down back in 2007, and #2, in 2010 they will actually serve dinner on the train, and not at the creepy old school... that would have been nice! We should have waited till next year! LOL
Oh! and there are working toilets on the train and heat!! Thank Goodness!! -
Review from Linda D.
Kent, WA
11/20/2010
This place sucks! The customer service is horrible. I haven't made it on the train ride and probably won't. I bought the tickets at halfprice tv and was told that I could use it for the Polar Express train ride.
We were told we won't be able to use the tickets. The reason? The tickets I have are for any event but the ones the manager Patty approved said no special events. So since the tickets were not the "approved" version, they won't honor it.
How is it my problem that the two businesses won't communicate.
I asked for a refund and was told deal with it. -
Review from Cath N.
Federal Way, WA
8/31/2009 2 photos
Four of us rode the train on a sunny August Sunday. I forget the reason, but the station was closed and we had to board the train a few miles down the road from Elbe, but that was alright.
We sat in the car that had a roof but open windows. It was absolutely perfect! Well, it would've been a bit better if we had brought seat cushions. The entertainer, JW Sparrow was in our car. I really enjoyed his music a lot. He sang a lot of train songs of course.
The ride was beautiful, the restrooms were cleaner that I would have ever expected and all of the staff were courteous and friendly. All in all a great way to spend a day! -
Review from clinton l.
San Francisco, CA
8/8/2010
Love this train ride! Came here after driving almost 2 hours from Seattle to here. Gotta say that the staff was REALLY nice, and the views were excellent. For train buffs, this place was a living dream, and the outdoor setting kinda eases the mind and gives you peace. Mt. Rainer wasn't in view because of the overcast skies on Saturday, but I'm convinced to come here again. Tickets are $20, but seating is first come first serve. The train ride is about 90 minutes long, but definitely work the trouble of getting here.
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Review from Alex P.
San Diego, CA
8/24/2010
The drive from Seattle to Elbe, Washington takes about one and a half hours. The area is really pretty and relaxing to drive through once you get off Interstate 5. Once I got there, the staff was very accommodating and friendly. The ride feels like a hike through the forest. It goes over a few rivers and creeks, and there is obviously a great view of Mt. Rainier along the way. At the end before they head back to the station, they let everyone off at this little lakeside area with trails and picnic tables. The train is open air which was gave me a nice breeze on the hot day I went. Take the whole family on this trip for sure. It's nice relaxing fun for all ages. I would also suggest that if you are going to make the 1.5 hour drive to Elbe you might as well stop by the NW Wildlife Trek Park too. Make it a day trip, because the train ride only takes about half.
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Review from Sheryl S.
Seattle, WA
12/1/2006
I can't believe no one else has Yelped this place yet. If you have train-crazy children, this is a fun thing to do. Please be aware that the toilets on the train are almost guaranteed to not work. The Santa train was a lot of fun for my son but it was really hard to secure the tickets -- plan ahead and reserve. (888) STEAM 11 is their toll-free number. Don't expect a thoroughly warm and cozy luxury experience on the Santa train--it's cold at the "station" (there is no indoor area except the ticket booth and gift shop, which are squeezed into an old train car) and the cars aren't heated. For you steam purists, a nice old steam engine actually pulls the train (as opposed to a nice looking steam engine that sits in front and puffs while the train is pushed by a diesel from behind).
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Review from Kaarin K.
Seattle, WA
8/23/2011
I enjoyed the train ride, but it really wasn't what I was looking for. My side passion is photography and I thought there would be many opportunities for great shots of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding landscape. Instead, you ride through the forest and end up at the least scenic part of Mineral Lake. Not exactly what I was looking for. The train ride itself was pleasant though I warn you not to sit in the open front car. We were constantly fighting off leaves, falling debris, bugs and even ash from the engine. We were surrounded by children who looked like they were having the time of their lives. Behind me I could hear an enthusiastic train employee telling the history of the train and the area to some interested adults. They looked like they were all having a great time. Basically, know what you are getting into. This experience is mainly for children and adult train lovers, the rest of you might want to just make the drive in your own car.
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Review from lilly s.
Tacoma, WA
1/10/2010
We went last summer and really enjoyed ourselves. A couple of us, myself included, had never been on a train before, so it was a new experience to enjoy. We sat in the open window car where the singer/story teller was located. At first I thought, 'Oh, No! This guy's never gonna shut up!' and I thought he was going to be an annoyance. But he was very talented and sang "City of New Orleans" very well indeed, told meaningful stories about the area and the train locomotive. When he took a brief break I actually missed the guy! The trestle was awesome, take your family on this ride or go on your own it's a nice relaxing trip into days gone by.
