The longest continuously operating steam train railroad in the Pacific Northwest, the Mt Rainier Scenic Railroad is the result of one man’s passion to preserve a colorful slice of America’s heritage. As a young man, Tom Murray Jr. first heard the unforgettable sound of geared locomotives working on the steep wooded hillsides of his father’s timber holdings. Mr. Murray was a hands-on witness to the closing days of steam locomotive logging in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. He resolved to do whatever he could to save for posterity some of the relics of that unique and colorful experience.
In February, 1980 the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad (more commonly known as the Milwaukee Road) shut down their lines in Washington including their 66-mile branch from Tacoma to Morton. The rail line was acquired by Weyerhaeuser Timber Company, and a deal was soon struck between Tom Murray Jr. and good friend George Weyerhaeuser giving the newly formed Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad access to a portion of the line for tourist train service. The following year, steam trains that had been stored and rebuilt on Murray property in Tacoma were hauling passenger trains between Elbe and Mineral Lake. Twenty-five plus years later, the steam trains continue to run through the foothills of Mt. Rainier to the benefit and enjoyment of kids young and old alike.
Last year brought the return of the Rayonier #2, a Willamette geared locomotive: http://www.mrsr.com/willamette.html and at present, work transpires to restore the Rayonier #70: http://www.mrsr.com/rayonier70.html. Mt Rainier Scenic Railroad was recently voted the the Best Railroad in Washington State for Evening Magazine’s ‘The Best of Western Washington and Northwest Escapes’: http://best.king5.com/winners/northwest-escapes/4261/arts-and-entertainment/train-ride. The Nisqually River bridge has been repaired and service will be from Elbe, WA in 2010: 3 departures both Saturday and Sunday May through October at 10:30, 1, and 3:30: www.mrsr.com.
RailsNW is pleased to present one of the first trips out on the newly reopened line from Elbe, WA across the Nisqually River bridge. Our exclusive charter onboard the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad will feature two steam locomotives- a doubleheader- as we take you past Mineral and Divide to a turnaround at one of the largest wooden trestles in the Northwest. We expect to feature both the Rayonier #2, a Willamette geared engine which just returned to service last summer, as well as another of the MRSR collection. If it completes its restoration in time, we may be taking out the Rayonier #70, a Baldwin 2-8-2 rod locomotive; backup is most likely the Hillcrest Lumber #10, a Climax geared engine, but final motive power is at the discretion of railroad personnel.
A minimum of three photo runbys have been scheduled and more will be added if time permits. A full catered BBQ meal is included on the return trip to complete your day at the Mineral Lake pavillion. An open car will be part of our consist to enjoy the fresh air and unparalleled views. As this trip is limited to less than 100 passengers, we highly recommend making your reservations ASAP.
When: 12 June 2010; Cost: $85 per person
