Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum
Photo: Mike Spurlock via Google Maps
The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum runs historic train excursions out of a depot in Chehalis, just west of Interstate 5, carrying passengers through the farmland, forests and river bottoms of the Chehalis River valley. It is a volunteer driven nonprofit that has been preserving Lewis County railroad history since 1986.
Know before you go: the railroad’s famous steam locomotive, No. 15, is out of service for boiler repairs, and the railroad says its diesel engine No. 6 will pull the trains until the steam engine is fixed. The ride is still the main attraction, and in 2026 the railroad ran a full season of valley trains, themed dinner trains, Pumpkin Trains and holiday Polar Express runs.
What You’ll See
The signature trip is the Chehalis Valley Train Ride, an 18 mile round trip that follows the banks of the Chehalis River through forest and farmland to Ruth, a former rail stop, and back. The trip takes about two hours. You can sit in standard coaches or open air seating, and a limited number of first class seats are available in SP&S 99, a climate controlled business car. Cyclists can bring bikes aboard and get off where the line crosses the Willapa Hills Trail on Spooner Road.
At the depot, displays and artifacts tell the story of railroading in the area, and a small gift shop sells snacks and train memorabilia. You don’t need a ticket to visit the shop. In the yard you may see No. 15 itself, a Baldwin Mikado type logging locomotive built in 1916, along with other historic equipment the group maintains.
The Story Behind It
No. 15 is the reason the railroad exists. Baldwin built it in 1916 for the Clear Lake Lumber Company, and from 1926 it hauled logs for the Cowlitz, Chehalis and Cascade Railway. When it retired in 1955 it was donated to the City of Chehalis and displayed in Recreation Park, where locals called it the Old Lady. In 1986 residents formed the Chehalis Centralia Railroad Association to restore it, and in 1989 scheduled passenger trains began running over the former Milwaukee Road track in Lewis County. The group later acquired about ten miles of that track with help from the Port of Chehalis.
The engine has been out of service since 2019 after major boiler damage was found. Operations paused in 2022 over insurance issues and resumed in April 2024 behind the diesel, and the railroad’s leadership has said it will keep running excursions whether or not steam returns.
Tips for Your Visit
- Arrive early. Boarding begins 15 minutes before departure, and the railroad leaves no later than five minutes past the scheduled time, so allow for traffic on Interstate 5.
- Snacks are limited, and you are welcome to bring your own box lunch on board.
- ADA approved restrooms with baby changing stations are near the boarding platform; the restroom on the train is not ADA equipped.
- Indoor cars cannot fit wheelchairs wider than 24 inches, and holiday trains are not wheelchair accessible. Email ticketing@steamtrainride.com to plan an accessible trip.
- Excursions are seasonal and the steam locomotive is not currently running; check the website before you go.
Plan Your Visit
Address: 1101 SW Sylvenus Street, Chehalis, WA 98532
Phone: 360.748.9593
Website: steamtrainride.com
Hours and admission: Check the museum website for current days, hours, and admission before you visit.
Directions: View on Google Maps