Steam locomotive pulling vintage passenger cars on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad

Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad

Photo: Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Mechanical Shop via Google Maps

The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad runs vintage steam trains out of the small town of Elbe in the foothills west of Mount Rainier, on a line that traces back to the Tacoma Eastern Railway of the 1890s. Since 2022 it has been owned by the Western Forest Industries Museum, a local nonprofit that runs it as a living museum of Pacific Northwest railroad and logging history.

This is a museum you ride. Trains leave the Elbe depot on Mountain Highway East and roll through forests, farmland and foothills, with views of Mount Rainier from the Nisqually River trestle. Between the steam, the restored cars and a collection of logging locomotives that is still growing, it is a memorable outing for railfans and kids alike.

What You’ll See

  • Polson Logging No. 70. Most excursions are pulled by this 70 ton Mikado type steam locomotive, built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1922 for the Polson Logging Company.
  • Porter No. 5. In 2026 the railroad is debuting this 1925 steam locomotive, restored to operation for the first time in decades.
  • The train itself. Vintage passenger cars, an open air car and a baggage car fitted out as a gift shop with a small snack counter.
  • A logging locomotive collection. The nonprofit describes its holdings as the world’s largest comprehensive collection of logging locomotives, including geared engines built to climb steep grades and sharp curves.

The railroad’s museum and restoration shops are down the line in Mineral. That site is an active work area with restoration projects underway, and not all of it is open to the public yet; limited access is offered on select excursions. In April 2026 the nonprofit bought a neighboring shop property as part of a project to reopen the Mineral museum to visitors.

The Story Behind It

The Tacoma Eastern Railway began building toward Mount Rainier from Tacoma in the 1890s, part of the lumber and rail boom that shaped this corner of the state. Lumberman Tom Murray Jr. started the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad as a heritage line in 1980 after the Milwaukee Road went bankrupt, running steam trips between Elbe and Mineral.

After its previous for profit operator shut it down, the Western Forest Industries Museum took ownership in August 2022 and restarted excursions in September 2023. The nonprofit says ridership has since doubled, and its long range plans include a new depot and a regional museum in Eatonville to show off its steam locomotives and logging equipment.

Tips for Your Visit

  • All trains depart from the Elbe depot, and parking is available there behind the tracks.
  • Accessibility varies by excursion. Standard trips accommodate wheelchairs with lifts, but the Parlor Car and Brunch Train are not wheelchair accessible, so check before you book.
  • There are two restrooms aboard in the baggage car, and soda, bottled water and wrapped snacks are sold on board.
  • Only service animals may ride; pets and emotional support animals are not allowed.

Trains run on a seasonal schedule, with themed excursions around Easter, Halloween and Christmas, so check the website before you go.

Plan Your Visit

Address: 54124 Mountain Highway East, Elbe, WA 98330
Phone: 253.900.7245
Website: mtrainierrailroad.com
Hours and admission: Check the museum website for current days, hours, and admission before you visit.
Directions: View on Google Maps