If you love scenic train rides, a ride through the beautiful state of Washington will give you an unforgettable experience!

Here are some fantastic scenic train rides in the Evergreen State that you won’t want to miss.

Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum

Did you say murder mystery? I love a good mystery, and a murder mystery dinner train is right up my alley so you know this is one train ride that is going to be a ton of fun!

From their website: 

“Who dun’ it?” Those are the words that will be in your head as you enjoy a ride on the Chehalis-Centralia Murder Mystery Dinner Train. As you sit and enjoy your dinner, you can imagine yourself in the middle of an Agatha Christie murder mystery. The train will depart the station at 5:00 PM and return about 7:00 PM for Saturday Trains, Sunday departure is at 4 PM. . Dinner will be served on board the train in the refurbished dining car while clues and entertainment are provided along the way. You will have an opportunity to be a detective and solve the crime.

The trip includes a four-course meal with your choice of Chicken Cordon Bleu, Salmon or Prime Rib, as well as train ride tickets.

If murder mystery is not your thing, you can also take one of two scenic ride options. See details here.

Chelatchie Prairie Railroad

This is a volunteer-run excursion railroad that offers steam, diesel, and themed train rides on a season basis. Be sure to bring a camera as you take in all the gorgeous views along the route!

Image Credit: Chelatchie Prairie

You can read all about the history of the line, find the schedule, and more by visiting their website here. 

Great Northern & Cascade Railway

If you are testing the waters with train rides, the GN&C Railway offers free train rides to the public as well as a railroad education program. This is a great way to get your first train ride in and see how much fun it is!

In order to operate this railroad, a volunteer organization was formed, the “Great Northern & Cascade Railway”. Members of this organization will be in operational control of all of the aspects of the railroad. 

To learn more and check out the schedule, head to their website here. 

Leavenworth SnowTrain

If you are looking for a beautiful view when you take a train ride, the SnowTrain can provide that! It was voted Evening Magazine’s best of the Northwest Escapes, so you know you will be getting a fantastic experience. 

From their website:

A trip to the North Pole isn’t in the cards this Christmas. But who needs negative temps and tons of travel, when you can join us on the only daylight train to the legendary Christmas town of Leavenworth to see the annual Lighting Festival.

The fun begins as you board the train, cozy into your seat and enjoy a continental breakfast. The changing scenery outside will compete for your attention onboard the train as oom-pa-pah bands, carolers, magicians and Santa perform through the aisles.

For more information visit their website.

Mt. Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum

Mt. Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum is a heritage railroad offering visitors 2-hour steam powered adventure through the forest and foothills south of Mount Rainier National Park.

Image Credit: Mt. Rainier Railroad

The distinct noise of a steam whistle can be heard as the train travels near and far into the distance of the forest just south of Mount Rainier. And when the train stops at the logging museum – admission included with your train ticket – you’ll be treated to the most comprehensive collection of steam locomotives in North America! You’re sure to feel like you’ve stepped back in time during a trip to the Mt. Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum.

Find more information here.

Thanks to Sunset Mitsubishi of Auburn for helping bring you this post.