Home » Excursion and Dinner Trains

Oregon Rail Excursion

Mt. Hood Railroad

The Mt. Hood Railroad was built in 1906, to transport lumber from the Mt. Hood National Forest to the mills. Since 1968, the railroad has taken passengers through Hood Valley to Parkdale, Oregon. The trip is 44 miles long and takes about four hours.

Start your trip at the Hood River depot, which is a national historic landmark, and board the train that will take you through miles of fruit orchards and other lovely scenery. You will disembark in Parkdale, where you can dine in a local restaurant and visit the Hutson Museum, which has an excellent rock and mineral collection, as well as pioneer and native artifacts. For information check the Hutson Museum site or call (541) 352-6808.

The Mt. Hood Railroad also has dinner and brunch tours, and these excursions offer up not only memorable scenery but also good food and carefully restored vintage dining and lounge cars. Dinner consists of a four course meal, including appetizers, such as smoked salmon, salad, beef, chicken, fish and pasta entrees and scrumptious desserts. All meals come with freshly baked bread and coffee, tea or soft drinks. Wine, cocktails and regional beers are also available for an additional cost.

The brunch menu is just as delectable. Start with champagne or sparkling cider, fresh baked pastries and Hood River Valley fruits. Follow this with wafers spread with salmon mousse and cranberry cream, followed by an entree of either eggs benedict, quiche or crepes, and finish up with a selection of tartlets and petit fours.

All of this, plus the gorgeous views of Mt. Hood and nearby Mt. Adams will make your trip unforgettable.

The Mt. Hood Railroad's regular spring, summer and autumn service ends in October, but the seasonal runs are just starting, so plan on spending an enjoyable winter day or evening on the railroad.

Murder Mystery Dinner Train, including dinner and great entertainment by professional actors - November 9, 16, 23, December 13, 14, 20, 21.

The Circus Train, fun for the whole family, with entertainment by clowns, jugglers, face painting and much more - November 9 and 10. Dinner is not included.

Turkey Bowl Express, November 30, includes a holiday meal at the Parkdale Grange hall followed by a "turkey bowl" with prizes.

Holiday Dinner Train, including dinner and seasonal entertainment - December 7.

Christmas Tree Trains, December 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, includes a holiday meal at the Parkdale Grange Hall, where you can purchase a freshly cut tree or wreath. The purchase will be loaded onto to the train for the return to Mt. Hood and then onto your car. This might be just the excursion for the whole family to enjoy together.

For further information contact the Mt. Hood Railroad, 110 Railroad Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031, (541)386-3556, 1-800-872-4661, mthoodrr@gorge.net.

Crooked River Dinner Train

The Crooked River Dinner Train's venue is central Oregon's high desert, with its 38 mile route traveling from Redmond to Prineville, in a 2½ hour trip. The beautifully decorated turn-of-the-century interior of this train, and the exterior countryside, give a feeling of traveling through the old west. Onboard, passengers are treated to an enjoyable show presented by professional actors.

For the next two months, November and December, Crooked River is offering Murder Mystery Dinner Theater (November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30), Sunday Suppers (November 3, 10, 17, 24), Thanksgiving Supper (November 28), Holiday Dinner Theater (December 6, 7, 13, 14, 28), Holiday Murder Mystery (December 21) and the New Years Party Train on December 31.

For information about menus, pricing and departure times, see the Crooked River Dinner Train web site, e-mail dintrain@crookedriverrailroad.com or call (541-548-8630).