A Forest Train Ride From Yacolt to the Lewis River

A heritage train rolling out from the Yacolt area offers a pleasantly unhurried way to see a corner of southwest Washington that is mostly trees, river country and railroad right-of-way. The usual outing is an out-and-back journey of about two hours, traveling roughly six miles in each direction before returning to the starting point.

This is a modest-scale railroad excursion in the best sense: a chance to sit back, watch the woods go by and let someone else handle the route. Regular trips may head toward Lucia or the Moulton Falls area, while special rides can follow a different plan. The scenery includes forest, river views, bridges and seasonal changes that are not especially visible from the road.

Most runs are diesel-powered, though steam locomotives appear on some occasions. For railroad fans, that distinction is worth noting; for everyone else, the main appeal is the rhythm of the ride and the pleasingly old-fashioned business of getting somewhere by rail.

The volunteer crew gives the trip much of its personality. Volunteers operate the railroad, work as conductors and crew members, and talk with passengers about the trains, the scenery and the history of the line.

That makes the ride feel less like a transport service and more like being welcomed aboard a project people care about. A child who wants to know how the train works, a grandparent with stories about rail travel, and the family member who simply wants to watch the landscape can all find a place in the conversation.

The pace is smooth and low-key rather than hurried. It suits multigenerational groups particularly well, including small children who may be more comfortable with a shorter outing than an all-day attraction.

Passengers may have a choice of enclosed, open-air and caboose seating. Each gives the same route a different character, so the decision is more than a matter of finding an empty seat.

The enclosed car offers shelter when the Pacific Northwest weather turns cool, wet or windy. On some excursions, riders have traveled outward in an enclosed car and returned in an open-air car, a simple arrangement that lets the trip shift from cozy to wide-open without changing destinations.

Open-air cars put you closer to the passing forest and the sounds of the train. They are especially appealing when the day is mild, but they are exposed to wind and rain and can be chilly. Warm layers are useful in cooler weather, and a blanket is not an unreasonable extra for an open-car ride.

The caboose is its own little treat. Some seats sit higher than the main seating level, and the raised cupola has a small windowed viewing area. It is a good spot for anyone who likes the idea of riding in a piece of railroad equipment that has a personality all its own.

The route has two built-in moments that tend to wake up every car. One is a distinctive tunnel of about 300 feet. For roughly 20 to 30 seconds, the train is in near-total darkness, with the sound of the locomotive and cars taking over until daylight returns at the other end.

The other is the large bridge over the Lewis River. It gives the journey a change of scale after the close-in forest, opening the view to water and the surrounding landscape. A train bridge always carries a little drama, even when the train itself is moving at an easy pace.

For very young passengers who are sensitive to noise, the locomotive and tunnel can be intense. Knowing that the loudest stretch is brief can help families settle in before the train reaches it.

Many outings include a stop near Moulton Falls or Yacolt Falls, giving passengers a chance to get off, stretch their legs and walk over to the water. The walk is short and easy, making it a manageable pause for families as well as people who would rather not turn a train excursion into a strenuous hike.

The stop is a fine time to take photographs of the waterfall, the train and the surrounding river country. Some visitors also wade or dip their feet in the water near Yacolt Falls when conditions allow. The train is not going anywhere without its passengers, but the departure time still matters, so it is wise to keep an eye on the crew's return-to-board cue.

The train has a restroom, and portable toilets are available at stop or station areas. It is a small practical point, but a welcome one on an outing that includes children, coffee, cocoa or a packed lunch.

Some rides offer drinks, snacks and small food items onboard. A two-hour excursion does not require elaborate meal planning, but bringing an additional snack or lunch can make the outing more relaxed, especially with a mixed-age group.

At the ticket office, a small selection of train-themed toys and gifts provides an easy browsing stop before or after boarding. It is the sort of place where a child may leave with a small locomotive or a railroad-themed souvenir while the grown-ups are still talking about the bridge and tunnel.

The railroad also uses its setting and equipment for themed excursions. Along with regular runs, the calendar has included Christmas trains, Santa experiences, an Old West train robbery ride and Christmas-tree trains. These are not merely regular excursions with a new name; the activities and onboard atmosphere can change considerably by event.

On Christmas rides, passengers may encounter a stop with Santa, hot cocoa, hot cider, coffee, small snacks, children's prizes and photo opportunities. The main enclosed car has been decorated with wreaths and holly for holiday excursions, offering a warmer place to ride while outdoor holiday elements provide another reason to step off the train.

A bonfire has also served as a warming stop on some Christmas trips. Santa-event seating can be more structured than on a regular ride, with passengers remaining in their assigned cars rather than moving freely between them.

The Old West train robbery event takes a playful rather than grim approach, with props such as bead necklaces and imitation coins joining the fun. It is a themed bit of railroad theater designed for families who enjoy a little make-believe with their scenery.

Christmas-tree trains add a particularly practical holiday twist: passengers can select a tree and bring it back by train. Another excursion has paired the rail trip with time at a nearby winery, where wine, cider or beer tastings and food were available, though those pairings are specific to particular events rather than standard features of every ticket.

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and special-event runs. Seating, stops and decorations vary by excursion, so the particular ride on the calendar is the one to check when choosing between an open-air outing, a holiday train or another themed trip.

An enclosed car provides more protection from the weather, while open-air seating puts the elements squarely in the picture. The short waterfall walk, the train restroom and the limited duration all help keep the day straightforward, but that open-car breeze can be surprisingly brisk once the train gets moving.