The 13-mile round-trip Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Christmas Train excursion takes riders from Yacolt to a 300-foot long tunnel, across the East Fork Lewis River and a stop at Moulton Station to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The train departs from Yacolt and sets off on a two-hour venture south on the rails. The tracks take passengers by a beaver pond, and people can watch the busy animals at work, with evidence seen at the base of a few trees.
After the beaver pond, the train goes by Moulton Station, where kids can get a glimpse of the festive magic that awaits them, as well as wave at Santa and Mrs. Claus. The 300-foot long tunnel soon approaches and was quite a hit with the passengers on the 2:30 p.m. train excursion on Sunday, Nov. 26. Passengers laughed, screamed and recorded video as day turned to pitch-black while in the tunnel.
The train is powered by a diesel 1941 ALCO S2, with the train cars used from the early 1910s and 1920s, which makes it an enjoyable train excursion for history buffs and railroad enthusiasts, as well.
Train riders can also keep an eye out for residents that live along the tracks. During the 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26 ride, many families were waving as the train went by their houses.
Moulton Falls can be seen from the tracks as well as special views of the East Fork Lewis River as the train crosses the railroad bridge next to Northeast Lucia Falls Road.
When the train makes its direction change back toward Yacolt, kids get excited before the stop to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. During the stop at Moulton Station, hot refreshments are available such as hot cocoa, coffee and cider. Kids and families can get their photo taken with Santa and then go to the toy bin area to grab something directly from the North Pole.
Jerry Jacobus, the train conductor for the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad excursions, said his favorite part of his volunteer work is seeing the enjoyment on all the children’s faces. Jacobus has been volunteering with the railroad for 19 years and said the kids’ enjoyment of all the train rides never gets old.
Jacobus also said there are plenty of volunteer opportunities with Chelatchie Prairie Railroad. Those interested can go to tickets.bycx.org/index.php?route=information/contact, or call 360-686-3559.
The Christmas Train will be taking place for the next three weekends in December. For a complete schedule and to purchase tickets, visit tickets.bycx.org/index.php?route=product/cat egory&path=71.
