The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Christmas Train excursion returns for another year of holiday fun on the rails. Already, the train excursion is 75% booked out, said Randy Williams, the president of the nonprofit Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Association.
The train takes riders from Yacolt through the only train tunnel in Clark County, 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 first 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, sending passengers into complete darkness. Passengers laughed, screamed and recorded video as day turned to pitch-black while in the tunnel during the Christmas Train excursion, last year.
“The ride is about two hours long. That includes a visit with Santa where we have cocoa and cider and coffee, and Santa probably has some toys for the kids,” Williams said. “We’re very value oriented. Our tickets are $22 for adults, a little less for kids and seniors, which is one of the most economical Christmas trains around to ride on in the Portland area.”
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 who live along the tracks. 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 heads back toward Yacolt, kids get excited before the stop to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. 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.
The Christmas train season kicked off on Saturday, Nov. 30, but continues until Dec. 22.
“We’ll have approximately 4,000 passengers at Christmas, which represents half of our passengers for the year,” Williams said. “In four weekends, we get half of our passengers.”
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/category&path=71.
