The route from Elbe to Mineral features views of the thick forest and foothills south of Mount Rainier. The route begins in the small town of Elbe (population 29). A tiny historic church, the second oldest and second smallest church in the United States, is located next door to the train depot. Volunteers operate the church and on sporadic occasion offer complimentary tours throughout the summer and fall months. The highlight of the train journey is crossing the Upper Nisqually River. The river is fed from a glacier at Mt. Rainier National Park. It is here at the river crossing that passengers can see the mountain from the train. The view of the mountain features the Paradise side. Even though the tracks are down at an elevation of just 1,470 feet, on a clear day guests can see the soaring peak of Mt. Rainier high above at 14,416 feet, and it is often sporting a year-round coat of snow. The train will cross the river once on the way to the museum and again on the return trip back to the depot.
Located in the small town of Elbe in beautiful Washington State is a heritage railroad south of Mount Rainier National Park. Passengers enjoy train rides through the forest and across the glacial fed Upper Nisqually River to a museum located in Mineral, Washington. Museum exhibits explore a comprehensive collection of steam logging locomotives and discover the stories behind the pioneers of railroad logging camps in the early to mid 1900’s.
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