Of all the holiday traditions that my family looks forward to each and every year there is nothing more enjoyable than a ride on a Christmas train, especially when it is pulled by a classic steam locomotive.
After many years of silence, the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad’s rare tank steam locomotive has roared back to life and will be transporting families once again to the North Pole. This railroad out of Yacolt continues its fine tradition of offering Christmas trees along with a visit with Santa at their Moulton Falls Regional Park station.
Further north, the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad offers two holiday excursions including a festive Santa train and the only Polar Express train in the country that is pulled by a steam locomotive. Another special treat is meeting Engineer Harold, who has known his steamer for more than 75 years.
No matter which railroad you choose from there is no better way to ring in the holiday season than a ride on a steam-powered Christmas train as it travels through the ever-changing winter landscape of Southwest Washington.
