Looking to squeeze in some more summer day trips? A ride on the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad might just be the ticket! It’s great fun for train lovers,and right now it’s on Groupon (link in this post is my affiliate)! While my family and I had a great time, I don’t think it’s an outing (or a deal) for everyone, so read our review and see if you want to get in on the deal.
The train leaves from little Elbe. We went last fall, but we were lucky enough to hit a lovely day when we could enjoy the sunshine and the fall colors (I think this would be a lot less fun in the rain)!
- There are several cars to choose from, some changing depending on the season. Seats aren’t assigned, and you can move around during the ride. I think the open air car is the most fun, but you’ll want layers and maybe a blanket.
- The train is an old steam logging locomotive, and it’s storybook perfect! The ride is gentle, but there are lots of train noises.
- The ride is two 45 minute sections, with a brief stop at Mineral Lake. This is a pretty photo op, but there is really nothing to do here. This outing is definitely about the journey-not the destination! We thought it was a nice length, but some younger kids were definitely getting antsy on the way back. Do bring snacks (You can also purchase some on board-cash only), and maybe some small toys.
- Most of the scenery is pretty forest. My boys were most interested in looking at the engine and the train itself. Don’t go expecting to see much of Mount Rainier. Despite the name, you’ll get just one brief, peekaboo. Oh, and yes, there are also some junk cars and falling down houses. Go before all the leaves fall when they’re nicely screened!
Overall, we had a grand time. The engine was really something to see, the fall colors were beautiful, and it was just nice to have everyone together, unplugged! It was definitely worth the 13.00 or so bucks each we paid for the vouchers. Now…..would I pay full price? Honestly, probably not. The regular low season fare is 21.00 per adult and 16.00 for kids 4 and up. Special events, like the Pumpkin Express and the Santa Train, are more. For me, this is just really expensive. On the other hand, there was a time when my oldest was Obsessed with trains, and if you have one in this stage, it might be worth it! Kids under 4 are free, too, so if you have a little train lover, and you think he would do o.k. with the length of the ride, it’s not a bad deal. If you don’t want to add on to the bill, avoid the gift shop area at the station, and bring your own munchies
The current deal gets you one ticket for 13.00 or a pair of two for 27.0o-so pretty much half off. Now, the 4 ticket option is sold out, but you could always buy one set of two in your name, and have your partner/pal/grandma buy the other two. Do note that there are some restrictions on which train you can take, and you have to use these by October 22nd, so don’t buy them unless you know you’ll be able to make it. Oh, and kids under 3 are free, so don’t buy one for them! Seating isn’t assigned, so it shouldn’t be a problem for your group to sit together. If this sounds like a fun outing for your gang, you can head here to Groupon!
If that all sounds too complicated, you can always wait for this deal to pop up on another site (they ran several last year), or just head somewhere where you can watch trains for free! If you missed yesterday’s post on the Hidden Beach trail, you’ll want to start there-crossing the bridge over the tracks when one is rumbling by is a free thrill your choo choo lovers will love!