About the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum
The Chehalis-Centralia began in 1986 as the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad Association, a (501) (c)(3) non-profit corporation. The founders were a group of local citizens whose goal was to restore a 1916 logging locomotive that had been placed in a Chehalis park thirty years earlier. Soon work was underway on the Cowlitz, Chehalis & Cascade No. 15, a Baldwin-built 2-8-2 “Mikado” type steam locomotive.
Over the course of two years, the engine underwent extensive restoration, and several passenger railcars were acquired. In 1989, scheduled passenger operations began over the former Milwaukee Road track in Lewis County. In 2006, the association changed its name to the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum, to better reflect its continuing mission to preserve the railroad heritage of the region.
Currently, the Chehalis-Centralia is powered by diesel #6. The railroad operates seasonal excursion trains each year over approximately ten miles of track, offering both coach and dinner train service. Additionally, the railroad is caretaker of the #15, the Puget Sound Naval Shipyards No.6 & 9, and numerous other pieces of historic railroad equipment.
The Historic #15 Steam Engine
We are proud to house the historic Baldwin 2-8-2 “Mikado” steam engine and its AMAZING history. While the steam engine is no longer running our excursions due to its need for specialized repairs, we continue to house, maintain, and raise funds for this beautiful workhorse in the hope that it may one day hit the tracks again. Click below to learn more about the #15 engine’s history and how you can support its preservation.
Chehalis Depot
Stop by the Depot to learn about the history of our steam train and check out some amazing artifacts. Our concessions include snacks, drinks, and train memorabilia perfect for the rail-buff in your life!
Special Recognition to Harold Borovec
Harold has been a railroad fan since his early childhood. His first job on trains was in the 1940’s when he was 16 years old working for the Cowlitz, Chehalis & Cascade Railway. It’s safe to say he knows more about railroads than the average rail fan.
Among his many accomplishments is his recent book. Harold and his wife, Alberta, followed the abandoned G&P tracks through the mountains and plains of Idaho and Wyoming as he researched the book, “I Was No Nutsplitter! Railroad Machinist Recollections of E.R. Lambert as recorded by Harold Borovec.” Woven throughout the books is a sweet story of the love Harold shared for Alberta, his childhood sweetheart and wife for 67 years. She passed away April 22, 2013. They were the parents of three sons and a daughter.
Harold and Alberta were volunteers and founders of the Chehalis Centralia Railroad in 1986 and devoted countless hours to restoring the Cowlitz Chehalis & Cascade, 1916 locomotive No. 15. Following a successful restoration project which took over 2 years, the locomotive began pulling the Chehalis-Centralia Steam Train over former Milwaukee Railroad tracks west out of Chehalis in 1989. Harold has served as an engineer on the train for nearly three decades.
In 2013, Borovec received the South Sound Heritage Association’s Heritage Award for his excellence and service in local historical preservation. Until 2019, Harold served on the Chehalis Centralia Railroad’s Board of Directors and was an advisor and mentor to many.
Harold passed away on June 10, 2023 at the age of 96.
Meet the team
CHEHALIS-CENTRALIA RAILROAD TEAM
Currently, the Chehalis Centralia Railroad is contracting with Goose Lake Railway to supply the crew and training of our Engineers and Conductors. Together, with the Chehalis and Centralia maintenance team, we work tirelessly to ensure every customer has an authentic and memorable experience. Safety is our number one priority.
Luke Lennox
Rob Wallace
Brian Bundridge
Meet some of our volunteers at work for Chehalis Centralia Railroad:
