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Chehalis Depot
Q&A
Before you depart
We want you to have the best experience available! Please let us know if you have any questions!
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Yes, We have accessible/ADA approved facilities on site, near the boarding platform. There are baby changing stations in both men and women’s area. The restroom facilities on board the train are limited to a small porta potty and sink. It is not ADA equipped.
It is our policy to leave no later than 5 minutes past scheduled departure. Boarding takes place 15 minutes prior to departure. Please plan accordingly, and anticipate traffic delays on I-5. We are only 2 miles off of I-5 at exit 77. If you expect to be delayed, but feel you may be within the 5 minute allowed, please call us, 360-748-9593 and we will announce the delay to the seated passengers. We do not guarantee seating after the allowed 5 minutes in order to keep our schedule throughout the day/evening.
The Chehalis Centralia Railroad & Museum (CCR&M) reserves the right to operate trains at its convenience and may cancel, postpone or substitute equipment for any event due to adverse weather, dangerous conditions, equipment failure or any other situation beyond its reasonable control. Refunds will be made at the discretion of CCR&M. Handling fees are not refundable.
It depends on the size of the wheelchair. We have a safe, accessible ramp to the boarding platform and there are no steps to access the train. The width of the chair is the challenge. A small wheelchair can negotiate the tight corners to the seating area. A wide chair cannot. We have an appropriate size chair that they are welcome to transfer to, if that is possible. We can accommodate rolling walkers and rollators. If in doubt, please contact our ticket agent.
The journey on the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad travels west through the Chehalis River Valley. It is a round trip excursion, traveling to and from on the same route. The Countryside Ride to Milburn, which is a former railstop, is 9 miles (18 miles RT) and lasts about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The longer run, which is for the dinner trains, goes to Ruth (another former railstop) along the banks of the Chehalis River, goes 12 miles (24RT) lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes. There is no final destination point. There is no opportunity to disembark the train during the journey. The train pulls the train out and pushes the train on the return trip.
There are a variety of options depending on the excursion you are on. The regular runs offer both inside and outside seating. You may move about the train while in motion and experience both. Some of the outside seating is covered, most is not. During the Dinner Train excursions, the seating is at a table for four. There is one separate private dining room that seats six. During special events, we use all available reserved seating and it is first come first served. The only assigned seating are for Dinner Trains, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ and Santa Holiday Trains.
As we adapt our seating arrangements this year due to COVID19, we will do our best to accommodate your needs and rest assured we are following guidelines issued by Washington State. Please be aware that due to the close proximity of our tables, fixed bench seating and limited space, we will not always be able to guarantee 6 ft distancing while on the train. We will adhere to the Washington State capacity policy requested at the time of your excursion. We do require masks, unless you are enjoying a meal. Outside seating and cross ventilation, by opening windows, is available. The indoor cars are unheated. Because we want to ensure your safety, we discourage those who are vulnerable, at risk or ill from riding until COVID19 concerns meet your own health issues and expectations. Your safety and that of our crew is our highest priority.
We offer charters for groups over 50. You may add two extra cars (they come in twos) or charter the train ride for your group. There is a 10% discount for groups over 20 if booking through one, single transaction. This tour groups offer is limited to currently scheduled rides. For special dates or rides, see Charter train section.
Yes, we have a small train gift shop and small area of displays of train memorabilia. You are welcome to stop by our depot during business hours.
We have a limited supply of snacks at the gift shop that you are welcome to purchase prior to boarding. We have an honor system for water on board the train. There are no concessions on board. You are welcome to bring a box lunch on the train and eat inside or outside on the train. Tables are not available on regular runs.
The inside coaches are vintage 1920’s era cars. Heating is not an option, so we advise you to dress warmly, and if appropriate you are welcome to bring a blanket for cold weather rides. The windows do open and are the only air conditioning available. The cars are equipped with a ceiling fan.
We understand that unplanned situations arise from time to time and could interfere with your plans to travel with us. Because our trips are date and time specific, we may not be able to transfer a ticket to another date. Refunds will be given according to the following scale:
Up to 15 days prior to departure: 100% refund
8-14 days prior to departure: 50% refund
7 days or closer to departure: No refund
Transfers are permitted with a $10 per transaction fee
Disclaimer: Schedules are adhered to as closely as possible, however the railroad reserves the right to alter schedules and itinerary and substitute equipment as conditions demand. Prices subject to change.