PLEASE NOTE: The Steam Locomotive #15 repairs are underway. No date has yet been set to return the locomotive to service. Our Diesel Engine #6 will pull the train on excursions until such time as our Steam Engine is repaired.

Safety precautions and health guidelines are in place for the benefit of both crew members and our passengers. 

Chehalis Centralia Railroad

All Aboard

Your Experience Destination

Discover

How to Get Here

The Steam Train Depot in Chehalis is centrally located just a 2 hour drive from Seattle or Portland, as well as the Pacific Coast or Cascade Mountains. A more unique approach is to arrive in Centralia by Amtrak and rent a car to drive 6 miles to the departure station. Take Exit 77 west to Riverside Drive, heading south 1 mile to Sylvenus Street where you will find the Chehalis Centralia Railway Depot.

Your Experience Destination

let's start your journey!

Find Out

what to do?

Venture to the Historic Downtowns of Chehalis and Centralia. Shopping, dining museums and more are worth your time. Browse the outlet shopping, or head to one of the beautiful parks. Stretch your legs on the Willapa Hills Trail or play a round of golf at Riverside Golf Course.

Discover

where to stay?

Within a short drive from the Depot, a variety of lodging awaits your arrival. Whether you are looking for lodging with an indoor pool, or a place to pitch a tent or park your RV, you’ll be pleased to find lodging nearby in Chehalis or Centralia.

Q&A

Before you depart

We want you to have the best experience available! Please let us know if you have any questions!

Keep up with What’s Happening by subscribing to our monthly newsletter. Be the first to hear about upcoming events and share a bit of history and news about the vintage railroad operations.



    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 RV-style portable toilet 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, and the best way to find out is to contact our ticket agent for assistance:  ticketing@steamtrainride.com. We have a safe, accessible ramp to the boarding platform and there are no steps to access the train. Our indoor seating cars cannot accommodate wheelchairs greater than 24 inches wide. Outdoor seating cars are more accessible but may not always be available.

    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 rail-stop, is 6.5 miles (13 miles RT) and lasts about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The longer run, which is for the dinner trains, goes to Ruth (another former rail-stop) along the banks of the Chehalis River, goes 9 miles (18 miles RT) lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes. There is no final destination point. There is no opportunity to disembark the train during the journey. The engine pulls the train out and does a “run around” to pull the train back in.

    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 20% 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. 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.

    Want to get more involved? We have several opportunities to support the railroad & museum. Keep the history ALIVE!

    Railroad Membership

    Get hands-on and become a voting member of our incredible team. Not sure where you fit in? There are MANY opportunities to get involved.

    Railroad Sponsor

    Love the cause but lack the time? We could use your support! Become a sponsor and take pride in joining our community in the way you can!

    Railroad Volunteer

    We wouldn't be able to provide our services without our volunteers! Our volunteers are our backbone, help us to keep the history ALIVE.

    Donate

    As a (501) (c)(3) non-profit we rely on the community to help us reach our financial goals and to maintain our mission to deliver experiences for all.

    Important Message:

    Greetings to Railfans and Friends of the Chehalis Centralia Railroad & Museum,

    We are pleased to announce the full repair of the track damage sustained in the 2022 flood has been completed. Funds are currently being sought through FEMA and SBA to reimburse the expenses incurred. In the meantime, projects to improve our facilities, track and the safety of our train operations are underway. The renovation of the #15 Steam Locomotive will resume, pending the acquisition of funds.

    While our organization remains strong and committed to a return of services, due to circumstances beyond our control, we are currently unable to conduct train rides and event excursions.  We do not have dates as to when we will be able to return to service. All 2023 events and schedules are pending. Thank you for your interest.