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How to Get Here
The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad 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.
Q&A
Before you depart
We want you to have the best experience available! Please let us know if you have any questions!
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.
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. Parties of two may be seated with another party, or may purchase the full table for additional price. There is one separate dining room, that seats six. During special events, we use all available seating and it is first come first served. The only assigned seating is for Dinner Trains.
TBD..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. See our rates on the Charters Page.
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. Table are not available on regular runs.
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Q&A
Before you depart
We want you to have the best experience available! Please let us know if you have any questions!
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 there-and-back roundtrip excursion, traveling to and from on the same route. The Riverside ride to Ruth, which is a former rail-stop, is 9 miles (18 miles RT) and lasts about 2 hours.
The excursion will travel along the banks of the Chehalis River through agriculture land and forested countryside. There is no final destination point other than the scenic trestle over the river. 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. The outside seating is not covered. During the Dinner Train excursions, four people are seated per table. (Parties of 2 may be seated with another party.) During special events, we use all available reserved seating and it is first come, first served. The only assigned seating is for Dinner Trains and THE POLAR EXPRESS™.
Our SP&S 99 Business Car is climate-controlled and seats up to 20 persons. You may enjoy the Dining Room (seats 8), Parlor (seats 6), or our two Staterooms (seats 3).
Yes, Contact us to make reservations for your group. We will work with you to customize and accommodate your needs. Call 360-748-9593. See our section on Groups and Charters for more details.
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.
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. The outside open cars are not covered. Our SP&S 99 Business Car is climate-controlled throughout the year.
We understand that unplanned situations arise from time to time and could interfere with your plans to travel with us.
For THE POLAR EXPRESS™, because our trips are date- and time-specific and sell out in advance, we will not be able to transfer a ticket to another date. A refund will be given according to the following scale:
Up to 60 days prior to departure – 100% refund
59-30 days prior to departure – 50% refund
29-11 days prior to departure – 25% refund
10 days or closer to departure – No refund
This timeline is also used for regular season excursions and dinner trains as well as THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Transfers may be allowed if appropriate. The railroad reserves the right to make decisions on a case by case basis.
Disclaimer: Schedules are adhered to as closely as possible; however the railroad reserves the right to alter schedules and itineraries, and substitute equipment as conditions demand.
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.
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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.
Want to get more involved? We have several opportunities to support the railroad & museum. Keep the history ALIVE!
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.