Parenting teaches you many things, like patience, love — and where you can find all the trains in and near Portland. Here’s where to take the train-lover in your life and watch them light up. Choo-choo!
Local Train Rides
Molalla Shady Dell Train Park
Open May to October, the Molalla Train Company has free 7-10 minute train rides for all ages on the miniature train and no entrance fee, though donations are accepted.
Willamette Shore Trolley
Ride this replica vintage trolley (in the style of Portland’s Council Crest cars) from Lake Oswego to Portland’s south waterfront on Saturdays and Sundays. The historic rail line dates from the late 1800s, and enters a tunnel dating from 1921. Check out our reel of the experience!
Oregon Rail Heritage Center
This gem, just up the road from OMSI, preserves historic locomotives, railroad equipment and artifacts. Once a month, on Saturdays, hop aboard for a 45-minute train ride on the Oregon Pacific Railroad along the Willamette River. Pro tip: Don’t miss the Holiday Express runs frequently during November and December.
Washington Park & Zoo Railway
The only section of this railway that can be ridden at the moment is within the Oregon Zoo, requiring zoo entrance. But the Friends of the Washington Park & Zoo Railway are on a mission to restore the Rose Garden Loop connecting the zoo and Washington Park. Want to help them make that happen? Sign the petition on their website.
Mt. Hood Railroad
Each season offers a whole new way to experience the scenic valleys of the Columbia River Gorge via the Mt. Hood Railroad or the Fruit Valley Gray Line Trolley. And Christmas brings the magical Polar Express Train Ride.
Amtrak – Union Station
Why not make your train ride a means to travel? Take your kiddo up to Seattle for a weekend trip, or see just how far a train ride can take you.
TriMet MAX Light Rail Service
Let’s not discount the joys everyday commuter service can bring. Accessible, practical and still plenty of fun. Pro tip: Avoid rush hour!
The Scholls Valley Railroad
Hoffman Farms just outside Beaverton offers a scenic ride around the farm on their ⅓ scale train on an almost mile-long loop. During strawberry season, ride to the field and back to pick, and the train’s even more magical at Christmas time. The Hoffman Farms Express is wheelchair accessible.
Oaks Park Train
This train is free to ride during general hours at the park — no bracelet required!
Train Watching
Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Club
This model railroad club was first established in October of 1947. They offer a range of memberships, including youth (ages 12-18). The best times to visit are during the annual show they put on or Tuesday evenings when the club meets.
Holgate Overpass (NE)
Older train lovers — it’s not the safest option for young kids — can enjoy watching activity on the rails below from the sidewalk on the Holgate overpass by the TriMet Central Garage.
Overlook Park (N/NE)
In the off-leash dog corner of Overland Park, find a great view of an expansive freight train system below.
Holcomb Creek Trestle (Hillsboro)
Find the largest wooden railroad bridge in the U.S. still in use in Hillsboro, OR. Freight trains still run across it, and you can watch from down below if you get the timing right. The Holcomb Creek Trestle was built by United Railways in 1905 and it’s a beautiful sight to behold in and of itself.
Train Eats
Sushi Ichiban (NW)
Serves conveyor belt sushi on a toy train!
Pizza Caboose (Tigard)
This charming train themed pizza spot is decked out in train decor: pictures of trains, 4-way signal railroad lanterns and other train paraphernalia.
Mt. Hood Brewing Co. Tilikum Station (SE)
This woodfired pizza brewpub in Portland offers dining inside an actual train car!
Portal Tea Sellwood Caboose (SE)
Try one of their 100+ teas (bubble tea included) inside a red caboose.
The Old Spaghetti Factory (SW)
Climb aboard the Portland Railway dining car inside the nostalgic, family-owned-and-operated Italian family restaurant.
Special Summertime Train Events
Growing Trains in the Garden
The annual summer tour will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 10 am-5 pm. Find retail outlets participating on the Rose City Garden Railway Society website.
The Great Oregon Steam-Up
The 55th Annual Great Oregon Steam-Up will be July 26-27 and August 2-3 from 7am-6pm at Powerland Heritage Park in Brooks, featuring a miniature train and full-size trolley rides plus a parade of vintage engines and construction equipment and other activities.
Phoenix & Holly Railroad at The Flower Farmer
Open on weekends in summer and fall, this miniature railroad in Canby is a lovely experience for the whole family. And around Halloween, kids older than six can enjoy a spooky train ride with a jack o’ lantern engine and plenty of scares.
Far Away Train Rides
• Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad (Elbe, WA)
• Astoria Riverfront Trolley (Astoria, OR)
• Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad (Garibaldi, OR)
• Kitsap Live Steamers (Port Orchard, WA)
• Railriding at the Oregon Coast (Tillamook, OR)
• Railriding at Joseph Branch (Joseph, OR)
• Oregon Electric Railway Museum (Salem, OR)
• Sumpter Valley Railroad (Sumpter, OR)
• Train Mountain Railroad Museum (Chiloquin, OR)
• Santiam Excursion Trains (Lebanon, OR)
• Willow Creek Railroad Museum at Powerlands (Salem, OR)
• Seaside Shortline (Seaside, OR)
• Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum (Chehalis, WA)