Review: Oregon Coast Railriders

During a recent stay in Pacific City, I was looking for something new to do with my two kids, ages 11 and 9. A friend suggested we try the Oregon Coast Railriders Bay City Trestle Tour, and I am so happy she did.

When we arrived at the starting point in Bay CIty, all the vehicles — four-seated, pedal-powered, railroad quadricycles — were lined up on the railroad tracks. It was amazing to think that we were really going to ride on a railroad track. The railriders have big rubber wheels that glide along the track, and each holds four people so it’s a great thing to do with family and friends. During our recent trip, it was easy to stay away from the other riders and everyone was wearing a mask before heading out.

Once we started traveling, social distancing was easy. There is a staff guide in the front and one in the back (who often helps pick up people’s lost hats!). On our trip, there were ten railriders, but they are spaced along the route. How fast you can go really depends on the riders in front of you, but we didn’t have any problem speeding up and cruising along (like my almost 12-year-old son liked to do!). The scenery is beautiful, and we passed many farms (we saw a lot of cows), creeks and fields, and we also pedaled through a forest. We went over many bridges, and even had to stop a few times so that everyone could safely cross the roads.

Even though it’s a 12-mile round-trip trek, it was not very hard going since the route is pretty flat. It’s much easier than biking twelve miles on the road since you are sharing the work! On their website, Oregon Coast Railriders says that all riders are expected to pedal, but if you have an infant or toddler, they can ride in a car seat. I think kids over the age of 6 would be able to help pedal, and when we went, we saw a preschooler who came along for the ride.

We enjoyed it so much we are already planning our next trip: an Oregon Railrider trip that starts in Wheeler!

Learn more about routes and pricing on their website.

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Melissa Light

Melissa Light wears many hats at PDX Parent. She currently is the Newsletter & Calendar Editor, Distribution Coordinator and Events Manager. She also works part-time as an Educational Assistant for PPS. When she is not working, she can often be found on the tennis court, hiking in the SW and NW hills with her dog Roxy, baking and spending a lot of time with her 12-year-old son, 9-year-old daughter and husband.