Spring is upon us! The hills are green and wildflowers are starting to show their faces everywhere. That means it’s time to reserve your seats for the Eagle Cap Excursion Train’s traditional Mother’s Day Brunch, Sunday, May 11. Urban Vine Catering of Island City, is creating a delicious brunch for passengers, served during the four-hour scenic trip. The ride departs from the Elgin Depot at 10 a.m. and follows the banks of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, where the river is joined by the Wallowa River. The train then reverses direction for the trip back to Elgin.

There are 23 scheduled train rides this year, spread out May 11 through October 25. Beautiful scenery always receives top ranking from passengers, but great food and friendly car hosts add to the experience. This season three robberies, enacted by the High Country Outlaws, will provide extra excitement. Just for fun, bigfoot will make an appearance to watchful passengers June 8.

A couple of “Seasonal Short” rides are on the schedule for vacationing families who want to pack a lot into their day. On the other hand, the “Minam Bonus” rides, traveling from Elgin to Minam and back, have proven popular, providing longer trips for genuine railfans. Bonus rides include more miles along the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River and a picnic lunch at the Minam Store & Food Truck.

The all-volunteer crew includes certified engineers, conductors and car hosts. All are members of the Friends of the Joseph Branch, a non-profit organization that manages the excursions business for the Wallowa Union Railroad. Learn about membership and volunteer opportunities by sending a message to weishaar73@gmail.com.