It’s time to book your seats on a scenic train ride this fall, when colorful fall foliage makes the rides especially scenic. See the schedule and trip descriptions under “Ride the Train” on the main menu.

Meanwhile, we are winding down the summer portion of our 2026 season by offering a special Seeking Bigfoot train ride, in conjunction with the brand new Elgin Sasquatch Festival, Saturday, August 1.

Our guest speakers for the Bigfoot Train are Montra Fretas and Kyle Gibson, both of whom have had incredible encounters with Bigfoot.  In each passenger car, they will share their experiences and the research they have compiled about Bigfoot and will be available for conversations with passengers who may want to talk with them more one-on-one. Residents of Pendleton, Oregon, Kyle and Montra have spoken at several Bigfoot conferences and have been investigating Bigfoot since 1999.

Following the train ride, Barbara Shupe, also a recognized expert and speaker on Bigfoot, will be doing a discussion about Bigfoot, in the depot. Barbara will also have a booth at the Bigfoot Festival.  

Following is information provided by the festival organizing committee.

The Elgin Sasquatch Festival is a free, family-friendly community celebration held in historic downtown Elgin, Oregon. Created to highlight local businesses, encourage tourism, and bring people together, the festival features live music, regional vendors, interactive activities, guest speakers, food, and Sasquatch-themed fun for all ages.

The festival transforms downtown into a lively gathering place where visitors can explore local shops, enjoy entertainment throughout the day, participate in unique contests and activities, and discover the legends and folklore surrounding the Pacific Northwest’s famous cryptid. By showcasing local talent, businesses, and community organizations, the Elgin Sasquatch Festival strengthens community connections while inviting visitors from across the Northwest to experience everything Elgin has to offer.

The event is located in Whitty Park, on Highway 82 (Division Street and 8^th), in Elgin, Oregon.

Event Schedule:  10 a.m. to dusk

10:00 a.m. – Festival opens

• Vendor market opens
• Information booth opens
• Kids activities begin
• Scavenger hunt begins
• Local businesses and food vendors open
• Big Horns of Elgin Food Eating Contest begins (running throughout the day)

10:00 a.m. – Bigfoot Excursion Train departs, with special guests Kyle Gibson and Montra Freitas, well-known bigfoot researchers in the PNW.

10:00 a.m. – Elgin Sasquatch 5K Skedaddle & 1-Mile Buddy Bolt

10:30 a.m. – Blue Mountain Old Time Fiddlers Association

1:00 a.m. – Sasquatch Cornhole Tournament

12:30–1:30 p.m. – Open mic performances

1:00 p.m. – Sasquatch expert Barbara Shupe begins presentation at the Eagle Cap Excursion Train Depot.

2:00 p.m. – Live music featuring Colette Jones

3:30 p.m. – Sasquatch Calling Contest with Special Guest Judge Chris Beck

4:00 p.m. – Live music featuring Cory Peterson

6:00 p.m. – Live music featuring Tattered Hounds

8:00 p.m. – Live music featuring Caleb Lathrop

Happening Throughout the Day

• Big Horns of Elgin Food Eating Contest
• Browse 35+ vendors from Northeast Oregon and across the Pacific Northwest.
• Meet Sasquatch researchers and guest speakers, including Barbara Shupe and Idaho Bigfoot Research.
• Family-friendly activities for all ages.
• Food vendors, local shopping, and downtown specials.

Parking: $5 at the Elgin Stampede Grounds with continuous shuttle service to downtown.

The event is in collaboration of The Elgin Chamber of Commerce (Festival is a subcommittee), Elgin EDGE (Economic Development Growth Endeavor, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit), and the City of Elgin. Volunteer shout out to the Elgin Women’s Service Club and the Elgin Highschool Senior Class.

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