News Blog
The year is young, but the Friends of the Joseph Branch are already busy planning the 2014 excursion season train rides. In 2014, we are offering an expanded schedule that has more variety, including some mid-week and evening trips, trips to and out of Minam and more choices in the length your train ride. Some trips are designed with families in mind. We’re excited about the schedule and anxious to book your ride. We recently confirmed our partnership with the Wallowa Union Railroad, which owns the line and rolling stock, and are now working with them to get the equipment…
Read MoreThe 2013 excursion season came to a close with our October 19 ride. We carried over 200 passengers – full capacity – on that beautiful fall day! We thank everyone who rode the train or helped with operations and car hosting over the season. It was a great year for the railroad and for the Friends of the Joseph Branch, the non-profit organization that managed the excursions and operated the train. We will be working with the Wallowa Union Railroad Authority over the next couple of months, reviewing our season and putting together the 2014 season schedule. Please watch this…
Read MoreEric Valentine, a well known professional photographer from La Grande, will be our guest photography expert on the October 5 excursion. He will be on hand to offer tips for taking great photos, answer questions and inspire passengers to make exceptional photos of and from the train. With fall colors at their peak, this trip is a great one for taking photos of the gorgeous scenery surrounding the train. But it gets even better! The train will stop at the bridge at Rondowa, let the passengers off the train, then back up and do a drive-by, so you, the passengers,…
Read MoreThe Eagle Cap Excursion Train has a busy schedule under way through September and October, with plenty of opportunities for passengers to enjoy the beautiful and ever-changing fall colors along the route. Departing from the Elgin Depot Saturdays, September 14, 21, and 28, and October 5, 12, and 19, fall trips are our most popular. Some trips have guest experts on railroad history, photography or wildlife. The train travels beside the Grande Ronde River downstream to its confluence with the Wallowa River, then follows that Wild & Scenic river a few miles upstream. A brief stop at Vincent (Howard Creek) allows…
Read MoreSummer is almost over and families are looking for one last fun activity with which to build lasting memories. The Eagle Cap Excursion Train has a bonus planned for fans of Western history and trains during their August 31st train ride. The Gold Rush Bandits will rob the excursion train in a remote area near Elgin. The robbery takes place while the train is passing through a section along the Grande Ronde River. Passengers can expect lots of excitement and laughs as horseback-riding robbers stop the train and climb on board. The Bandits are a seasoned group of outlaws who are…
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