News Blog
We had such high hopes for a busy and successful 2020 season! But COVID-19 stepped in and everything changed. To protect the health of our volunteers, crew and passengers, we decided not to run the train at all. The Friends of the Joseph Branch board of directors was determined to make the best of the situation by working with the Wallowa Union Railroad Authority to get long overdue equipment and track maintenance accomplished. WURA leaders were successful in selling their railroad tax credits and acquired a $50,000 grant from Oregon Department of Transportation to repair the bridges at Howard Creek…
Read MoreSaturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, the Gold Rush Bandits will saddle their horses and dress in their Western best, ready for to rob the train!
Read MoreWe are thrilled to announce our exciting 2019 season! The schedule is full of fun opportunities to enjoy a train ride along the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers of Northeast Oregon on the historic “Joseph Branch” railroad.
Read MoreHere are the descriptions of this weekend’s rides. Don’t delay – get your tickets before it is too late! Saturday, June 16 / Spring Train Robbery There are bandits out there in the hills, and they are looking for an excuse to flag down the train and climb on board. It’s hard to tell who is friend and who is foe, so, hide your valuables and keep your camera handy! Boxed lunch is served during the return leg of the trip. Lunch choices are, Roast Beef Sandwich made with slow-roasted Northeast Oregon beef, homemade potato salad, grapes and a cupcake; or Hummus &…
Read MoreThe 2017 season of the Eagle Cap Excursion Train launched Sunday, May 14, with the annual Mother’s Day Brunch. Now we settle in for an active season that includes sixteen trips. Ed Spaulding, volunteer engineer and President of the Friends of the Joseph Branch, the non-profit organization that manages the excursion train, expects a busy year for the train, as Oregon is receiving a lot of additional attention due in part to the solar eclipse in August. “People are planning trips to our area who may have never thought of visiting before,“ said Spaulding. The 2017 season includes some new…
Read More