News Blog
The Friends of the Joseph Branch invite you to an open house at the Elgin Depot, Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tour the train with an engineer. Tour the depot, stop in the gift shop and talk to our agent about this season’s schedule. Enjoy the historical photos and railroad artifacts. The depot is cool and refreshments will be offered, so stop by and get to know more about the publicly owner operation.
Read MoreThe Eagle Cap Excursion Train was recently featured on Grant’s Getaways, a television show hosted by Grant McOmie and produced for Travel Oregon and KGW TV. We were very pleased to welcome Portland television host Grant McOmie on the train Saturday, September 27, to tape a segment for his television show, Grant’s Getaways. Grant’s wife, Chris, videographer Jeff Kastner and his wife, Jean, accompanied him on the trip. He interviewed passengers and members of the crew and shot lots of footage of the scenery and wildlife, which included bears and bald eagles this trip. Grant’s Getaways is produced through a partnership of KGW Television in…
Read MoreOur fall season starts this Saturday, September 13, on what promises to be a beautiful autumn day. Passengers have the pleasure of being the first to ride the train since painting the exterior was completed over the last few days. The results of all of the efforts and contributions to the project are just amazing! The train looks terrific! Thank you to all who helped make it happen. Railroad and local history experts Ed & LaVeta Botz will be on the train to answer questions and discuss the history of the rail line historically known as the Joseph Branch and…
Read MoreDuring the recess between summer and fall seasons, the Eagle Cap Excursion Train will receive a long-awaited paint job. The stripes on the passenger cars, currently a dingy black, will be painted bright blue with yellow accents to match the engines and the silver will be freshened. Crisp Colors of La Grande is doing the masking and fine work at a discounted rate. Volunteers with the Friends of the Joseph Branch will assist with prepping and painting the silver portions of the cars. In addition, Mike Hillecke will acid wash the cars and engines. The project is being coordinated by the…
Read MoreSaturday, August 2, the attention turns to steelhead and fall Chinook, when a train ride from Minam delivers passengers to Lookingglass Creek for a guided tour of the Lookingglass Fish Hatchery. This train ride departs from Minam, taking passengers down the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River, an acclaimed steelhead fishing river, then up the Grande Ronde to Lookingglass Creek. Near Lookingglass Creek, passengers board a bus for a two mile trip to the hatchery. A guided tour of the hatchery informs participants about the fall Chinook salmon recovery program and raising winter steelhead. You’ll see how they collect eggs from…
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