News Blog
Our 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…
Read MoreThere are two more choices for experiencing the Eagle Cap Excursion Train this month. On Saturday, July 19, an afternoon trip provides a taste of train travel and beautiful scenery, but leaves plenty of time to pack more adventure or relaxation into the day. Riders can board the train at Minam at 1:30 p.m. The train follows the Wallowa River downstream to the bridge at Rondowa, where the Wallowa and Grande Ronde join, then continues up the Grande Ronde River to Elgin (26 miles on the train). A short, 15-minute bus ride taking passengers back to Minam is included in the…
Read MoreALERT! Here is a new announcement concerning this Saturday’s train: The I Love America Train runs this Saturday, July 5, and the Friends of the Joseph Branch think that is a great opportunity to say “Thank you!” So, the Eagle Cap Excursion Train is offering, for this trip only, United States veterans and active military a free train ride, and they can bring one guest for half price. If you are a veteran, you and a friend or spouse can take the two-hour ride along the Grande Ronde River for just $25! Others passengers are most welcome at the regular…
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