Spring Special / Wednesday, May 10
We launch the season with a shorter ride, perfect for families or people who want to pack a lot into their day. The rushing river, lush green grass and flowers are highlights as we travel along the Grande Ronde River. We’ll pass the historic Palmer Junction mill site and enjoy the river and beautiful scenery. A snack is served along the ride. About 25 miles, round trip. Departs at 10 a.m. and returns at about 1 p.m.; snack included.
Adults = $65 / Seniors 60+ = $60 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $30 (kids under 3 ride for free!)
Mother’s Day Brunch / Sunday, May 14
Dine on a wonderful variety of breakfast and lunch entrees, salads and desserts, prepared by Ten Depot Street catering, while enjoying views of the rushing river, lush green grass and wildflowers. We travel along the Grande Ronde River to the bridge at Rondowa and relish in the beautiful scenery. Departs at 10 a.m. and returns to Elgin by 2 p.m. 34 miles, round trip.
Adults = $90 / Seniors 60+ = $85 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)
Two Rivers / Saturday, May 27
The train departs from the Elgin Depot and follows the shore of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, where it is joined by the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River. The ride continues a couple of miles up the Wallowa, then reverses direction for the return to Elgin. The Two Rivers ride is our standard trip, and the scenery is fantastic! A delicious, boxed lunch is included and served along the way. Departs from Elgin 10 a.m., / returns at about 1:30 p.m. 38 miles traveled, round trip.
Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)
Seeking Bigfoot / Saturday, June 10
Following the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers as they tumble their courses and join together at Rondowa, our Two Rivers ride is our standard trip, and the scenery is fantastic! But this trip promises more excitement and fun, as we’ve heard Sasquatch has been spotted in the area! Are you a naysayer or a believer? Bigfoot experts Scot and Hannah Violette ride along to help sway your opinion. A delicious, boxed lunch is included and served along the way. Departs from Elgin Depot at 10 a.m. / returns by 1:30 p.m.
Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)
High Country Outlaws Train Robbery / Saturday, June 17
There are bandits out there in the hills, and they are looking for an excuse to flag down the train and climb on board. Be on the lookout for beautiful horses and sneaky bandits. Hide your valuables and keep your camera handy! A delicious boxed lunch is served during the return leg of the trip. Departs from Elgin at 10 a.m. / returns at about 2 p.m. 38 miles traveled, round trip. Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)
Father’s Day Robbery / Sunday, June 18
Treat Dad to a fun day on the train! There are bandits out there in the hills, and they are looking for an excuse to flag down the train and climb on board. Hide your valuables and keep your camera handy! A delicious boxed lunch is served during the return leg of the trip. Departs from Elgin at 10 a.m. / returns at about 2 p.m. 38 miles traveled, round trip.
Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)
Alpen Train / Wednesday, June 28
We’re joining forces with the folks from Oregon’s Alpenfest, to give this ride a Bavarian flavor and get you in the mood for the popular annual event held in Joseph, September 29 & 30. Expect plated Bavarian food on the menu, guest hosts in lederhosen and dirndl dresses, live accordion music and lots of Alpen fun! Non-alcoholic beer will be among the beverage choices. Departs from Elgin at 10 a.m. / returns at about 2 p.m. Wildflowers and waterfowl are scenic highlights, along the beautiful Grande Ronde River. Oregonsalpenfest.com
Adults = $90 / Seniors 60+ = $85 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)
Veterans’ Train / two Seasonal Short runs in same day / Saturday, July 1
We honor our Veterans, active military and First Responders with this free train ride. Departures at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Rides are about 2.5 hours in duration; Snack & beverage served; Please show Veteran’s ID when checking in.
Accompanying Adults & Seniors $55 / Youth $30
Two Rivers Evening / Saturday, July 8
Enjoy the evening light as the train departs from the Elgin Depot and follows the shore of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, where it is joined by the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River. The ride continues a couple of miles up the Wallowa, then reverses direction for the return to Elgin. The scenery is fantastic! A delicious meal is included and served along the way. Departs from Elgin 4:00 p.m. / returns at about 8 p.m.
Adults = $90 / Seniors 60+ = $85 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40
Joseph Branch Railroad History Train / Saturday, July 15
Hear stories about loggers, railroaders, cowboys, and the history of the Joseph Branch railroad as we follow the shore of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, then continue along the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River ride for a couple of miles before reversing direction for the return to Elgin. A delicious, boxed lunch is included and served along the way. Departs from Elgin 10 a.m. / returns at 1:30 p.m. 38 miles traveled, round trip.
Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)
Two Rivers Bonus Picnic / Saturday, July 22
Designed for rail fans, this longer train ride follows the Grande Ronde River from Elgin to Rondowa, then travels up the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River to Minam. Enjoy a picnic on the lawn at the Minam Store, beside the rushing Wallowa River. This ride departs at 10 a.m. and returns to Elgin at 5 p.m.; lunch, snack and beverage included. 52 miles traveled, round trip. Adults = $100 / Seniors 60+ = $95 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $50 (not recommended for kids under 3)
Two Rivers / Wednesday, July 26
The train departs from the Elgin Depot and follows the shore of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, where it is joined by the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River. The ride continues a couple of miles up the Wallowa, then reverses direction for the return to Elgin. The Two Rivers is our standard trip, and the scenery is fantastic! A delicious boxed lunch is included and served along the way. Departs from Elgin 10 a.m. / returns at 1:30 p.m. 38 miles, round trip. Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)
Mid-Summer Special / Wednesday, August 2
Our only ride in August is perfect for families or people who want to pack a lot into their day. We travel along the Grande Ronde River, passing the historic Palmer Junction mill site and enjoying views of the river and rugged landscape. A berry delicious snack is served along the ride. About 25 miles, round trip.
Departs at 10 a.m. / returns by 1 p.m.; snack included.
Adults = $65 / Seniors 60+ = $60 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $30 (kids under 3 ride for free!)
High Country Outlaws Train Robbery / Saturday, Sept. 2
There are bandits out there in the hills, and they are looking for an excuse to flag down the train and climb on board. Be on the lookout for beautiful horses and sneaky bandits. Hide your valuables and keep your camera handy! A delicious boxed lunch is served during the return leg of the trip. Departs from Elgin at 10 a.m. / returns at about 2 p.m. 38 miles, round trip. Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)
Bigfoot Special / Saturday, September 9
This shorter ride is perfect for families or people who want to pack a lot into their day. The rushing river and fall colors are highlights along the Grande Ronde River. But this trip promises more excitement and fun, as Sasquatch has been spotted in the area! Are you a naysayer or a believer? Bigfoot experts Scot and Hannah Violette ride along to help sway your opinion. 25 miles, round trip. Departs at 10 a.m. / returns at 1 p.m.; snack included. Adults = $65 / Seniors 60+ = $60 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $30 (kids under 3 ride for free!)
Two Rivers / Saturday, September 16
The train departs from the Elgin Depot and follows the shore of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, where it is joined by the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River. The ride continues a couple of miles up the Wallowa, then reverses direction for the return to Elgin. The Two Rivers ride is our standard trip, and the scenery is fantastic! A boxed lunch is included and served along the way. Departs from Elgin 10 a.m. / returns at 1:30 p.m. 38 miles, round trip. Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)
Autumn Equinox Two Rivers / Saturday, September 23
Fall foliage and brilliant colors are highlights as the train follows the shore of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, continues up the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River for a couple of miles, then reverses direction for the return to Elgin. The scenery is fantastic! A delicious boxed lunch is included and served along the way. Departs from Elgin 10 a.m. / returns at 1:30 p.m. Travels 38 miles, round trip.
Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)
Two Rivers Bonus / Saturday, September 30
Designed for rail fans, this longer train ride follows the Grande Ronde River from Elgin to Rondowa, then travels up the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River to Minam. Enjoy the beautiful scenery during this 6-hour ride. Departs at 10 a.m. and returns to Elgin by 4 p.m.; A delicious boxed lunch, snack and beverage included. 52 miles round trip.
Adults = $100 / Seniors 60+ = $95 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $50 (not recommended for kids under 3)
Fall Foliage / Saturdays, October 7 & October 14
Enjoy the amazing fall colors as the train follows the shore of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, where it is joined by the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River. The ride continues a couple of miles up the Wallowa, then reverses direction for the return to Elgin. The Two Rivers ride is our standard trip, and the scenery is fantastic! A delicious, boxed meal is included and served along the way. Departs from Elgin 10 a.m. / returns 1:30 p.m.
Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)
End of Season Bounty / Saturday, October 21; Sunday, October 22
Enjoy the bounty of the season and the waning fall colors as the train follows the shore of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, where it is joined by the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River. The ride continues a couple of miles up the Wallowa, then reverses direction for the return to Elgin. The late-season scenery is fantastic! A delicious hot meal featuring stew with locally sourced meat, vegetables and fruit is included and served along the way. Departs from Elgin 10 a.m. / returns at about 1:30 p.m.
Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)
To book a seat, please select “Book Online“. Your confirmation will be emailed to you – if you do not receive confirmation within 48 hours after booking your tickets, please check your SPAM folder, then contact us if it isn’t there. Our reservations manager can also help if you need additional travel information, lodging arrangements or if you would like to purchase a gift certificate.
Youth Passengers: We love giving young riders the opportunity to ride a train, but for their safety, please make sure youth 12 and younger are accompanied by an adult at all times. If your youth has a healthy appetite, when you book their tickets, you may choose an adult meal for a small fee, added to the Youth ticket price.
Gift Certificates available: A train ride is a wonderful gift for any occasion. Contact us through the comments to set the ball rolling on your gift certificate purchase. Whether you are giving to a rail fan, a nature and wildlife enthusiast, a history buff or a vacationer looking for a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the spectacular beauty of region, a ride on the Eagle Cap Excursion Train is sure to please!
The Route: The train operates on a section of the Wallowa Union Railroad (formerly known as the Joseph Branch), following the shores of the Grande Ronde River from Elgin north, to where the river is joined by the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River. The track then follows the Wallowa River upstream to Minam and then on through Wallowa and Enterprise, ending in Joseph. The Eagle Cap Excursion Train uses only the section from Elgin to Minam.
All rides feature beautiful views of the river, towering open and forested ridges and jagged basalt cliffs. On the return leg of the trip, passengers on the river side of the train are asked to change sides with those on the mountain side.
Please wear closed-toe shoes and be aware that there will be side-to-side rocking when the train is moving. There are rest rooms on the train and cars have air conditioning or heat, as needed. The Elgin Depot has a ticket counter, gift shop, multi-stall rest rooms and ample parking. 541.437.3652
Sometimes things occur beyond our control that cause us to have to make changes to the train schedule, including, in very rare instances, even cancelling rides. We do everything in our power to keep this from happening, but if it should, you will be offered a transfer of the tickets to another scheduled ride or the price of your ticket purchases will be refunded. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you on the train.
Charters & Groups: Are you looking for a fun group activity or venue for your special event? Entire cars can be reserved for groups, or charter the whole train for an unforgettable special event. Regardless of whether you are on a charter or a scheduled trip, our car hosts help make your time on the train enjoyable.
Service dogs: We do not allow pets on the train. However, service dogs, with special training to assist their handler, are welcome. To smooth the process of checking in at the depot and to help our volunteers seat you and your service animal, please let us know in advance that your dog will be accompanying you. We ask that the dog wear a vest, so our volunteers and fellow passengers know they are on the job. They must be on a leash at all times.