Tired of flying or taking the bus? Looking for a different way to travel? How about checking out some local train trips?
Ranging from 30 minutes to several days long, cost of the train trips are based on destination and duration of the trip.
Also, there are many advantages to traveling by railway. It's much cheaper than airfare, one can carry on more pieces of luggage, it offers more travel flexibility, there are no long lines at check in and the trip is usually scenic and relaxing.
Here are some local train trips to check out.
Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum
Started as a nonprofit corporation in 1986, this 1916 vintage logging locomotive travels along nine miles of track that runs southwest from Chehalis through a heritage logging route. Highlights of train trips offered on the Chehalis-Centralia include brunch trips, dinner trains and murder mystery trains. The murder mystery train events are based around a crime that has been committed. It is your job to figure out "Who dunnit."
Mount Rainier Scenic Railway
Rated as one of the top scenic railway trips in the U.S., the Mount Rainier Scenic Railway is the longest continuously operating steam train railroad in the Pacific Northwest. This train was temporarily rerouted due to damaging floods. This year it will open with the original route back in place.
The train departs from the Elbe train depot and runs through the foothills of Mount Rainier. Trips are scheduled two to three times a day Thursday through Sunday. Charter trips include a two-hour diesel train trip for 220 people that costs $2,100, or steam locomotive trip for 220 people. Live entertainment can be included for no extra charge. Specialty trips include chartering a caboose for 16 people. This trip is generally popular for reunion or graduation parties. The caboose can also be rented for an overnight excursion to Mineral Lake.
Northwest Railway Museum
This railroad offers a five-mile train excursion aboard antique railroad coaches through the Upper Snoqualmie Valley. Guests depart the depot for a trip to the "Sno Falls."
This railway offers special events for Mother's Day, which includes free fare for any mothers who are riding with a paying child; and Father's Day Weekend during which fathers ride free with a paying child. For more information on events and fares visit the Web site.
Puget Sound Railcar
Built in 1955, this private railcar can accommodate up to 16 people in the daytime and eight at night. The train operates on most U.S. Amtrak routes such as Seattle to Chicago and Seattle to Emeryville, Calif.
All the rooms include amenities such as a private restroom and shower, a television, DVD player and a CD player. Fine wines and gourmet meals are served on the train.
To make a reservation or to plan your trip, visit the Web site.
Train to Trek
www.nwtrek.org
Board a vintage train in Tacoma for a scenic, two-hour trip to the 725-acre Northwest Trek Wildlife Park located 55 miles south of Seattle en route to Mt. Rainier National Park.