Eagle Cap Excursion Train Offers Rare Sightseeing Opportunities

Imagine riding a train through some of Oregon's most beautiful scenery. Rumble at a leisurely pace beside two Wild and Scenic rivers, through rugged roadless canyons, past the green meadows of Chief Joseph country to the base of the magnificent Wallowa Mountains.

After a lapse of 40 years, passenger service between Union and Wallowa counties is once again available and interest in the railroad is high.

The historic "Joseph Branch" of the Wallowa Union Railroad was within days of being dismantled for salvage in 2002. The 60-mile section from Elgin to Joseph had been abandoned for several years and the right-of-way itself was in jeopardy.

Wallowa and Union Counties, with a combined population of barely more than 30,000 people, couldn't sit by and watch a vital piece of their history and hope for the future disappear. The two county governments formed the Wallowa Union Railroad and purchased the railroad and limited freight and passenger rolling stock in May 2003.

New Schedule

Wallowa Union Railroad and the Friends of the Joseph Branch have released the new schedule for the Eagle Cap Excursion Train in northeast Oregon. The new schedule includes all of the proven favorites from the last two seasons, plus some new twists on the tried and true. Train officials and the volunteer organization that helps with passenger and excursion management say they are pleased with the variety and type of trips they will offer.

"We are happy with this year's schedule and think it will prove popular with visitors and residents alike," said Mary Ann Keyser, excursion train coordinator. "Each season teaches us more about what our passengers want. That seems to include variety in the length of trips and what can be seen along different portions of the railroad." A complete description of the trips is available on the web site or by calling Union County Tourism, 541-963-8588, or the Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce, 541-426-4622.

The first two trips of the year will be holiday brunches. The Easter Sunday Brunch will leave the Wallowa boarding site at 10 a.m. and follow the route of the "Canyon Cruise," going as far as Kimmell, a siding down river from Minam, before reversing direction and returning to Wallowa. This trip takes about four and a half hours and offers all of the dramatic and beautiful valley, river and canyon scenery passengers love. The brunch buffet will include a huge array of breakfast and lunch items including everything from sliced baked ham and scrambled eggs to pastries, lunch meats, fruit and salads. A similar buffet will be served and the same route will be travelled for the Mother's Day Sunday Brunch trip.

"The holiday brunches are wonderful ways to treat your loved ones to a relaxing and scenic train ride and a delicious meal that Mom doesn't have to prepare," said Keyser. Tickets are available through Alegre Travel, 1-800-323-7330. Other special trips for the new year are the Palmer Junction/Lookingglass Fish Hatchery trip which includes a field trip off of the train for a special guided tour of the hatchery - and new slants on the previous "Valley Voyage."

"There was a lot of interest in taking the train back to Joseph," Keyser said. "And the idea came up to make them one-way train rides instead of our usual round trips. So, passengers will have the option of boarding at Wallowa in the morning and riding across the valley to Joseph, then taking a motor coach back to Wallowa, or, boarding the train in the afternoon at Joseph, riding to Wallowa, and taking a motor coach back to Joseph." These trips will include about 2.5 hours on the train and a 30 minute motor coach ride. The morning trip will include a light lunch while the afternoon passengers will enjoy a dessert buffet. Both trips feature the outstanding Wallowa Valley scenery for which the area is known. Look for the Valley Voyage Express on the schedule for the dates and details.

"The new schedule has lots to offer and it's time to spread the word and begin selling tickets," said Keyser. "With our limited marketing budget, we need the help of area residents in telling their friends and relatives about the excursions and helping us promote riding the train."

Ticket prices range from $25 to $90, depending on the trip length and the passenger's age. Reservations for all trips can be made through Alegre Travel in La Grande, 541-963-9000 or 1-800-323-7330. Alegre Travel can also assist with lodging and travel arrangements.

The Eagle Cap Excursion Train is operated by the Wallowa Union Railroad, with assistance from the Friends of the Joseph Branch. It runs on the sixty miles of track between Elgin and Joseph in scenic northeast Oregon, and is owned by Wallowa and Union Counties through an intergovernmental agreement. WURR also operates a freight train.

Through a partnership with the Minam Motel and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wallowa Union Railroad also offers train rides to fish steelhead on the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River. The "fishing train" travels several miles into roadless country down the Wallowa River from Minam, to a point where fishermen can fish all day, then board the train for the trip back to Minam. The ticket price is $50. Contact the Minam Motel for reservations or information, 541.437.4475.