Elbe

In the spring of 2025 a wildfire destroyed a wooden trestle in a non-operational section of the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad (mtrainierrailroad.com). Even though this trestle was not along the scenic rail route, it still was an operational setback for the railway, as crews had to clean up the damage and evaluate the safety of the tracks. The good news is, after a brief shut-down all is well and this iconic railway is up and running. Not only is this classic rail excursion a great addition to any Mount Rainier visit, but it’s also a good choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. And as the folks at the railway say, “The fire destroyed a bridge. It didn’t stop the railroad.”

All Aboard!

The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad station is located in Elbe, which is just a 15-minute drive from the Nisqually Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. The historic Little White Church of Elbe sits near the back of the parking area, and adds to the nostalgic atmosphere of the experience. Accessible parking is located near the entrance of the parking lot, with level access over to the ticket office. And on the way, there’s a good photo op of a vintage locomotive in front of the station.

There’s level access to the station, with plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair around the ticket office and through the adjacent gift shop. The ADA waiting area is located just outside the station, near the manual wheelchair lift. When it’s time to board, the manual lift is usually positioned next to a standard coach car, and the wheelchair- is lifted up to the car. From there, it’s just a short roll from the vestibule to the wheelchair-seating space at the front of the car. Slow walkers or anyone who has difficulty with stairs can also use the wheelchair lift.

According to the conductor, most wheelchair-users can be accommodated in the coach car; however some larger power wheelchairs may need to use the lift to board the baggage car. There’s no seating in the baggage car, which also contains the snack bar. There is however, an open doorway with a safety fence in the baggage car, so you can still get a good view of the passing scenery. The baggage car also has an accessible restroom. That said, the doorways on the connecting cars are narrow and the thresholds are uneven, so it’s best to use the facilities in the station if you are seated in coach.

Ride the Rails

Part of the ambiance of a Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad excursion is the vintage rolling stock. The historic train cars are pulled by a Polson Logging No. 70 steam locomotive. This engine was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1922 for the Polson Logging Company. And today it still chugs along on these scenic excursions.

Passengers can choose from two excursions. The classic ride to Mineral is now joined by a new route to New Reliance. The routes alternate throughout the day, but both travel through the forest and offer scenic views of the countryside. And if the weather is cooperative, you’ll also get a good Mount Rainier view along the route. Once the train reaches its destination, the engine rolls back down a side track and hooks up to the other end of the train. And then it chugs back to the station.

Service is top-drawer too on the railway, with helpful attendants that point out the local attractions and weave in a little bit of history about the area along the way. All in all it’s a great ride, and a perfect Mount Rainier National Park side trip. Additionally, if you have any questions about access for your particular mobility device, just give them a call, as their customer service is excellent. And if you’ve worked up an appetite during your excursion, then stop by the Hobo Pizza Car after your ride. It’s located next door to the railway, and the converted railcar that serves as a dining room has ramp access. It’s a great finale to a Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad visit.