The Snoqualmie Valley Railroad is a five-mile train ride aboard antique railroad coaches through the Upper Snoqualmie Valley. Trains operate April through October on weekends, Saturday and Sunday. Round trip is approximately one hour and forty-five minutes and includes a stop at the Railway History Center. Board the train either at the North Bend Depot, Snoqualmie Depot, Railway History Center, or Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Museum.
- Snoqualmie Depot, 38625 SE King St, Snoqualmie, WA 98065
- North Bend Depot, 205 E McClellan St, North Bend, WA 98045
- Railway History Center, 9320 Stone Quarry Rd SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065
- Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Museum & Park, SE 69th Place, Snoqualmie, WA 98065
There is no longer any mention on the Snoqualmie Valley Railroad of free BOGO rides on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, so we assume this offer is no longer available. Advance reservations are required, so you can find out when you make a reservation. Last time we checked, adult fares were $24. Everyone over the age of 2 needs a ticket.
Be sure to wander through the Snoqualmie Depot to view exhibits about railroad history and the Victorian railroad experience. The grounds outside Snoqualmie Depot feature a selection of artifacts that change throughout the year.
About Snoqualmie Depot
The Snoqualmie Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a City of Snoqualmie Landmark. Originally built in 1890, the Snoqualmie Depot has been restored to its turn of the century grandeur, and functions as an operating train station. At the time of its construction, the Depot was unusually elaborate in comparison to the modest size of Snoqualmie at the turn of the century. Over the years and several ownership changes, the Depot underwent so many renovations that it was no longer recognizable as a former train station.
In 1975, Burlington Northern abandoned the railway line, and donated the depot and several miles of track to the Northwest Railway Museum. The Northwest Railway Museum began operating from the Depot before the last of the Burlington Northern staff relocated their offices. So it is also the oldest continuously operating train depot in the state of Washington.
In 1981, the Museum rehabilitated and restored the Snoqualmie Depot back to its 1890s appearance. Preservationists restored the distinctive turret above the ticket office and two curved “eyebrow dormer” windows that had been removed in 1948 because of their tendency to leak during heavy rains. At this time, the Depot’s heating, electrical systems, and public restrooms were brought up to modern standards. A fire suppression system was added both inside and outside the building. In 1996, the cedar shingle roof was replaced with a new version copied from period photographs. In 2010, the public restrooms were updated again to comply with revised building codes and accessibility requirements, and to incorporate water-saving devices.
Be sure to wander through the Snoqualmie Depot to view exhibits about railroad history and the Victorian railroad experience. The grounds outside Snoqualmie Depot feature a selection of artifacts that change throughout the year.
- No admission charge.
- Open seven days a week, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
- Limited access during Day Out With Thomas and Santa Train events.
Northwest Railway Museum
The Northwest Railway Museum is a non-profit organization founded in 1957. It is the largest railway museum in Washington State, visited by over 80,000 people each year. The Museum consists of several locations:
- Centennial Trail Exhibit. Free and never closes. Located outdoors on a public walkway.
- Snoqualmie Depot. No admission charge. Open seven days a week, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Read more about the Snoqualmie Depot below.
- Railway History Center. $10 per person. The Railway History Center is open to drive-up visitors April – October or via The Snoqualmie Valley Railroad. Read more about the Snoqualmie Valley Railroad below.
The Northwest Railway Museum’s collection of railroad equipment is one of the most extensive in the United States. The collection includes more than 70 items greater that one ton in weight, including steam locomotives on static display, passenger and freight cars, and specialized equipment that built and maintained the railroad tracks and the corridor surrounding them.
The small objects collection includes many smaller railroad artifacts, such as dining car china, tools, signs, uniforms, sample parts, and lanterns.
The majority of the Northwest Railway Museum’s operations overseen and performed by volunteers. The Museum has a membership program to support operations, and to develop and maintain community support.
Our calendar of free and cheap things to do
Listed below are all free and affordable events on our calendar for the next 30 days.
