One of the views from the Fall Excursion.
1 / 10

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

4.6
·229 reviews·Rockaway Beach, United States

Ride a historic train along the stunning Oregon Coast, offering breathtaking views and a nostalgic journey through scenic landscapes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos & wildlife

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
One of the views from the Fall Excursion.

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos & wildlife

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ride a historic train along the stunning Oregon Coast, offering breathtaking views and a nostalgic journey through scenic landscapes.

4.6
(229 reviews)

"This train ride was fantastic! I really missed the gentle relaxing feeling of riding a train, it was so soothing."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book enclosed cars early

Enclosed seating fills up fast, especially for popular routes. Book online in advance! :ticket:

☀️ Open car for best views

Highly recommend the open-top car for 360° views and wildlife spotting. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Candy Cane Express Holiday Train

Candy Cane Express Holiday Train

Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach

Experience festive holiday cheer with lights, treats, and Santa on this magical Christmas train ride.

TikTok
Scenic Coastal Views

Scenic Coastal Views

Various routes

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, wooded coastline, and local wildlife from a historic locomotive.

Instagram+1
Open-Top Car Experience

Open-Top Car Experience

All routes

Get unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views and a closer connection to nature and wildlife.

Instagram
Moonlight Train Excursions

Moonlight Train Excursions

Garibaldi

Ride a steam-powered train along the coast and bays for stunning sunset and twilight views.

Instagram
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tickets in Advance

Enclosed train cars, especially for popular routes like Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach, fill up quickly. Booking online ahead of time is highly recommended to secure your preferred seating and avoid disappointment, particularly during peak seasons or for special events. Reddit

Choose Your Adventure: Open vs. Enclosed Cars

Opt for an open-air car for 360-degree views and a more immersive experience, perfect for spotting wildlife. However, consider enclosed cars for comfort, especially during cooler months or if rain is expected. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best light for photos & wildlife
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Crisp air, beautiful foliage
Crowd
Medium
When
Holiday season evenings
Why
Magical Candy Cane Express
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

It’s that time of year when holiday cheer is all around Oregon. The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad transforms into the Candy Cane Express, with lights, festive treats and a visit from Santa. 🎄 Hop aboard for family-friendly fun and enjoy the scenic views as the train travels round-trip between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach. Rides begin in late November through Dec. 23 and fill up fast so be sure t...
traveloregon
8.3K likes • 169.7K views

🎯 Book enclosed cars early

Enclosed seating fills up fast, especially for popular routes. Book online in advance! Reddit :ticket:

☀️ Open car for best views

Highly recommend the open-top car for 360° views and wildlife spotting. Instagram :camerawithflash:

ICONIC train ride on the Oregon Coast! 🚂🌊 🚂 Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad 📍 Wheeler ↔ Garibaldi ↔ Rockaway Beach, Oregon 🧡 SAVE this for your Oregon Coast itinerary and SHARE it with someone who needs a coastal adventure! Hop aboard a historic steam locomotive for a peaceful 30-minute journey overlooking the Pacific Ocean, wooded coastline, and quiet wetlands. Choose an open-air car for the bre...
gwynandami
1.1K likes • 22.6K views
Our new Moonlight Trains at Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad have been extremely popular this year! One more opportunity remains for your chance to ride on a steam powered excursion round-trip from Garibaldi on September 1st! This excursions travels along Tillamook Bay, Nehalem Bay and the Pacific Ocean for breathtaking views of the coastline at sunset on the way to Wheeler, with scerene views of the ...
oregoncoast_scenicrailroad
1.1K likes • 11.8K views

⏳ Allow ample time in Garibaldi

Don't rush your stop in Garibaldi; give yourself at least an hour to explore. Reddit :stopwatch:

🐦 Wildlife spotting is common

Keep an eye out for seagulls, eagles, and even whales along the coast. Instagram :bird:

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad- Rockaway Beach, OR This was on our Oregon coast bucket list and I’m so glad we made it happen! We chose the open top car, which I highly recommend for the 360 degree views. You can ride round trip from either station (we rode from the Rockaway beach station) and extend your layover if you want. +Open May 23- Sept 28th 2025 + 90 min ride + Cost: $32 adult, $24 child (...
southsoundfamily
370 likes • 12.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book enclosed cars early

Enclosed seating fills up fast, especially for popular routes. Book online in advance! Reddit :ticket:

☀️ Open car for best views

Highly recommend the open-top car for 360° views and wildlife spotting. Instagram :camerawithflash:

⏳ Allow ample time in Garibaldi

Don't rush your stop in Garibaldi; give yourself at least an hour to explore. Reddit :stopwatch:

🐦 Wildlife spotting is common

Keep an eye out for seagulls, eagles, and even whales along the coast. Instagram :bird:

🎶 Relaxing train sounds

Enjoy the soothing clack of the rails and the peaceful pace of the journey. Instagram :musical_note:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(229 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad for its stunning coastal scenery, friendly staff, and the unique experience of riding a historic train. Many highlight the joy of spotting wildlife and the relaxing, nostalgic atmosphere. Some suggest booking enclosed cars in advance and allowing sufficient time for layovers.

"A group of us stayed in a Rockaway Beach vacation home over the weekend and were looking for something fun to do together. We checked online and found the Fall Splendor Excursion train ride. It cost $32 per adult. We boarded in Rockaway Beach, stopped in Wheeler for 45 minutes, then rode it back to Rockaway Beach. The full ride was 2 hours 15 minutes long. We found out online that they were running their steam locomotive the weekend we were there and that was super cool.

The scenery was nice. We rode along the coastline, seeing beaches, towns and forests. Since it was a nice day, we rode in the open-air train car. We saw many birds including seagulls, great blue herons, egrets, cormorants, bald eagles and ducks.

The staff was super friendly, helpful and accommodating. They narrate part of the trip with local history and alerting riders when wildlife is present for viewing.

We bought our tickets once we boarded the train. Many riders bought them online beforehand. If you want an enclosed train car, I would recommend buying them online as those cars fill up fast.

We had a great time and are looking forward to riding to Garibaldi next time!"

Lori H

"This train ride was fantastic! I really missed the gentle relaxing feeling of riding a train, it was so soothing. I reserved the indoor seats because our tickets were for November and I didn’t want to be stuck in the rain but it was a beautiful day and half way through the ride we went outside to the open car close to the engine and with the sunshine, cool air and scenery it was beautiful. The bay front was gorgeous with seals, whales, bald eagles and more. This was a wonderful day!"

Runningwater Rollin

"Such a fun experience! My first true time on a train and it was gorgeous!! We took the 2 hr ride to Wheeler and back and loved every second! We enjoyed sitting in the open car and being surrounded by the gorgeous views!! We didn’t book online and went to the first departure on a Saturday morning and were able to buy tickets while boarding the train!"

Mj Borrego

What People Like

Beautiful coastal scenery
Friendly and informative staff
Relaxing and nostalgic ride

What People Dislike

Enclosed cars sell out fast
Short layover times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad operates from multiple stations, primarily Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach. Garibaldi is accessible via US-101, and Rockaway Beach is also along the coast. Parking is available at both stations. TikTokInstagram

Yes, both the Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach stations typically offer parking for visitors. It's advisable to arrive a bit early, especially during peak times, to secure a spot. Reddit

Public transportation options to the specific stations might be limited. It's generally recommended to drive or arrange private transport to reach the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. Check local transit schedules for potential bus routes. Instagram

Both Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach offer scenic routes. Garibaldi often serves as a hub for longer excursions, while Rockaway Beach provides convenient access for shorter trips. Consider your desired route and layover time when choosing. InstagramReddit

From Portland, take US-26 West towards the coast, then head north on US-101. Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach are well-marked along this highway. Use GPS for precise directions to your chosen station. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary depending on the excursion, duration, and seating class. Expect prices around $32 per adult for a 2-hour excursion, with special event trains like the Candy Cane Express potentially having different pricing. Reddit

Yes, you can often buy tickets when boarding the train, especially for less crowded departures. However, for popular enclosed cars or special events, booking online in advance is strongly recommended. InstagramReddit

Tickets can be purchased online through the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad's official website, or in person at the station on the day of your ride. Booking online is advised for guaranteed seating. Reddit

While specific coupons aren't always advertised, keep an eye on their website or local tourism sites for potential seasonal promotions or package deals. Group rates might also be available. Reddit

Cancellation policies can vary. It's best to check the specific terms and conditions when booking your tickets online or contact the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad directly for information on refunds or rescheduling. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

For unparalleled views, the open-top car is highly recommended. If you prefer comfort or are traveling in cooler weather, enclosed cars offer a pleasant experience, but book these early. InstagramReddit

Excursion lengths vary. Popular rides like the trip to Wheeler and back are around 2 hours, while others can be longer, such as the Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach round trip. Reddit

You'll see stunning coastal landscapes, beaches, forests, bays, and potentially abundant wildlife like seabirds, eagles, and seals. InstagramReddit+1

Accessibility can vary by car. It's best to contact the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad directly to inquire about specific accessibility features for their trains and stations to ensure a comfortable experience. Reddit

Layovers, such as in Wheeler or Garibaldi, offer opportunities to explore local shops, grab a bite to eat, or simply enjoy the town. Ensure you know the return departure time to avoid missing the train. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography. The open-top cars provide unobstructed views, ideal for capturing the scenery and wildlife. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The open-air cars are perfect for photography, allowing you to capture panoramic shots without window glare or obstructions. Instagram

You might spot seagulls, great blue herons, egrets, cormorants, bald eagles, ducks, and even seals or whales from the train. Reddit

The routes offer diverse photographic subjects, from rugged coastline and sandy beaches to lush forests and tranquil bays. Keep your camera ready for spontaneous wildlife sightings. Instagram+1

A versatile zoom lens is useful for capturing both wide landscapes and distant wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive coastal views. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance sky and water colors. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad is a fantastic outing for families. The Candy Cane Express during the holidays is a huge hit with children, offering Santa, festive treats, and a magical atmosphere. TikTok For regular excursions, the novelty of a real train ride is exciting for all ages. Consider the open-top cars for kids to have unobstructed views and a more engaging experience, but ensure they are supervised closely. Instagram

Allow ample time for layovers in towns like Garibaldi or Wheeler, giving children a chance to stretch their legs and explore. Reddit The narration about local history and wildlife can also keep younger passengers entertained and educated. Reddit Booking tickets in advance, especially for enclosed cars, is recommended to ensure comfortable seating for the whole family. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad presents a wealth of opportunities. The open-top cars are ideal for capturing unobstructed, panoramic shots of the coastline, forests, and bays. Instagram Morning and late afternoon light often provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting conditions for your photos. Instagram

Be prepared to capture wildlife sightings, from seabirds and eagles to seals. Reddit The routes offer diverse compositions, from sweeping ocean vistas to intimate forest scenes. Consider a versatile zoom lens to capture both wide landscapes and distant subjects. Instagram Special excursions like the Moonlight Trains offer unique opportunities for twilight and sunset photography. Instagram

❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways

A ride on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad can be a wonderfully romantic experience. Opt for a sunset or Moonlight Train excursion for breathtaking twilight views along the coast and bays. Instagram Sharing the scenic journey, perhaps with a picnic basket in an open-top car on a clear day, creates intimate moments. Instagram+1

Consider booking a ride that includes a layover in a charming coastal town like Rockaway Beach or Wheeler, allowing for a leisurely stroll and a meal together. Reddit The gentle rhythm of the train and the stunning natural beauty provide a perfect backdrop for a relaxing and memorable getaway. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of the Candy Cane Express

During the holiday season, the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad transforms into the enchanting Candy Cane Express. This popular excursion brings festive cheer to passengers with dazzling lights, seasonal treats, and a special visit from Santa Claus himself. TikTok It's a beloved tradition for families looking to create lasting holiday memories. The train travels a scenic route, making the journey as magical as the destination. TikTok

Booking tickets for the Candy Cane Express well in advance is crucial, as it's one of the most sought-after events. The festive atmosphere, combined with the unique experience of a holiday train ride along the coast, makes it a must-do for many visitors. TikTok The cheerful decorations and the joy of the season create an unforgettable experience for all ages. TikTok

This special train ride typically runs between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach, offering a delightful way to experience the Oregon coast during winter. The combination of holiday spirit and scenic beauty makes the Candy Cane Express a highlight of the year for the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. TikTok

Choosing Your Perfect Seat: Open vs. Enclosed Cars

When planning your trip on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, a key decision is whether to opt for an open-top car or an enclosed car. The open-top cars offer an unparalleled, immersive experience, providing unobstructed 360-degree views of the stunning coastal scenery. Instagram This is the ideal choice for photographers and nature enthusiasts eager to spot wildlife like seabirds, eagles, and seals in their natural habitat. Instagram+1

On the other hand, enclosed cars provide comfort and protection from the elements, making them a practical choice for those traveling during cooler months or if there's a chance of rain. Reddit While you won't have the same open-air immersion, the large windows still offer excellent views of the picturesque landscapes. Reddit It's important to note that enclosed cars tend to fill up faster, especially for popular routes and during peak seasons, so booking these in advance is highly recommended. Reddit

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and the weather conditions. For a truly memorable and scenic adventure, especially on a pleasant day, the open-top car is often the preferred option for its breathtaking vistas and connection to the environment. Instagram

Wildlife and Scenery Along the Route

The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad offers more than just a train ride; it's a journey through some of the most beautiful natural landscapes the Pacific Northwest has to offer. As the train winds its way along the coast, through forests, and beside tranquil bays, passengers are treated to a constantly changing panorama. Instagram+1 Expect to see sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and lush, green forests that define the Oregon coast. Instagram

This scenic route is also a haven for local wildlife, making it a fantastic opportunity for nature observation. Keep your eyes peeled for various seabirds, including seagulls and cormorants, as well as majestic bald eagles soaring overhead. Reddit Along the waterways and bays, you might spot great blue herons, egrets, and even seals basking in the sun. Reddit The narration provided by the train staff often highlights these sightings, enhancing the educational and enjoyable aspect of the journey. Reddit

Whether you're in an open-top car for a closer encounter or an enclosed car enjoying the views through the windows, the combination of stunning scenery and abundant wildlife makes every trip on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad a memorable experience. Instagram

You may also like