These scenic trains from Seattle deserve a spot on your bucket list.
You can hop on a train in Seattle and visit a Bavarian mountain town, pass through the Cascade Mountains, visit magnificent national parks, head to the beach, or ride all the way to Chicago. These incredible scenic trains from Seattle offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Read on for our top 8 scenic train trips from Seattle!
1. Los Angeles, CA
Want to escape Seattle’s gray weather? Take Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train from Seattle to Los Angeles. This train route departs from Seattle daily and takes 35 hours, giving you time to relax and enjoy stunning views of the Cascade mountain range and the Pacific coastline. Book your trip on the Coast Starlight here.
2. Vancouver, BC
The Amtrak Cascades route provides two daily round-trip trains between Seattle and Vancouver, BC. You’ll soak up views of the Pacific Northwest on your way to the exciting city of Vancouver: a perfect weekend getaway. Get tickets on the Amtrak website—and don’t forget your passport!
3. Calgary, AB
Amtrak’s Seattle and Canadian Rockies Winter Discovery route takes you from Seattle to Calgary. This nine-day train ride gives you breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies and includes breaks for you to explore Vancouver, Jasper National Park, and Sulphur Mountain. Book your Winter Discovery trip here.
4. Leavenworth, WA
This is one of the most classic scenic train rides in Washington State. Take this route and enjoy the rugged Cascade Mountains and the Skykomish River. If you’re looking for a true winter wonderland, we recommend visiting Leavenworth’s Christmastown during December. You can also go in the fall for Oktoberfest fun, or head there this summer to be among the first to try the new alpine rollercoaster. An Amtrak train heads to the Bavarian town from Seattle each Saturday.
5. Glacier National Park
Experience the rugged splendor of the American West. This route between Seattle and Chicago gives you the opportunity to enjoy majestic views, and pass through some major natural beauties. If you decide to go all the way to Chicago, you’ll enjoy a 46-hour long train ride that passes through Spokane and Minneapolis. You don’t have to go all the way though; hop off at the Glacier National Park and revel in the glorious sights of this wondrous park.
6. Snoqualmie Valley Railroad
Hop on the Snoqualmie Valley Railroad and enjoy a historic and mesmerizing 5.5-mile ride through the Upper Snoqualmie Valley. This 1880s Seattle Lake and Eastern Railway is a 90 minutes scenic ride between North Bend and Snoqualmie Falls. Enjoy incredible views and a unique historic experience on board. We recommend checking their website for more info on schedules and calendar updates.
7. Chehalis River Valley
Travel back to the 1920s aboard the beautifully restored Chehalis-Centralia Railroad, and enjoy a scenic ride through the Chehalis River Valley. Ride through the beautiful Lewis County countryside, and enjoy fascinating views of wooded forests, old farmsteads, country homes, and tranquil nature sites. The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad serves as both a train and a museum, and it offers various schedules, routes, and fares. We recommend visiting their website and choosing the best one for you!
8. Vance Creek Railriders
Want to try something a little different? This rare experience offers a unique scenic “train” ride for all visitors, where you can pedal through the amazing Olympic Peninsula aboard the Simpson Logging Company Railway. This expedition is perfect for nature enthusiasts, birders, cyclists, and rail fans that are looking to get out in nature.