Eagle Cap Excursion Train in Elgin, Oregon
Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesRides Mother's Day and selected Saturdays, May through October
The Eagle Cap Excursion Train carries riders along the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers on a roadless section of the Joseph Branch, a 63-mile line that two counties bought and saved from abandonment.
- First full season in 2004
- Roadless track, Elgin to Minam
- Wild and Scenic Wallowa River
- Elgin Depot built in 2012
- 1938 Budd car in the consist
Eagle Cap Excursion Train at a glance
- Hours
- Rides on Mother's Day and selected Saturdays, May through October; depot hours vary
- Admission
- Prices vary by trip; see trip descriptions. A 6% booking fee applies online
- Train rides
- Scenic excursions between Elgin and Minam, Mother's Day through October
- Seasonal events
- Mother's Day ride
- Plan for
- Several hours; see trip descriptions
- Best for
- Scenery lovers, rail fans and families with patient kids
- Best ages
- Ages 4 and up
- Parking
- Ample parking at the Elgin Depot; motor coach parking at the north end
Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.
Contact and directions
- Address300 Depot Street, Elgin, OR 97827(opens in a new tab)
- Phone(541) 437-3652
- Emailtickets@eaglecaptrainrides.com
- Websiteeaglecaptrainrides.com(opens in a new tab)
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Taking the kids to Eagle Cap Excursion Train? Bring Rally along.
In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Elgin.
Rally Takes the Train
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How two counties bought back the Joseph Branch
The Joseph Branch is a 63-mile railroad linking Elgin, Wallowa, Enterprise and Joseph with the Union Pacific at La Grande. In 1993 Union Pacific sold it to Idaho Northern & Pacific as part of a package of area lines, but UP kept the right of way between La Grande and Elgin, which ruled out passenger service. Freight to Joseph ended by 1996, and in April 1997 the Surface Transportation Board approved abandonment beyond Elgin.
After years of debate over whether the line could be saved, Union and Wallowa Counties formed an intergovernmental partnership. The Oregon Legislature put in $2 million toward buying the line and some rolling stock, and the counties borrowed the balance from the state's economic development department. The purchase from Elgin to Joseph closed on March 31, 2002, and the new Wallowa Union Railroad Authority put its crews to work in December 2003.
Freight and the new excursion train shared track and crew in the early years, and 2004 was the excursion train's first full season. When the recession hit, the authority leased an unused part of the line to Union Pacific from 2009 to 2011 to store surplus lumber cars, and that income was enough to pay off the loan.
In 2012 a new Elgin Depot went up in a style that recalls the original, with a ticket office, gift shop and historical railroad artifacts. The Friends of the Joseph Branch support the line, and the ride has been featured on Grant's Getaways for Travel Oregon and KGW TV.
Down the Grande Ronde, up the Wallowa
Trips leave the Elgin Depot at 300 Depot Street and run on the roadless section of track between Elgin and Minam. The train follows the Grande Ronde River downstream past rugged cliffs and timbered ridges, then turns up the Wild and Scenic Wallowa River, country you cannot see from a car. Rail fans, wildlife watchers and history buffs all find something to look at out the windows.
The consist is a small history lesson of its own: a Budd car built in 1938 for the Santa Fe, a 1947 Great Northern coach later converted to a table car and now used as the dining car, a 1947 Illinois Central Pullman coach and a 1962 Southern Pacific baggage car, pulled by one of the railroad's two 1950s GP-type diesels. Before boarding, the depot's artifacts and gift shop are worth a look.
Don’t miss
- The roadless canyon between Elgin and MinamNo highway follows this stretch, so the train is one of the few easy ways to see it.
- The Wild and Scenic Wallowa RiverAfter running down the Grande Ronde, the train turns up this protected river.
- The 1938 Budd carBuilt for the Santa Fe and later used by New Jersey Transit and the Cotton Belt before coming to the Joseph Branch.
- The Dining CarBuilt in 1947 as a Great Northern coach and later converted to a table car, it now serves riders on the line.
- The Elgin DepotBuilt in 2012 to echo the original depot, it holds the ticket office, gift shop and railroad artifacts.
A river ride kids can watch from the window
The railroad says a train ride puts a smile on passengers of all ages, and the river canyon gives kids plenty to spot. Trips are a few hours long, so this suits children who can sit and watch scenery for a while; check trip descriptions for lengths and pick the one that fits your family. The Elgin Depot has restrooms and indoor and outdoor waiting areas for the time before you board.
The ride's contact page lists kennels in Joseph and La Grande for pet day care, so plan ahead if you are traveling with a dog.
Plan your visit: tips for Eagle Cap Excursion Train
- Book online; the schedule is under Ride the Train on the website.
- If you call the depot and get voicemail, leave a detailed message and a reservationist will call back.
- Groups can reserve whole passenger cars on scheduled rides, or charter the train.
- Arrive early to look at the depot's railroad artifacts and gift shop.
A rail authority and its friends
The Wallowa Union Railroad Authority, a partnership of Union and Wallowa Counties, owns and operates the line, and the Friends of the Joseph Branch support it. A small reservations team at the Elgin Depot handles bookings. Riders help most by buying tickets, reserving cars for group outings, chartering the train and shopping in the depot gift shop.
More Eastern Oregon and Washington rail
The Sumpter Valley Railroad is about 59 miles away and makes a fine second train day. Farther afield, the Northern Pacific Railway Museum in Toppenish is about 128 miles, and Yakima Valley Trolleys about 143 miles. See every Oregon train museum to plan more stops.
Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive
Riders here spend the trip with their faces turned to the river, and that is exactly where Rally ends up in our book: nose near an arched window, ears up, saying hello to a white bird over the water. My mom imagined Rally loving the view more than anything. If your kids are just starting with train stories, our train books for toddlers list is a gentle place to begin.
Free for train families
Print the Rally coloring pages before you go
Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.
Get the free coloring pages
A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)More for train families
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- Train museums in every state: search by town or near you
- Christmas train rides in Oregon
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- Every Amtrak route with kids
Work or volunteer at Eagle Cap Excursion Train?
We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.
Sources
- Eagle Cap Excursion Train official website(opens in a new tab)
- Eagle Cap Excursion Train on Facebook(opens in a new tab)
Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.
Eagle Cap Excursion Train: 20 questions riders ask
What is the Eagle Cap Excursion Train?
The Eagle Cap Excursion Train is a heritage scenic train in Northeast Oregon that runs on part of the historic Joseph Branch. Trips leave Elgin and follow the Grande Ronde River downstream, then travel up the Wild and Scenic Wallowa River on a roadless stretch of track toward Minam.
How do I buy Eagle Cap Excursion Train tickets?
Book online by choosing Book Online from the website's main menu, or call the Elgin Depot at 541-437-3652 or email tickets@eaglecaptrainrides.com. As of October 2026, a 6% FareHarbor service fee is added to online bookings. If your call goes to voicemail, leave a detailed message.
How much does the Eagle Cap Excursion Train cost?
Prices depend on the trip, and the railroad lists them on its Trip Descriptions page rather than as one fare. As of October 2026, online bookings add a 6% service fee. Check eaglecaptrainrides.com for current fares or call the Elgin Depot at 541-437-3652.
What is the Eagle Cap Excursion Train schedule?
The train runs on Mother's Day and selected Saturdays from late spring through October, with occasional midweek dates noted by the Wallowa County Chamber. The full season schedule is posted under Ride the Train, then Schedule, on eaglecaptrainrides.com. Check it before planning a trip.
Where does the Eagle Cap Excursion Train leave from?
Every trip departs from the Elgin Depot at 300 Depot Street, Elgin, Oregon 97827. The depot was built in 2012 in a style that recalls the original and has a ticket office, gift shop, restrooms, waiting areas and railroad artifacts, plus ample parking.
What will I see on the Eagle Cap Excursion Train?
The train follows the Grande Ronde River downstream through rugged cliffs and timbered ridges, then turns up the Wild and Scenic Wallowa River. The track between Elgin and Minam has no road beside it, so the canyon views are hard to reach any other way.
Does the Eagle Cap Excursion Train follow the Grande Ronde River?
Yes. The first part of the trip runs downstream beside the Grande Ronde River from Elgin, through rugged cliffs and timbered ridges. The train then turns to follow the Wallowa River upstream toward Minam before returning.
Is there a map of the Eagle Cap Excursion Train route?
The route runs on the Joseph Branch between Elgin and Minam in Union and Wallowa Counties. The full branch is 63 miles, linking Elgin, Wallowa, Enterprise and Joseph with La Grande. For a route map and trip details, see the Trip Descriptions page on the railroad's website.
What tours does the Eagle Cap Excursion Train offer?
The railroad offers several excursion choices each season, described under Ride the Train, then Trip Descriptions, on its website. Groups can reserve entire passenger cars on scheduled rides, and the whole train can be chartered for special events on dates you choose.
Where can I see Eagle Cap Excursion Train photos and reviews?
The railroad's Facebook page posts photos from the season, and 7Idea Productions filmed a fall ride you can watch on YouTube. The train was also featured on Grant's Getaways, the Travel Oregon and KGW TV show. Travel sites carry rider reviews.
How long is the Eagle Cap Excursion Train ride?
Trip length depends on the excursion you choose, and the railroad lists details for each one on its Trip Descriptions page. All trips run the scenic river section between Elgin and Minam. Call 541-437-3652 to ask which trip fits your schedule.
Is the Eagle Cap Excursion Train good for kids?
Kids who enjoy looking out the window at rivers, cliffs and wildlife usually do well, and the railroad says a train ride puts a smile on passengers of all ages. Trips take a while, so bring snacks and something quiet for younger children.
Is there a Mother's Day train in Elgin, Oregon?
Yes. The Eagle Cap Excursion Train runs a Mother's Day ride each year, which opens its season. Mother's Day seats are a popular gift, so book early through the website or by calling the Elgin Depot at 541-437-3652.
What train cars does the Eagle Cap Excursion Train use?
The equipment includes a Budd car built in 1938 for the Santa Fe, a dining car built in 1947 as a Great Northern coach, a 1947 Illinois Central Pullman coach and a 1962 Southern Pacific baggage car. Two 1950s GP-type diesel locomotives serve the line.
Can I book a group or charter on the Eagle Cap Excursion Train?
Yes. Groups can reserve entire passenger cars on scheduled rides, and the whole train can be chartered for special events on dates of your choosing. Motor coach parking is available at the north end of the depot. Call 541-437-3652 to arrange it.
Can I bring my dog on the Eagle Cap Excursion Train?
The railroad does not post a pet policy online, but its contact page lists Paws and Claws Kennel in Joseph and Countryside Kennels in La Grande for pet day care. Call the Elgin Depot at 541-437-3652 to ask before you bring a dog.
When did the Eagle Cap Excursion Train start?
The excursion train's first full season was 2004. Union and Wallowa Counties had bought the line between Elgin and Joseph on March 31, 2002, and the Wallowa Union Railroad Authority began operating it in December 2003.
Who owns the Eagle Cap Excursion Train?
The Wallowa Union Railroad Authority, formed by Union and Wallowa Counties, owns and operates the line. The Oregon Legislature contributed $2 million toward the purchase, and the authority later paid off its loan by leasing unused track for lumber car storage from 2009 to 2011.
Does the Elgin Depot have a gift shop?
Yes. The Elgin Depot has a gift shop along with the ticket office and historical railroad artifacts. It is open before train rides and on a varying schedule during the season, so call 541-437-3652 if you want to stop by on a non-ride day.
What train rides are near the Eagle Cap Excursion Train?
The Sumpter Valley Railroad is about 59 miles away in McEwen and Sumpter. In Washington, the Northern Pacific Railway Museum in Toppenish is about 128 miles, Yakima Valley Trolleys about 143 miles, and the Inland Northwest Rail Museum in Reardan about 145 miles.
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