Mount Hood Railroad in Hood River, Oregon

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Hood River, Oregon · Updated October 19, 2026 · 12 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesSpring, summer and fall trains, then The Polar Express Train Ride for the holidays

The Mount Hood Railroad is a century-old short line in Hood River that carries passengers from the Columbia River Gorge up through orchards, forest and the Hood River canyon, with Oregon's tallest peak showing between the trees.

  • Short line built in 1906
  • One of five U.S. switchbacks left
  • 3% grade along the Hood River
  • Views of Mt. Hood
  • The Polar Express Train Ride
  • Rail bike rides too

Mount Hood Railroad at a glance

Hours
Seasonal: spring train in April, summer train late May to early September (Wednesday to Saturday, 11:30 am in 2026), fall train after, then The Polar Express
Admission
Summer train 2026: adults $37 to $67, children 2 to 12 $27 to $67 by seat class; fall train from $29, spring from $27
Train rides
Round trip of about 2.5 to 3 hours with a layover at The Fruit Company; rail bike rides offered separately
Seasonal events
The Polar Express Train Ride, Spring Train, Summer Train, Fall Train, Fruit Valley Trolley
Plan for
About 2.5 to 3 hours
Best for
Families and anyone touring the Columbia River Gorge
Best ages
Ages 2 and up
Parking
Paid parking at the depot; the railroad strongly suggests buying it with your reservation
Accessibility
A tractor tram helps guests from the train to The Fruit Company; layover paths are pavement and gravel

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Mount Hood Railroad? 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 Hood River.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

A working short line from the Gorge to the orchards

The Mount Hood Railroad was built in 1906 to serve the Hood River Valley, and it still runs as a real short line railroad about 60 miles east of Portland. Most of its income now comes from passenger excursions, but a few small freight shippers still send several carloads a week down the line, so this is a working railroad as well as a heritage ride.

The route climbs out of the town of Hood River on the Columbia River Gorge and into one of Oregon's great fruit growing valleys. Leaving the valley floor, trains follow the lower main fork of the Hood River for about 3 miles on a 3% grade, steep for a railroad, and use one of only five switchbacks still in place in the United States to gain height. That piece of old mountain railroading is a big reason rail fans come.

The railroad was recently acquired by The Fruit Company, the Hood River orchard gift business that has turned part of its 1940s factory into an orchard gift shop and heritage museum at the far end of the ride. The pairing fits the railroad's long role in carrying the valley's fruit, and the trips now pause there for a layover among the orchards and vineyards.

Up the valley, a layover among the orchards, and back

Trains leave the depot at 110 Railroad Avenue in Hood River, where tickets are picked up at Will Call. The summer trip takes about 45 minutes each way, crossing and riding along the Hood River, working up the grade and switchback, with peek-a-boo views of Mt. Hood. Seating ranges from standard booths to parlor chairs at tables to premium and VIP booths with lounge car bar access.

At the far end, a layover of 45 to 60 minutes lets you walk to The Fruit Company gift shop and heritage museum or across gravel to Mt. Hood Winery; a tractor tram helps guests to The Fruit Company's door. The season changes the view: blossoming orchards in April, summer green, then fall color. The Fruit Valley Trolley combo pairs a one-way Gray Line trolley tour with a one-way train ride, and the railroad also runs rail bike rides.

Don’t miss

  1. The switchbackOne of only five railroad switchbacks still in use in the United States, where the train reverses direction to climb the valley wall.
  2. The Hood River canyonAbout 3 miles along the lower main fork of the Hood River on a 3% grade, the most dramatic stretch of the line.
  3. Views of Mt. HoodOregon's tallest peak appears in glimpses through the trees on the way up.
  4. The Fruit Company heritage museumPart of a 1940s-era fruit factory turned into a gift shop and heritage museum, a short walk from the layover stop.
  5. The Lounge CarVIP and Premium riders get bar access for the whole trip, with wine and beer for purchase.

Pajamas, orchards and a train that backs up the hill

For many families the main event is The Polar Express Train Ride in the holiday season, which the railroad says kids and adults both love. In warmer months the trip is a manageable 45 minutes each way, and the layover gives restless kids a chance to walk around the orchards and get a snack at The Fruit Company. Bringing your own picnic is allowed, though outside alcohol is not.

Everyone needs a ticket, including babies under 2, who need a lap child ticket. Child fares cover ages 2 to 12. Paths at the layover stop are a mix of pavement and gravel, so a rugged stroller or a carrier is easier than a small umbrella stroller.

Plan your visit: tips for Mount Hood Railroad

  • Buy parking when you book to save time at 110 Railroad Avenue.
  • Check your GPS: another Oregon town, Mt. Angel, has the same street address.
  • Pick up tickets at Will Call in the station; tickets are not mailed.
  • Order sandwiches ahead or bring a picnic; outside alcohol is not allowed.
  • Allow extra drive time from Portland when I-84 construction is underway.

In the holiday season the depot turns into the boarding point for The Polar Express Train Ride, which the railroad calls its Christmas magic experience. Storybook Glade, a Victorian homestead near The Fruit Company, is transformed into Santa's house for the Christmas train. Spring blossom trains in April and fall color trains round out the year. For other options, see our list of Christmas train rides in Oregon.

Owned by a Hood River fruit company

The Mount Hood Railroad is a private short line now owned by The Fruit Company, the Hood River orchard gift business, and staffed by its railroad crew. Visitors support it by riding the trains, booking rail bike trips, and visiting The Fruit Company's heritage museum during the layover. Questions go to customer care by phone or email.

Other rail stops toward Portland

The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad in Yacolt, Washington, is about 45 miles away. In Portland, roughly 57 to 58 miles west, the Oregon Rail Heritage Center shows off steam locomotive SP 4449, and the Washington Park and Zoo Railway is a hit with small kids. See the full list of Oregon train museums.

Every train museum in Oregon

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor of Rally the corgi dreaming about his toy turtle, green bone and yellow ball
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

A trip up this valley with a picnic and a stop among the orchards sounds like a day Rally would pack for. In our book he fills his suitcase with his turtle toy, his green bone and his yellow ball, because a train day needs the right gear. Kids heading to The Polar Express might pack their own favorite things the same way. My mom loved the little details like that. Read how her idea became a book on our story page.

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
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

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

Work or volunteer at Mount Hood Railroad?

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

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Mount Hood Railroad: 20 questions riders ask

Where is the Mount Hood Railroad depot?

The Mount Hood Railroad depot is at 110 Railroad Avenue in Hood River, Oregon 97031, about 60 miles east of Portland in the Columbia River Gorge. Make sure your GPS does not send you to Mt. Angel, which has the same street address. Tickets are picked up at Will Call inside the station.

Where does the Mount Hood Railroad go?

Trains leave Hood River and climb south into the Hood River Valley, crossing and following about 3 miles of the lower main fork of the Hood River on a 3% grade and using a switchback. The summer trip lays over near The Fruit Company and Mt. Hood Winery before returning, about 45 minutes each way.

Is there a Mount Hood Railroad route map?

A route map is not posted online. The railroad's website includes a Google Map link for the depot. The route runs from Hood River on the Columbia up the valley past orchards and forest toward the layover stop by The Fruit Company. Call (541) 387-4000 if you want details of the line.

How much are Mount Hood Railroad tickets?

Prices vary by trip and seat. For the 2026 summer train, adult tickets ran $37 for standard to $67 for VIP, and child tickets (ages 2 to 12) $27 to $67, as of October 2026. Fall trains start at $29 and spring trains at $27. Infants under 2 need a lap child ticket.

Is there a Mount Hood Railroad promo code or discount?

The railroad does not post a promo code or standing discount online. Join its email list through the contact form on mthoodrr.com, or follow its Facebook and Instagram pages, where special offers are most likely to appear. You can also call (541) 387-4000 to ask about group pricing.

How do I buy Mount Hood Railroad tickets?

Buy tickets online at mthoodrr.com, by phone at (541) 387-4000, or in person at the train station. Tickets are not mailed; pick them up at Will Call inside the station on the day of your trip. Everyone needs a ticket, including infants under 2, who need a lap child ticket.

What is the Mount Hood Railroad schedule?

Trains are seasonal. The spring train runs in April when the orchards bloom, the summer train from late May to early September, and the fall train after that. In 2026 the summer train left at 11:30 am on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The Polar Express runs in the holiday season. Check the upcoming excursions page.

How long is the Mount Hood Railroad train ride?

The summer excursion takes about 2.5 to 3 hours in total: roughly 45 minutes each way plus a 45 to 60 minute layover near The Fruit Company and Mt. Hood Winery. Arrive early enough to park and collect tickets at Will Call, and allow extra time for traffic on I-84.

Does the Mount Hood Railroad do The Polar Express?

Yes. The Mount Hood Railroad hosts The Polar Express Train Ride in the holiday season, which the railroad says captures the warmth and charm of Christmas for kids and adults. Listings show it running from about November into January. Book through mthoodrr.com, since popular dates sell quickly.

Is there a Mount Hood Railroad Christmas train to Santa's house?

Yes. During the holidays, Storybook Glade, a Victorian homestead near The Fruit Company surrounded by orchards, is transformed into Santa's house for the railroad's Christmas train. Families searching for the Mount Hood train to Christmas town are usually looking for this holiday trip and The Polar Express. Dates are on mthoodrr.com.

When is the Mount Hood Railroad fall train?

The fall train follows the summer season and shows off autumn color in the orchard valley, with fares from $29 as of October 2026. The railroad posts updates on expected peak color dates on its website through the fall, so check mthoodrr.com before you pick a day.

What are Mount Hood Railroad rail bikes?

The railroad also offers rail bike rides, pedal-powered carts that roll along its track, under the Hood River Railbikes name. Details, routes and prices are on mthoodrr.com, separate from the train rides. Rail bike guests are also welcome at The Fruit Company's gift shop and heritage museum.

Where do you park for the Mount Hood Railroad?

Parking is at the depot at 110 Railroad Avenue, and the railroad strongly encourages you to pay for parking when you make your reservation, which saves time on arrival. Double-check that your directions lead to Hood River, not Mt. Angel.

Can you see Mt. Hood from the Mount Hood Railroad?

Yes, in glimpses. The railroad describes peek-a-boo views of Mt. Hood, Oregon's tallest peak, as the train climbs out of the valley floor. How much you see depends on the weather and clouds, so a clear day is best for mountain views.

How old is the Mount Hood Railroad?

The Mount Hood Railroad was built in 1906 and describes itself as a century-old short line. It still carries a little freight, a few carloads a week for small shippers, though most of its revenue now comes from passenger excursions. It was recently acquired by The Fruit Company of Hood River.

Can you bring food on the Mount Hood Railroad?

Yes. You can bring your own picnic, snacks or drinks, but outside alcohol is not allowed. You can also order sandwiches ahead of time or buy snacks at the depot. VIP and Premium riders have Lounge Car bar access, and The Fruit Company sells food and drinks at the layover.

What is the Fruit Valley Trolley on the Mount Hood Railroad?

The Fruit Valley Trolley is a combo trip: you ride a Gray Line trolley through the valley one way and the Mount Hood Railroad train the other way, making a full round trip. As of October 2026 it starts at $64. Book it on mthoodrr.com.

What do Mount Hood Railroad reviews say?

Reviews are collected on Tripadvisor and social media. The railroad's own guidance covers the most common trouble points: allow time for I-84 traffic, prepay parking, check that your GPS points to Hood River, and pick up tickets at Will Call. For a complaint, use the customer service form on the contact page.

Is the Mount Hood Railroad good for kids?

Yes. Children 2 to 12 ride on child tickets, and the 45-minute legs are a manageable length. Kids enjoy the switchback, the river canyon and the layover among the orchards, and The Polar Express is a big holiday draw. Layover paths are pavement and gravel, so plan strollers accordingly.

How do I contact the Mount Hood Railroad?

Call (541) 387-4000 or email customercare@mthoodrailroad.com. The contact form on mthoodrr.com routes messages to customer service, marketing, media or travel industry sales, and the railroad says email replies usually take two to three business days, so call for anything urgent.

Keep exploring

More family train guides from Rally

Kelsey Cecil
Previous

Wheels O' Time Museum in Dunlap, Illinois
Next

Indiana Transportation Museum in Noblesville, Indiana