Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad in Garibaldi, Oregon

Oct 19

Garibaldi, Oregon · Updated October 19, 2026 · 12 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesFall Splendor trains to November 15, 2026; Candy Cane Express from November 27

The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad is a nonprofit heritage railroad and museum that rescues and runs rare logging locomotives, carrying riders along the Tillamook Coast on narrated trips between Garibaldi, Rockaway Beach and Wheeler.

Nonprofit logging railroad museum
Over 30 miles of active track
Large historic steam fleet
Depots in Garibaldi, Rockaway, Wheeler
Kepner Memorial Collection
Rent the bay window caboose

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad at a glance

Hours: Train dates vary by season; main office open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm in summer, 10 am to 4 pm in winter
Admission: Varies by trip: Halloween Coast Train from $25, Candy Cane Express from $23 (2026)
Train rides: Steam or vintage diesel excursions from Garibaldi, Rockaway Beach and Wheeler; round trip included in fare
Seasonal events: Fall Splendor Excursion, Halloween Coast Train, Candy Cane Express, School Days
Plan for: 1 to 2.5 hours depending on the trip
Best for: Families on a North Coast getaway and logging railroad fans
Best ages: All ages; the one-hour trains suit toddlers best
Accessibility: Wheelchair lift at the Garibaldi depot only; not at Rockaway Beach or Wheeler

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

Contact and directions

Address306 American Avenue, Garibaldi, OR 97118(opens in a new tab)
Phone(503) 842-7972
Emailinfo@oregoncoastscenic.org
Websiteoregoncoastscenic.org(opens in a new tab)

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Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Oregon Coast Scenic 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 Garibaldi.

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.

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

Keeping the logging railroads of the coast alive

The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit built around one mission: to educate about, preserve and restore the logging railroad heritage of the Pacific Northwest. Rare logging equipment is lost every year, so the railroad seeks those pieces out, repairs them with hard-won expertise and puts them back to work where the public can ride behind them.

That makes it an unusual kind of museum. It keeps static displays of engines and artifacts, but its real exhibit hall is a train moving along the coast, with car hosts telling the story of the area, its wildlife and why conservation matters on Oregon's North Coast. The line uses Tillamook County's historic railroad infrastructure, running from the Tillamook Air Museum blimp hangar south of Tillamook through Garibaldi, Rockaway Beach and Wheeler, where the tracks turn east into the Coast Range.

The collection grew significantly when OCSR bought the collection of Fred Kepner. Born in 1947, Kepner founded the Great Western Railroad Museum in the late 1970s and saved more than a dozen steam locomotives and other equipment. Some of his pieces will move on to new homes, but those that stay with OCSR form the Kepner Memorial Collection, kept at the shops in Garibaldi and Tillamook. Volunteers, from car hosts to firemen and engineers, keep the trains running.

Three depots and a train along Tillamook Bay

Most trips start at the Garibaldi Depot, on the southbound side of Highway 101 across from Dairy Queen and next to Lumberman's Park. A second depot sits beside the red Visitor Information caboose in Rockaway Beach, and a third in Wheeler on the Nehalem Bay side of the highway across from the Old Wheeler Hotel. Ticket prices include both the outbound and return trips.

Trains are pulled by one of the historic steam locomotives or a vintage diesel, and the cars range from historic coaches to table cars and open air cars. The ride follows the coast with views of the bay, the ocean side towns and the tall timber of the Coast Range. Special trips have run beyond the regular route to Wheeler, the Nehalem River and into the Salmonberry River canyon.

Don’t miss

The steam fleetOCSR describes a large historic steam fleet, rare logging engines brought back to running order by its crews.
The Kepner Memorial CollectionLocomotives saved by Fred Kepner of the Great Western Railroad Museum, now kept at OCSR's Garibaldi and Tillamook shops.
The open air carsThe best seats for coastal views and the sound of the locomotive up front.
The bay window cabooseA former freight caboose that small groups can rent for a private ride.
The Rockaway Beach depotNext to the red Visitor Information caboose, the start for the Halloween Coast Train.

Costumes, cocoa and a short ride by the sea

The special trains are the most kid friendly: the one-hour Halloween Coast Train from Rockaway Beach has trick or treating on board, apple cider and encouragement to wear costumes, and the one-hour Candy Cane Express brings hot chocolate, cookies, carols and Santa on a steam-powered train. Both are listed for all ages.

The regular Fall Splendor trip runs about two and a half hours, which suits older kids better than toddlers. In May, School Days bring classes for field trips with historic narration and a talk from one of the engineers. For wheelchairs, only the Garibaldi depot has a lift.

Plan your visit: tips for Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

Check which depot your train leaves from; the Halloween train boards at Rockaway Beach.
Need a wheelchair lift? Board at Garibaldi.
Groups of 20 or more get 10% off the entire order.
A season pass gives unlimited rides on selected excursions and 10% off merchandise.
Trains sell out fast, so book online ahead.

Autumn and winter bring the railroad's most popular family trains. The Halloween Coast Train runs from Rockaway Beach in late October with trick or treating and costumes, and the steam-powered Candy Cane Express runs from late November to just before Christmas with cocoa, cookies, carols and Santa. See our guides to Halloween train rides in Oregon and Christmas train rides in Oregon for more.

Volunteers who learn to fire and run steam

OCSR is a tax-exempt nonprofit that depends on dedicated volunteers and public support. It trains newcomers with no experience as car hosts, conductors, firemen and engineers. You can help by volunteering, buying a season pass or gift card, shopping the online store, or donating toward a second wheelchair lift and the upkeep of the line.

More rail stops beyond the Tillamook Coast

The Astoria Riverfront Trolley is about 44 miles north. Inland, the Willow Creek Railroad Museum and the Oregon Electric Railway Museum share Powerland in Brooks, about 57 miles away. See all Oregon train museums to plan a longer trip.

Every train museum in Oregon

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor of Rally the corgi looking out an arched train window at the ocean and a white bird — From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

This railroad runs right along the coast, and that is the view I painted most carefully in our book. Rally sits by an arched window, sees the ocean and greets a white bird, and his whole little body wiggles. I can picture kids here doing the same thing as gulls lift off the bay. My mom always said the best part of a train is the window. Our coloring pages include that window scene.

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

Train museums in Oregon: every museum by town, with a map
Train museums in every state: search by town or near you
Christmas train rides in Oregon
Halloween train rides in Oregon
Every Amtrak route with kids

Work or volunteer at Oregon Coast Scenic 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.

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad: 20 questions riders ask

Where is the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad located?

The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad is based at the Garibaldi Depot, 306 American Avenue, Garibaldi, Oregon 97118, on the Tillamook Coast. The depot sits on the southbound side of Highway 101 across from Dairy Queen, next to Lumberman's Park. Trains also board at Rockaway Beach and Wheeler on some trips.

Where is the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad Garibaldi station?

The Garibaldi station is at 306 American Avenue, Garibaldi, OR 97118, on the southbound side of Highway 101 across from Dairy Queen and beside Lumberman's Park. It is the only depot with a wheelchair lift, and it is home to the railroad's main office, which answers calls at (503) 842-7972 on weekdays.

Where is the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad Rockaway Beach station?

The Rockaway Beach depot is beside the red Visitor Information caboose along Highway 101 in Rockaway Beach. The railroad lists a nearby address of 103 S First St on one page and 125 Oregon Coast Hwy on another, so look for the caboose. There is no wheelchair lift here. The Halloween Coast Train departs from this depot.

Where is the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad Wheeler station?

The Wheeler depot is on the Nehalem Bay side of Highway 101, across from the Old Wheeler Hotel. Nearby addresses given by the railroad are 580 Marine Drive and 495 N Hwy 101, Wheeler, OR 97147. There is no wheelchair lift at Wheeler. Check your ticket to see whether your trip boards here.

What is the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad schedule?

The railroad runs regular trains on the coast in the warmer months and special event trains through the year. As of October 2026, the Fall Splendor Excursion runs October 2 to November 15, the Halloween Coast Train October 24 to 30, and the Candy Cane Express November 27 to December 23. The train ride calendar on oregoncoastscenic.org has exact times.

How much are Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad tickets?

Prices depend on the trip. As of October 2026, the Halloween Coast Train starts at $25 and the Candy Cane Express at $23. Listings describe other fares as starting around $20. Ticket prices include both the outbound and return trip. Check current fares when you book online at oregoncoastscenic.org.

Is there an Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad promo code?

The railroad does not post a promo code online. Groups of 20 or more get 10% off their entire order, and a season pass gives unlimited rides on selected excursions plus 10% off merchandise. Season pass holders also hear early about special event trains.

What is the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad route?

The railroad has over 30 miles of active track. Its line runs from the Tillamook Air Museum blimp hangar south of Tillamook through Garibaldi, Rockaway Beach and Wheeler, where the tracks turn east into the Coast Range. Regular trains run mainly between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach, with special trips to Wheeler, the Nehalem River and the Salmonberry River canyon.

Is there an Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad map or PDF?

A downloadable route map is not posted online. The website gives directions and Google Map links for all three depots in Garibaldi, Rockaway Beach and Wheeler. For a map of the line, call the office at (503) 842-7972 or email info@oregoncoastscenic.org.

How long is the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad ride?

It depends on the trip. The Fall Splendor Excursion lasts about 2.5 hours, while the Halloween Coast Train and the Candy Cane Express each last about an hour. Charters can be arranged for different lengths, since the railroad has over 30 miles of track to work with.

Does the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad have a Christmas train?

Yes. The Candy Cane Express is a festive steam-powered trip with hot chocolate, cookies, Christmas carols, a decorated train with lights and a visit with Santa. In 2026 it runs November 27 to December 23, lasts about an hour, and starts at $23. Book early on oregoncoastscenic.org.

Does the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad have a Halloween train?

Yes. The Halloween Coast Train is a kid friendly, one-hour ride from Rockaway Beach with a decorated train, trick or treating on board and complimentary apple cider. Costumes are highly encouraged. In 2026 it runs October 24 to 30, with fares from $25.

Is the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad pulled by a steam engine?

Often, yes. Trains are pulled by one of the railroad's historic steam locomotives or a vintage diesel, and the Candy Cane Express is billed as steam powered. Groups chartering a whole train can choose steam or diesel. If steam matters to you, ask when booking which engine is planned.

What locomotives are on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad roster?

The railroad describes a large historic steam fleet of logging locomotives plus vintage diesels, and it added the collection of Fred Kepner's Great Western Railroad Museum, which saved more than a dozen steam engines. A full roster is not posted online; check oregoncoastscenic.org or the Facebook page for engine details.

Is the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad worth it?

For families on the North Coast, it is an easy way to see the bay and coastline from a historic train, with car hosts sharing local history and wildlife facts. The one-hour holiday trains suit young children. Ride along Tillamook Bay, then explore Garibaldi or Rockaway Beach.

Where do you park for the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad?

The railroad does not post parking details online. The Garibaldi depot sits next to Lumberman's Park on Highway 101, and the Rockaway Beach depot is along the highway by the red caboose. Call (503) 842-7972 to ask where to park for your departure.

Is the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad wheelchair accessible?

Partly. The Garibaldi depot has a wheelchair lift, but the Rockaway Beach and Wheeler depots do not. The railroad is working toward full ADA access and is raising money for a second lift. Riders who need the lift should book trips that board in Garibaldi and call (503) 842-7972 ahead.

Can you rent a caboose on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad?

Yes. Small groups can rent a bay window caboose that once ran on freight trains, ideal for small birthday parties or couples. As of October 2026, the rate is $450 for a round trip on regular excursions, with special excursion pricing varying. Whole passenger cars holding 40 to 90 people and entire trains can also be chartered.

How can I volunteer with the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad?

OCSR welcomes volunteers with no experience and trains them. It needs museum docents (car hosts) and conductors, and its volunteer form also lists fireman and engineer roles. Fill out the form on the contact page or email info@oregoncoastscenic.org.

What other train museums are near the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad?

The Astoria Riverfront Trolley is about 44 miles north. The Willow Creek Railroad Museum, Oregon Electric Railway Museum and Powerland Heritage Park collections in Brooks are about 57 miles away, and Portland's rail sites are roughly 60 miles east.

Keep exploring

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Kelsey Cecil