Oregon Pacific Railroad in Portland, Oregon
Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesSaturday excursions in season; check current schedule before you go
The Oregon Pacific Railroad is a family-owned short line in the Portland area that has spent decades welcoming rail fans aboard, with Saturday train rides along the east bank of the Willamette River.
- Family owned and operated
- Rides along the Willamette River
- Open-air car and vintage coach
- Molalla Branch built in 1912
- Two divisions near Portland
Oregon Pacific Railroad at a glance
- Hours
- Saturday excursions in season; check the railroad's train rides site or Facebook page
- Admission
- Fares not posted on the official site; a travel guide lists $15 to $17
- Train rides
- Saturday rides from the Oregon Rail Heritage Center along the Willamette River; season dates vary
- Plan for
- About 1 hour including boarding
- Best for
- Young kids and Portland families
- Best ages
- Toddlers to age 10
Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.
Contact and directions
- WherePortland, Oregon(opens in a new tab)
- Phone(503) 659-5452
- Emailbrianmccamish@msn.com
- Alsorasopr@gmail.com
- Websiteoregonpacificrr.com(opens in a new tab)
Follow Oregon Pacific Railroad
Look inside the book
Taking the kids to Oregon Pacific 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 Portland.
Rally Takes the Train
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A family short line that kept its doors open to rail fans
The Oregon Pacific Railroad is owned by Richard "Dick" Samuels and run by members of his family, including his sons Tim, Brian and Craig. It took over two struggling branch lines from Southern Pacific and Union Pacific and built them into a working freight business, calling itself "Oregon's Progressive shortline Railroad."
The East Portland Division runs from the East Portland Yard to the railroad's shops in Milwaukie, using what remains of the Portland Traction Company's Boring branch along some of the city's most scenic riverside track. The Molalla Branch Division operates about 7 miles between Canby and Liberal on a line Southern Pacific first built in 1912. Although it is mainly a freight railroad, the OPR is known for its friendly attitude toward the public, and it has honored longtime volunteer engineers and conductors such as Fred E. Rouse and Christopher McLarney, who both died in 2015.
Along the Springwater Corridor by diesel
Public rides have departed from and returned to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, following the Springwater Corridor on the east side of the Willamette River through Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge and past Oaks Amusement Park. Riders can choose an open-air car for the breeze or a vintage air-conditioned coach, pulled by a historic diesel locomotive. The railroad also owns three cabooses and a roster of diesels documented on its website.
Don’t miss
- The open-air carThe best seat for feeling the river breeze and watching for birds in Oaks Bottom.
- Oaks Bottom Wildlife RefugeThe route passes through this riverside refuge on the Springwater Corridor.
- The historic dieselOPR excursions are pulled by vintage diesel power from the family's fleet.
Short rides that suit little ones
Travel guides describe the excursion as a short ride out along the river and back, which is a good length for small children. Kids can sit in the open-air car to see the wildlife refuge and Oaks Amusement Park go by, and since rides start at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, families can look at the steam locomotives there too. Confirm current times and fares before you go.
Plan your visit: tips for Oregon Pacific Railroad
- Buy tickets online; in recent seasons the railroad has sold tickets only through its online link.
- Check the railroad's Facebook page for the latest schedule, since its website is updated less often.
- Pair the ride with a visit to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, where it departs.
- For charters, special events or film locations, call the business office at 503-659-5452.
The Samuels family and its volunteers
The OPR is owned by Dick Samuels and run by his family, with a crew of volunteers who serve as engineers and conductors. The railroad says it is dedicated to preserving local railroad history and has been generous to rail fans and preservation groups. Riding the Saturday trains, booking a charter and following its Facebook page are the best ways to support it.
Portland's other rail stops
Saturday rides have started at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, so plan time for its steam locomotives. The Willamette Shore Trolley is about 8 miles away, and Pacific Northwest Live Steamers about 28 miles in Molalla. Browse train museums in Oregon for more.
- Portland Vintage Trolley historical collectionPortland, OR · about 5 mi
- Washington Park & Zoo Railway historic collectionPortland, Oregon, OR · about 5 mi
- Oregon Rail Heritage CenterPortland, OR · about 6 mi
- Willamette Shore TrolleyLake Oswego / Portland, OR · about 8 mi
- Pacific Northwest Live SteamersMolalla, OR · about 28 mi
- Chelatchie Prairie RailroadYacolt, WA · about 31 mi
Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive
A railroad run by one family, with a dad and his sons at the controls, feels close to my heart. In our book, a conductor in a blue uniform reaches out his hand and Rally steps aboard with Mom and Dad close behind. My mom dreamed up that welcome years ago, and it is still the page my kids turn to first. Read how it began 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
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 Pacific 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
- Oregon Pacific Railroad official website(opens in a new tab)
- Oregon Pacific Railroad 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.
Oregon Pacific Railroad: 20 questions about Portland train rides
What is the Oregon Pacific Railroad?
The Oregon Pacific Railroad is a family-owned short line freight railroad in the Portland area with two divisions, the East Portland Division and the Molalla Branch Division. It is also known for welcoming the public with Saturday train rides along the Willamette River.
Where do Oregon Pacific Railroad train rides leave from?
Travel guides say the rides depart from and return to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center in Portland. Wikipedia describes the Saturday excursions running between the Oregon Rail Heritage Center and Oaks Amusement Park. Confirm the boarding location when you buy tickets.
What will I see on an Oregon Pacific Railroad train ride?
The route follows the Springwater Corridor on the east side of the Willamette River, passing through Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge and by Oaks Amusement Park before returning. Riders can sit in an open-air car or a vintage air-conditioned coach pulled by a historic diesel.
When do Oregon Pacific Railroad train rides run?
The railroad has run Saturday passenger trains for many years, and in 2021 its season began in early April. One travel guide lists service from late June through mid-October. Seasons vary, so check the OPR train rides website or Facebook page for current dates.
How much are Oregon Pacific Railroad train ride tickets?
The railroad's main website does not post fares. A scenic railroad guide lists prices of about $15 to $17, but treat that as a rough guide and check the railroad's train rides website for current prices before you go.
How do I buy Oregon Pacific Railroad tickets?
In recent seasons the railroad has asked riders to buy tickets online through the link on its Train Rides website. For questions about public rides, the railroad lists the email brianmccamish@msn.com. Its Facebook page carries the latest updates.
How long is the Oregon Pacific Railroad train ride?
Guides describe it as a short excursion along the east bank of the Willamette River out past Oaks Amusement Park and back to the starting point. The railroad does not post an exact running time online; ask when you book.
Is the Oregon Pacific Railroad ride good for toddlers?
It is a good fit for young children because the trip is short and there is plenty to see, from the wildlife refuge to the amusement park. The open-air car is fun on warm days, while the air-conditioned coach is a calmer choice for nappers.
Does the Oregon Pacific Railroad have an open-air car?
Yes. Travel guides describe an open-air car for riders who want the breeze, along with a vintage air-conditioned coach for those who prefer comfort. Both are pulled by a historic diesel locomotive. On a hot day the coach is the cooler choice, and on a mild day the open car gives the best views.
Who owns the Oregon Pacific Railroad?
Richard "Dick" Samuels owns the railroad, and it is run mainly by him and his sons Tim, Brian and Craig Samuels, with help from volunteers. The railroad describes itself as a true family owned and operated short line.
What is the history of the Oregon Pacific Railroad?
The OPR took over two branch lines from Southern Pacific and Union Pacific and grew them into a working freight business. Its website celebrated 30 years of common carrier service from 1991 to 2021. The Molalla Branch it operates was first built in 1912 by Southern Pacific.
Where is the Oregon Pacific Railroad's East Portland Division?
The East Portland Division runs from the East Portland Yard to the railroad's shops at Milwaukie, along the Willamette River. It uses the remains of the Portland Traction Company Boring branch and mostly carries freight between the Milwaukie Industrial Park and Union Pacific.
What is the Oregon Pacific Railroad Molalla Branch?
The Molalla Branch Division runs about 7 miles of track between Canby and Liberal, Oregon. The line was originally built in 1912 by the Southern Pacific. It is a freight operation, and public rides are centered on the Portland side.
Can I charter an Oregon Pacific Railroad train?
Yes. The railroad's business office handles special events, charters, train rentals and film locations. Call 503-659-5452 and leave a message if there is no answer, or email the business office at rasopr@gmail.com. Give your preferred date, group size and the kind of event you have in mind.
Does the Oregon Pacific Railroad have cabooses?
Yes. The railroad's roster lists three cabooses owned by the OPR or stored on its property, along with its diesel locomotives and maintenance equipment. The roster pages on its website have photos and details for rail fans.
Is the Oregon Pacific Railroad a museum?
No, it is a working freight short line rather than a museum, but it has long supported railroad preservation and offered public rides. For museum exhibits, visit the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, where the Saturday rides have departed.
How do I report a problem on Oregon Pacific Railroad tracks?
For cars blocking crossings, damage to track or equipment, or suspicious activity on OPR property, call the railroad's emergency number, 503-936-4199. For routine business and ride questions, use the business office line, 503-659-5452, and leave a message if no one picks up.
Is the Oregon Pacific Railroad ride accessible?
The railroad does not describe accessibility online. Since riders can choose between an open-air car and a coach, call 503-659-5452 or message the railroad's Facebook page to ask about boarding with a wheelchair or stroller.
How can I keep up with Oregon Pacific Railroad news?
The railroad says its Facebook page has the latest updates, photos and videos. Its website holds older news archives from 2008 to 2014 and roster pages, but the Facebook page is the best place for current ride dates.
What other train attractions are near the Oregon Pacific Railroad?
The Oregon Rail Heritage Center is where rides start. The Willamette Shore Trolley is about 8 miles away, Pacific Northwest Live Steamers in Molalla about 28 miles, and the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad in Yacolt, Washington about 31 miles.
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