Looking for good destinations for a train-watching road trip

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

Hello everyone,

I’m planning a road trip for probably late next year, mainly as an opportunity to get out there and experience something (train-related) other than what I’m used to in Chicago and the southeast. I’m currently in the Chicago suburbs, and considering anywhere (especially westward) I haven’t been before (except for the south or any inner cities). Cannot under any circumstances cross an international border as I’m not willing to get my passport renewed until I’m planning an international trip. Most likely traveling alone. Unsure of how much time I’ll have in total, but won’t be shorter than a couple of weeks.

My philosophy for road trips is to take my time and enjoy the trip. No need to rush, but unnecessary delays are to be avoided. I have no problem taking side roads when there’s a good reason to. Generally, I want to enjoy both the trip and the destination.

My general requirements are:

Multiple opportunities for good shots at most hours

Reasonably well-lit

Busy enough that I’m not bored, but not so busy that I’m scrambling

Reasonably populated area (nearby gas stations, hotels, restaurants, etc.)

Safe area in terms of crime

ATCS coverage

Visible signals nearby

Decent cell reception

Enough space to set up and tailgate without getting in anyone’s way

Somewhere not too busy in terms of passersby and background noise.

Opportunities to chase trains with reasonable chances of catching up

Other things to do within reasonable driving distance preferred, but not necessary.

For stops on the way:

Must be within a half hour’s drive from the main route

Busy enough to justify a stop of about 2 hours

Legal and preferably free parking close to the ac

2

Follow the UP & BNSF transcons out and backin a loop, connecting with a N-S coal line like BNSF (Colorado) or along the Mississippi.

3

Agree with the loop idea BUT what do you want to see?

BNSF to the coast would be on my list but I am a GN fan. If you do this, a must stop is Issack Walton Inn at Essex MT which is still helper base for eastward climb over the Rocky Mtns. “The funnel” between Sandpoint and Spokane is very busy two main track line and you could catch the new long bridge under construction at Sandpoint.

If you go to Wenatchee, there is a full horseshoe curve up Lynch Coulee, just west of Quincy. Take the road up the Coulee from Trinidad. From Wenatchee, which is where I grew up, you could go to Stevens Pass up and back in a day. I personally would not go to the big cities of Seattle, Tacoma, and Portland. I have NO need to take any chances with the rioters. If you do go to Seattle, eat at least one meal at Ivars. There are several in town but the one on the waterfront is the mother church.

If you stay east of the Puget Sound lowland, then drop south to Pasco, where BN has a large and active former NP hump yard, and you will drive right past the MILW Beverly Bridge over the Columbia River on the way. From Pasco go down the Columbia to the end of the Columbia River Gorge. This is a stupendous geologic feature as the river passes through the Cascade Mountains, which average 4-5,000 feet high, at an elevation of about 50 feet. Busy BNSF and UP single track main lines on both sides of the river. Slow but scenic state highway on north side. Freeway on south side. Motel at The Dalles or Hood River.

Now can sort of follow the Inside Gateway to Klamath Falls and the Keddie Wye then east following WP/SP to Ogden, then UP to Cheyene. Nice museum in the Cheyene depot. You could also follow UP to Napa, Pocatello, and Granger then into Cheyenne.

If you are interested in the Powder River Basin coal lines, I would go east to them from here, or you could go there first from Chicago, then to Sheridan and Billings, passing the Custer Battlefield as you go. It is worth an hour or two stop and is jus

4

One location I would recommend is Fort Madison, IA. Although not near a major interstate or highway, it meets all your other general requirements. The former Santa Fe transcon between Aurora, IL and Kansas City crosses the river there over a swing bridge. VRF has installed a couple of cameras there that are hosted by a hotel; they have become the most popular cameras in their network because of the nearly non-stop rail AND BOAT action. Look it up on YouTube…

5

Winslow, AZ is on I-40. See the December issue of Trains. Have a meal in the Turquoise Room at the La Posada and watch the BNSF from your window seat. Then sit outside for as long as you wish for more action.