A friend and I are planning a train watching trip to Roseville CA. Would appreciate any suggestions for train watching sites. We’re also interested for input going north of Roseville possibly as far as Shasta Lake, or east to Truckee (is there enough traffic to make that worth while?). This will be November, so I know snow can be an issue heading to Truckee. Also, any good spots between Sacramento and Roseville are appreciated.
Finally, would be interested in any lodging suggestions along the tracks.
Thanks in advance.
The surest source would be to “channel” Steinhimer; if that fails, Dick Dorn, of the many winter, often snow fighting, Northern Ca. mag. stories, should you converse, may be an unexcelled source.
But I’ll try a couple of suggestions.
If an Altamont Press CALIFORNIA REGION-----
Flash: A local air show going on, 1535 hrs Sept 27th, PST, flew a DC4, circling my house; I haven’t seen one since…Idlewilde was a decade away from becoming JFK airport; what a together, no nonsense, but close to graceful design, a wonderful sight …and sound, about, I guess, 1200 feet above the house
…CALIFORNIA REGION TIMETABLE if one is available, get it; it will be valuable.
Maps: get 'em
Weather; feet of snow fell this week in the high country. Wisconsincy, snow, wind, and severe winds, I think you are confident won’t beat you, tough fight, maybe? Consider that Sierra mountain grades cause the DOT. and CHP to require chains on your rental cars tires: did I suggest that you rent a 4- or all-wheel drive vehicle?
Lodging?
Hotels in Truckee if you want to hear 'em and see 'em.
Check a map. ----Roseville Road is in close proximity to the tracks most of the way between Sacramento and Roaeville.----In Roseville: Atlantic Street between Taylor Street and Jefferson Street is a popular location.-- The various shop areas can be viewed from several locations along Church Street.-- The AMTRAK Station-- Parking Lot off the east end of Pacific Street is along the Y.–Good views of the Sierra Blvd Overcrossing (an unusual arched concrete structure) from Lincoln Street.--------- North of Roseville: An often forgotten location is Binney Junction in Marysville (the crossing of the WP & SP) Easiest access is on the west side from Ellis Lake Blvd/18th Street. Because it is the crossing of two main lines there is more RR traffic than other locations north of Roseville. --------- I think going up Highway 70 to Portola (better scenery and Railroad views for most of the route and generally easier access to viewing locations: James, Feather River Canyon, Pulga, Williams Loop, Keddie, and the Railroad Museum) would be more interesting than going to Shasta. The Thompson Flat Cemetery in Oroville is a peaceful spot for train watching (excellent view of Railroad bridge over lake Oroville.) But I’m biased toward the WP ------------If you are interested in Hobby shops, Railroad Hobbies (open 7 days) on Vernon Street in Roseville and Western Depot (open Mon-Sat) in Yuba City are both worth a visit. -------------------The Feather River Canyon Highway Route (Hwy 70) was once designated Alt 40 because it usually remains open when 40 (now Interstate 80) over Donner is closed.
Thanks–appreciate the information. Have printed out and will definitely use.
Thanks for the replies–really appreciate all the information.