Dear Folks: Where are the very best places in California and Oregon for train spotting and train photography. Thank you all VEWenneker@AOL.com
Three places in southern California that should not be missed:
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Cajon Pass (Hill 582, if you’re lucky!).
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The Tehachapi Loop.
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The platform of the Amtrak station in Fullerton.
I’ll let the locals either amplify or shoot down these spots.
I’ve not been to northern California or Oregon for railfanning purposes, so I can’t help you there.
First, what makes it “best” - what are you looking for ?
Carl’s list has 2 of the top ones, anyplace.
I’ll add: Portland,Oregon - mix of urban & wooded, UP & BNSF, plus Amtrak’s Coast Starlight & Sounder services, Tri-Met’s LRV & Portland Streetcar, Doyle McCormack’s 4449, PA’s, and others when they’re out and about, plus a few shortlines, great ambiance and access, etc.
Columbia River Gorge - great scenery & views, esp. if you can broaden “Oregon” to include the opposite bank in Washington, Mt. Hood Scenic RR, & others.
Eastern Oregon - UP through the Blue Mountains.
Northern California - Keddie Wye, Feather River Canyon, UP’s ex-SP line through the Siskiyous.
Sacramento - California Rail Museum, plus UP traffic, CalTrain’s services, and Amtrak on the original TransCon over the Sierra Nevada via Donner Pass.
LA - Alameda Corridor, Metrolink, the subway-surface lines, Coast Line up to San Francisco.
San Diego - Surf Line down from LA.
I’m sure I missed or slighted some. Makes me want to go now, too !
- Paul North.
While you are heading toward the Gorge, use HWY 14 on the Washington side and stop at the Jack N Box in Washougal. You will be only a few yards from the main line. Or park in the parking lot of the Safeway. There are new signs up warning not to enter the area next to the track. They aren’t blowing horns in this area any more, which I find silly, but…
Definitely, drive through the Gorge. It’s truly a beautiful sight, even if you see not a single train.
Come to Cajon and stay at the Best Western in Cajon. The action is continual as you can watch trains go by while in the swimming pool at the motel.All the popular locations are 1 mile away in any direction.
As paul mentioned we could better answer if we knew what you are into. California / Oregon is a big area with lots of mainline action, colorfull shortlines and pleanty of tourist operations/ museums.
What areas do you plan on visiting?
(BTW Mickey- I have ate at that JB in Camas many times.)[;)]
That place has one saveing grace…its trackside location. Other then that the place is a overpriced dump. I have stayed there a dozen times and every time I tell myself never again, blood boiling. No offence fyrefyter, but I would never recommend that place myself.
I thought train spotting is what happens to your white shirt as that soot shooting steamer rolls by. [:D]
I thought train spotting is what happens to your white shirt as that soot shooting steamer rolls by. [:D]