Enjoy a festive 12-mile Christmas Train ride through Baker City's snowy landscapes with family, friends, and pets. Experience holiday magic aboard a historic steam train while exploring the lively Christmas Bazaar and parade.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness level required; suitable for all ages and mobility levels as the activity involves seated train travel.
Wildlife
History
The Sumpter Valley Railroad dates back to the early 1900s and was originally built for logging and mining transport, now preserved for nostalgic and tourist rides.
Conservation
The railroad carefully manages its historic equipment and embraces sustainable tourism practices to protect the fragile Oregon high desert ecosystem.
Sumpter Valley Railroad
Enjoy a festive 12-mile Christmas Train ride through Baker City's snowy landscapes with family, friends, and pets. Experience holiday magic aboard a historic steam train while exploring the lively Christmas Bazaar and parade.
Sumpter Valley Railroad operates heritage rail experiences in Sumpter, Oregon, offering a range of scenic and seasonal train trips that highlight the region’s mining history and natural beauty. Operating both diesel-powered short runs and extended journeys, the railroad provides family-friendly rides through the Sumpter Valley to the historic mining town of Sumpter.
Trips vary by length and theme: 40-minute diesel short runs cover approximately 6 miles round trip; longer 2.5-hour excursions travel about 10 miles round trip to Sumpter on a 12-mile route; seasonal offerings include Christmas trains, Halloween-themed rides, and fall foliage excursions timed to peak color. Many public rides welcome well-behaved pets, and special night or twilight runs are scheduled during holiday events.
Sumpter Valley Railroad also maintains an active volunteer membership program. Volunteers can help restore historic railcars, maintain track, or even assist with operating a steam locomotive under supervision. Membership benefits include newsletters, discounts, and complimentary train rides as described by the railroad.
The railroad’s operations emphasize historic preservation, community events, and authentic rail experiences that appeal to families, rail enthusiasts, and visitors exploring eastern Oregon. All descriptions, schedules, and participation details are provided by Sumpter Valley Railroad and reflect the railroad’s publicly offered trips and membership opportunities.
Route Lengths
6–12 miles
Short and long round-trip options
Trip Duration
40–150 min
From 40 minutes to 2.5 hours
Family Friendly
Pets welcome
Many rides allow well-behaved pets
Member Benefits
Volunteer memberships
Newsletters, discounts, free rides
Reserve short runs, long trips, or holiday trains — or apply for memberships to help preserve Sumpter Valley Railroad's living history.
Dress in Warm Layers
Winter temperatures in Baker City can be chilly; layering helps you stay comfortable during the evening train ride.
Arrive Early for the Christmas Bazaar
Give yourself extra time to explore the Saturday market and enjoy the festive parade and tree lighting before boarding.
Bring a Flashlight
Paths at the station and around the bazaar might be dimly lit, so a flashlight ensures safer navigation after dark.
Pet-Friendly Adventure
Well-behaved pets are welcome onboard, but make sure they are comfortable with other guests and loud sounds.
Warm Jacket
Keeps you insulated against cold temperatures during the evening train ride.
winter
Comfortable Footwear
Essential for walking around the bazaar and station area safely and comfortably.
Camera or Smartphone
Capture festive scenery, parade moments, and train heritage during your adventure.
Flashlight or Headlamp
Helpful for navigating dimly lit areas during early evening rides or events.
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