Experience a magical 6-mile Christmas Train ride through Oregon's winter woods. Enjoy festive bazaars, parades, and holiday lights on this nostalgic adventure in Sumpter.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels since the main activity is a seated train ride with minimal walking.
Wildlife
History
The Sumpter Valley Railroad was originally built in the early 1900s to support gold mining and logging industries in the region.
Conservation
Sumpter Valley Railroad actively supports preserving the area's natural beauty by promoting responsible tourism and environmental stewardship during all seasonal operations.
Sumpter Valley Railroad
Experience a magical 6-mile Christmas Train ride through Oregon's winter woods. Enjoy festive bazaars, parades, and holiday lights on this nostalgic adventure in Sumpter.
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 warmly in layers
Temperatures can drop significantly on the evening train ride; layering helps you stay comfortable.
Arrive early for the Christmas Bazaar
Give yourself time to explore festive stalls and local vendors before boarding the train.
Bring cameras for twilight shots
Capture the beautiful parade and Christmas Tree lighting as the sun sets over the Sumpter Valley.
Watch your step on snowy platforms
Platforms and walkways may get icy; wear shoes with good traction to avoid slips.
Warm jacket
Keeps you comfortable during chilly evening rides through snowy landscapes.
winter
Comfortable shoes with traction
Helpful for safely navigating potentially icy train platforms and walkways.
winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture festive moments like the Twilight Parade and Christmas Tree lighting.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated before or after your ride, especially if exploring nearby areas.