I don't know if this is the right place to ask but here goes...
Does anyone know anything about the Lewis & Clark Explorer Train? Does it really cost $70 r/t? Weren't the tickets available through Amtrak a couple of yrs. ago? Is it packed with kids in August and therefore, to me, not a particularly pleasant ride? In short, is it recommeded? As a day trip, or stayover?
Posted by rresor (Member # 128) on :
The trip is $74 round trip, and tickets are available through a travel agency in Astoria. I don't have the link handy.
I've read that the trip is very pleasant. Food is available on board for sale, and the train is scheduled to allow several hours in Astoria -- although the locals would be happy for you to stay over. There is a historic trolley in Astoria, as well as the site of Ft. Clatsop, where the Lewis & Clark party wintered in 1804-1805. The trip itself is said to be scenic.
I'll be riding on July 8, during the NRHS convention. I took a pass on their trip Tuesday with a bus return, so I could go both ways by train. It's also $15 cheaper than the NRSH trip.
Posted by chrisg (Member # 2488) on :
Supposedly this is the last year the Lewis & Clark Explorer train will be offered. I believe the equipment may even be for sale. If any of this is untrue - blame the Visitor Center attendant in Astoria who gave me this info. Was recently vacationing along the Oregon Coast. For someone who lives in the Northeast and endures Northeast Corridor prices, the $74 round trip doesn't sound all that bad - granted you don't get 125 mph running time, but the scenery should be pretty good on the Explorer train.
As an FYI - the train actually departs from a station just outside of Portland - not Portland Union Station. I believe though, there's a bus connection between Portland Union Station and where the train actually departs. May want to check this out if you haven't already.
Posted by MPALMER (Member # 125) on :
Yes, this is the last year. Chris G's travelogue captures the highlights of the trip.
We rode the train on Monday, June 6 (just last week). Tickets are now sold through TicketsWest.com. We had no problem buying them a couple weeks early and getting mailed to the L.A. area.
We lucked out: the day before, the lead RDC (with the galley) conked-out en route, and they were an hour late getting back to Portland.
We had a rental car, so we had no difficulty getting to the train. If one were to rely on Bus Transit they should check with the local transit authority before heading out.
The Explorer trip is listed in Amtrak's Cascades timetable (on the back, along with the bus to Astoria), but as mentioned above there is no association with Amtrak anymore.
Top speed is 30 mph ... but if you like RDCs, scenic river valleys, rare mileage, and have several hours available: Go For It!
I also heard that the RDCs are for sale, available immediately after the season ends in early October.