2013 U.S. Go Congress

Reservations: 888-STEAM11

The longest continuously operating steam train railroad in the Pacific Northwest, the MRSR is the result of one man’s passion to preserve a colorful slice of America’s heritage. As a young man Tom Murray, Jr. first heard the unforgettable sound of geared locomotives working on the steep wooded hillsides of his father’s timber holdings. Mr. Murray was a hands-on witness to the closing days of steam locomotive logging in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. He resolved to do whatever he could to save for posterity some of the relics of that unique and colorful experience.

In February, 1980 the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad (more commonly known as the Milwaukee Road) shut down their lines in Washington including their 66-mile branch from Tacoma to Morton. The rail line was acquired by Weyerhaeuser Timber Company, and a deal was soon struck between Tom Murray, Jr. and good friend George Weyerhaeuser giving the newly formed Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad access to a portion of the line for tourist train service.

Today the MRSR is indebted to Tom Murray and a host of volunteers who turn out to operate and maintain our vintage rolling stock. More than 90 percent of the crews who keep the trains rolling are volunteers. And they are the heart and soul of the organization. Each year thousands of passengers step aboard a MRSR train as it is the only tourist attraction in the area between Mount Rainier National Park and Mount St . Helens National Monument that is capable of providing an activity to over 500 guest daily.

Directions:

From Seattle, Tacoma,Olympia and other areas to the north, follow Interstate Hwy 5 to Hwy 512 toward Puyallup. Exit 1 mile to State Highway 7 to Elbe . Approximately 40 miles directly located on Hwy 7, which is also known as Mountain Highway.