About Lake Whatcom Railway
The Lake Whatcom Railway is a recreational passenger steam train ride departing from Wickersham, a former logging and shingle hamlet on State Route 9 in southwestern Whatcom County, Washington. Trains roll along a corridor first laid by the Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railway in the early 1890s, and the operation is recognized among the American railroads still preserving and running locomotives from the storied American Locomotive Company.
At a Glance
Verified daily- Type
- Heritage railroad & tourist attraction
- Location
- WA
- Rating
- 4.3 ★ 41 Google reviews
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for Lake Whatcom Railway. Many heritage operators publish schedules seasonally or run on regular open hours instead of dated events.
Check the operator’s website for current hours and special runs, or subscribe to event alerts and we’ll email you when something is scheduled.
Plan Your Visit
- First Departure
- 11 AM
- Accessibility
- Accessible parking
Find the Depot
The Trains
The Lake Whatcom Railway is one of the regional and tourist railroads in the United States where locomotives of the American Locomotive Company lineage still work, and a preserved Alco steam engine is among the equipment on the line — company in that distinction with the likes of the Nevada Northern Railway and the Durango and Silverton. An Alco RS-1-derived diesel belonging to the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad was also documented operating on the Lake Whatcom Railway in 1989.
History
See full history
The railway operates on one of Whatcom County's pioneer rail corridors. In 1890, settler William Wickersham donated 40 acres to the Virginia Land & Townsite Company for a railroad right-of-way, and the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railway was built through the community that took his family's name, complete with a station the railroad agreed to maintain for 20 years; by 1901 the line connected west to Park on Lake Whatcom. Wickersham grew on logging and shingles before fading with the lumber industry. The Lake Whatcom Railway, a recreational passenger steam train line, has carried on the corridor's railroad tradition — after disagreements about rights-of-way in the 1980s, the starting point of its excursions was moved to Wickersham, where trains still depart today.
Around the Depot
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
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Tours & Activities Nearby
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
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