Photo by Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives, via Wikimedia Commons (Attribution)
Mount Hood Railroad
About Mount Hood Railroad
Riding the Mount Hood Railroad delivers a scenic 22‑mile journey through the Hood River Valley, departing from Hood River and winding south to Parkdale. The train follows the river, traverses a historic switchback—one of only five still operating in the United States—and passes orchards, farmland, and vistas of Mount Hood and Mount Adams. Passenger excursions share narrated historic commentary, while rail‑bike tours let riders explore the same track on pedal‑assist cycles.
At a Glance
Verified daily- Type
- Heritage railroad & tourist attraction
- Location
- OR
- Rating
- 4.5 ★ 2,698 Google reviews
- Upcoming
- Thu, Jul 16
Upcoming Events
Plan Your Visit
- Parking
- Paid lot
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
- Hours
- Monday: ClosedTuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PMSunday: Closed
Find the Depot
The Trains
Beyond the locomotive-hauled excursion, the railroad runs motor-assisted railbikes and the Fruit Valley Trolley, and its route crosses a historic switchback in the Hood River Valley.
History
See full history
The Mount Hood Railroad line is first laid in 1906, reaching Dee, Oregon, and is extended to its present southern terminus at Parkdale in 1909. Union Pacific acquires the line in 1968 and operates it primarily for fruit shippers and the Dee lumber operation until declining freight leads the railroad toward abandonment. Local investors purchase the railroad from Union Pacific in 1987 and introduce passenger‑excursion service to supplement the dwindling freight traffic. In 2008 the line changes hands again, sold to Permian Basin Railways, a subsidiary of Iowa Pacific Holdings, and after Iowa Pacific defaults on a $5 million loan the railroad enters receivership in 2019. A local investment firm, Mount Hood Capital Investments LLC, acquires the railroad in January 2022 and announces plans to retain existing management while expanding freight operations.
Around the Depot
Oregon's Mount Hood Railroad winds through orchard country and river canyon — a scenic ride worth a full half-day.
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.
Browse nearby tours →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.