Photo by Chris Light, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
World Forestry Center
4.5· 423 Google reviews
About World Forestry Center
At the World Forestry Center in Portland’s Washington Park, a 1909 Class B‑42 Shay steam locomotive—nicknamed “Peggy”—operates on a short demonstration track amid historic forest‑themed exhibits. Visitors watch the restored engine, originally Stimson Lumber Company No. 1, traverse the display line while a log rests on railroad disconnect trucks, illustrating early Pacific Northwest logging railroads. The locomotive, housed under a protective roof since 2003, complements the museum’s interactive focus on forest sustainability.
At a Glance
Verified daily- Type
- Heritage railroad & tourist attraction
- Location
- OR
- Rating
- 4.5 ★ 423 Google reviews
- Upcoming
- Sat, Jul 18
Upcoming Events
Plan Your Visit
- Parking
- Paid lot
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
- Good For
- All ages
- Hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Find the Depot
The Trains
The World Forestry Center displays a 1909 Class B‑42 Shay steam locomotive, built by Lima Locomotive Works and originally numbered 1 by the Stimson Lumber Company. Nicknamed “Peggy,” the Shay served logging operations in Belfair, Washington, and Gaston, Oregon before retirement in 1950 and later relocation to the Center’s Washington Park site. No additional rolling‑stock details or route specifications appear in the available sources.
History
See full history
The World Forestry Center traces its origins to the 1905 Lewis and Clark Centennial American Pacific Exposition, when an enormous log cabin—advertised at the time as the world’s largest—was erected and later turned over to the State of Oregon as the Forestry Building. After the Forestry Building burned on August 17 1964, civic and industry leaders formed the Western Forestry Center, a nonprofit educational institution founded in 1964 (also recorded as 1966 in some registries). A fire‑resistant replacement designed by architect John Storrs opened to the public on June 5 1971 in Washington Park, and the site later added the World Forest Institute in 1989 to expand international forestry collaboration. The museum underwent a $7 million, six‑month renovation and reopened on June 30 2005 with updated interactive exhibits. Throughout its evolution the Center has remained a nonprofit organization dedicated to forest education and sustainability.
Around the Depot
Oregon's World Forestry Center is close to several rail stops: the Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation about 6 mi off, the Willamette Shore Trolley roughly 7 mi away, and the Canby Depot Museum about 17 mi out.
Vietnam Veterans of Oregon MemorialPark·★ 4.8 (300)2 min walkDirections →Great NorthwestAttraction·★ 4.4 (9)2 min walkDirections →Zoo shopGift Shop·★ 4.4 (8)2 min walkDirections →Cascade CrestMuseum·★ 4.8 (4)3 min walkDirections →Totem poleAttraction·★ 5 (2)3 min walkDirections →Nature Exploration StationAttraction·★ 5 (5)3 min walkDirections →
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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