We took our family on the Christmas with the Clauses train ride at Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad, and it was pure holiday magic from start to finish, hands down the most charming and heartfelt Christmas experience we've had in a long time, even better than the Polar Express! The talented cast brought the Kringle family to life with incredible costumes, engaging backstories, and nonstop interaction that had our kids (and us adults) laughing and singing the whole time; the violinist added such a beautiful touch, while Santa and Mrs. Claus made every child feel special with personal visits, delicious hot cocoa, gluten-free cookies, and adorable take-home cups. The festively lit vintage train chugging through the snowy Cascade foothills felt like stepping into a cozy mountain wonderland, this is already our new annual tradition, highly recommend for families seeking genuine joy and enchantment! read more

The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad is a must-visit, via the vids I watched, this is a nonprofit heritage railroad offers scenic train rides through the beautiful Pacific Northwest landscape. Another last minute spontaneous visit, an Instagram reel led me here on the day before our trip, but the bad news is last minute kine plans are not the greatest for this one, since we didn't get to go on the railroad. The reel/vids looks amazing and the reason for this visit was to see Fall, and the railroad ride would have been so perfect. FYI, It is best to check info. online for updates. on the website for tickets and railroad info. When we made the drive out, we just took a chance since the updated info. wasn't posted yet and I called numerous times on the way there but no answer. When we arrived the staff mentioned that the online info. has been updated. The next event will be a Christmas holiday theme one. All in all, although it didn't work out, I had a great time, making the most out of this visit, exploring this part of town, Elbe. I am still adding this to my must do/visit list the next time I visit the PNW, but for now I'll just live by all the social media posts. read more

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We enjoyed our time on the train, but the main problem is where the train goes. The people were nice, the train was comfortable, but the train just doesn't have scenic views. For a train enthusiast, it's worth it any way. We got tickets last minute after we finished up early in Mount Rainier. It is super cool to see a functioning steam engine, and you get some great up close views. The train cars have roomy seats that you can flip around to face each other. There are no assigned seats, but there was plenty of room when we went. The staff are very nice, and seem so happy to be working on the train. We took the train to Mineral. It travels through the woods and past some rivers. We saw bear tracks! At the end, it stops at a railroad depot. You can see another train, and if you look from the right direction you can see a view of Mount Rainier. The whole trip takes an hour and fifteen minutes. If you have young ones or train enthusiasts, it's great! But for $40 per person and no real views, it won't be worth it for everyone. You can get much better views by driving into the National Park. read more

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This is a nice little attraction that needs to grow. My wife and I were looking for a day trip to add to our YouTube channel when we found this. We live in Tacoma and Elbe is an hour south from us. The drive to Elbe is probably more scenic than the actual train ride was. We actually had some glorious views of Mount Rainier on our drive to the train. Once you get to Elbe, the vibe is cool. This isn't a small town, this is a micro town, and your best bet is to make a day of it. The train ride itself was pretty relaxing, and they give you some good historical information while you're riding along but I felt like the 75-minute ride was a bit overpriced for what you get. Eric the conductor was entertaining and made the trip more enjoyable. The train follows some old logging route and that means that your scenic views are mostly of local resident's private property. You see some old rotting vehicles, some horses, some shacks and dilapidated mobile homes among other things. When you get further down the tracks, you see the Nisqually river and some pretty dense forest. When you arrive in Mineral, there is what appears to be a train museum that they mentioned will be opening soon and they did tease about longer train routes becoming available in the future. The prospect of being able to visit those upcoming attractions made the $34 ticket price feel worth it to give to the cause but if they raise the price for those other options in the future, I'm not sure I'll go back. I understand that they work off of donations and volunteers as much as they do selling tickets but their price point is at its limit in my opinion for what you get. Before or after your train ride, visit the Elbe Market and the train themed restaurant nearby for a bite. That way you're not driving all the way out there for just a short train ride to see trees. Thanks for reading. read more

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My wife bought two Lounge Car tickets for the Steam Train ride at the Mt Rainier Scenic Railroad. We had such a great time! Our Lounge Car Host was excellent and very friendly. He tended to everyone's needs. We will take other excursions soon! read more

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Easy online booking. Reasonable price per person. Fun to watch the train steam before getting onto it. The ride itself is decent . Not much scenery - just lots of forest and two short river views. Thought we would actually see rainier hence the name but no rainier to be seen on the train ride. The ride is 30 minutes each way. Decent one time experience but not sure id be back. read more

For context--I'm from NYC and not easily impressed... but this experience was fantastic. My partner surprised me with it as a birthday gift, originally planning for us to ride the full track before the bridge was sadly lost to arson. While we couldn't go the entire route, the trip was still a blast. We had tickets to the dining car, which included complimentary drinks and snacks, plus the freedom to roam the train. The staff were incredibly friendly, and the mix of historic tidbits and beautiful scenery made the whole journey memorable. I'm already looking forward to returning--whether it's when the museum opens in the preserved logging village, for a special event, or to ride the opposite direction. I visited on 6/28 and didn't catch their names. But kudos to both the newer employee working the refreshment stand and the emcee with the long beard. They made the whole experience even better! read more

A fun 90 minute trip on an authentic steam train. The ride goes through the woods to Mineral, and then back again. The only negatives are that the seats are too close together for a party of 4 to sit comfortably, and that there are very limited snacks and drinks on the train. Otherwise, it was a pleasant way to step back into time. read more

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I was a bit shocked to read some of the other reviews because we had a wonderful experience, but then realized we may have had a completely different one based on where we sat and time of day. I can see it not being as enjoyable in the evening if it is dark outside. But for our party of two tables had a nice time in the afternoon despite the rain. Brought some pizza from next door and had a lovely violin player come to our table on the train. Santa's star gazer friend sat with my kids and gave them each individual attention, but was also telling us jokes. One of the conductors came through and was quite funny as well. I personally wasn't a fan of the hot chocolate, but I also wasn't expecting much. The kids wanted to get out at the other station, but we weren't allowed to do so. read more

SAVE YOUR MONEY. The Christmas with the Clauses experience was extremely disappointing and did not deliver what was advertised. Santa stopped by our table for maybe 30 seconds just to hand out a cheap snowflake ornament. There were no singing carols, no storytelling, and no real interaction. The "live performance" consisted of about six people in costumes walking up and down the train saying hello. Hot chocolate was barely a quarter cup. When we arrived at the "North Pole," there were just a few people waving, one fire dancer in front of the train, and someone in the distance doing aerial arts--mostly just hanging there. We paid for first class, and it was a complete waste of money. My kids are at the perfect age for this to have been magical, and even they left disappointed. This felt like false advertising and was nowhere near worth the cost. read more

Do you like trains, do you like old steam trains? Then this is for you. And if not you gotta go and experience this. It's an awesome ride and young and old had a great time. During the fall the leaves are in full color, and the other nature views are beautiful too. Got a day trip to plan, then go for this! You will have a good time. read more

My dad has always loved trains. Where I grew up the trains stopped running in 1988. But I grew up hearing stories of how my family would take the train to our weekend cottage and how they would put pennies on the track to be flattened. Well, my dad came to visit us and we decided to take him here, and the smile it put on his face was amazing. It was a great tour that I would recommend for enjoyers if locomotives. read more

This experience has potential to be very cute and holiday related. we attended after Thanksgiving around 3:30, so it was still light out and no snow. the train provides what I can only describe as a tour of backcountry hidden meth labs. the performances while on the train, were cute, but when we stopped at the turn around spot, we wait in the train and watch carnival type performances, but can't hear anything because they're outside and you're in the train. While the people who worked there are very witty and nice, I don't know that the circus acts are quite aligned with Christmas. In addition, I think there's opportunity to over decorate the train cars with garland on the ceiling, lights, anything over the top decorations, really anything more than 2 Christmas trees in the car. More picture moments within the train to make the experience more memorable. read more

The kids had a blast, and everyone we met on the train was in complete awe of the scenery. I had high hopes we would see more of Mt Rainier. I don't know that I'd go again, but do suggest it to family/friends visiting from out of town to check out. The views of Alder lake are stunning and if you're not from around here the experience is well worth it. read more

Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad - Taking photos of the train before boarding. - Trains Near Me - Elbe, Washington

Honestly, It was pretty lame. There was not really any views, not the "scenic railroad" it says it was, but just an experience of a stream train. Not worth the amount of money we paid. If you have kids, might be best to hear the steam, but another than that. Big thumbs down. read more

Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad - The train - Trains Near Me - Elbe, Washington

So full disclosure I didn't actually ride the railroad, but my mom and I saw the train when driving to and from Rainier when passing through Elbe. My mom was curious about it but we didn't realize the train ACTUALLY leaves the station - we went to get coffee across the street and when we came out the train was gone! We went across the street to the station which is also a gift shop, and they told us the train costs $34 regular admission to ride or more if you get a fancy package which comes with a drink etc. The train leaves on the hour with the last one at 3 or 4p. They said it makes a big circle and you do get a great view of Mt. rainier. We didn't feel $34 was justified just to ride and the last train of the day had just left so we didn't get a close look. All this said - if you want to just get a view of rainier without actually hiking or driving into the park, this would be a good option! read more

This train trip was absolutely not worth the time or money. It was not scenic at all, and the only view during the entire ride was a five-second glimpse of Mount Rainier. Otherwise, you stare at people's backyards, dense forests, or busy roads. Additionally, the train does not go to Mineral, despite what it says. Instead, it goes to a maintenance facility where you have to stay on the train and wait for it to turn around and start its trip back. The only reason I'm giving this two stars is because the train itself is pretty cool. Otherwise, this is a huge waste of money and time and a perfect example of false advertising. read more

Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad - This was the view out the window for most of the trip. - Trains Near Me - Elbe, Washington

Waste of time , drove 2hrs for 4oz of watered down hot chocolate and a stale cookie , and a 45 min ride , lights were flickering the atmosphere was awful. read more

My husband and I have done the Polar Express for a couple years with Mt. Rainier and they changed it this year to Christmas with the Clauses. We were really dissapointed. They always play the background music to loud when they are telling a story over the speakers so you cannot hear what they are saying. They did not really engage the customers as much as they did with the Polar Express ride. The Santa was not dressed the the traditional Santa. The train was so wobbly we felt sea sick and the hot cocoa was super watered down. There is definitly some room for improvement on this one. We won't be returning to this next year. read more

Did the christmas train ride and was a bit disappointed. Our hot cocoa was watered down and about 4oz of an 8oz cup. We were told piping hot sugar cookies and it was prepackaged chocolate chip cookie. We couldn't even get off the train to see the "Kringle Mining Camp." For the price we paid it felt a bit of a let down. read more

don't waste your money and time we traveled for about 2 hrs to experience the " polar express" but it was honestly horrible performance was -0/10 hot chocolate tasted like straight up trash water cup wasn't even full to say the least paying all this money for something i could have done myself at home they will never see me again! please practice your performance before trying to put a show for everyone. read more

We rode the polar express and what a celebration of the movie and Christmas too! The entire staff was terrific and Santa was extra special. A must-do for the children of any age. We will be back next year. read more

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This was an enjoyable experience especially on a beautiful sunny perfect temperature day. Now I'm not going to say it was really exciting, but it was something that's fun to do once and say you did. It would be more exciting if they incorporated some fun entertainment to it, like a Wild West theme with cowboys that run up to the train like their are trying to stop it.... you get the idea. Or just even some live music would be nice. Anyway, it was mostly dense wooded scenery with some areas following the pretty river and a spot to view the upper part of Mt. Rainer. We stopped a good 20-15mins. in Mineral to go in reverse the ride back. The 75 min. ride is about right. Loved the loud magical sound of the rolling whistle horn. Takes you back to Polar Express. We didn't get up to view the gift shop/snack/bathroom car. But that is available. Nice that the bench seats flip to turn your view in right direction when coming back. $80 per couple a bit much but again, fun to do once. read more

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I booked the brunch trip for Mother's Day maybe a month and a half in advance? There were many other families with little kids there which was great - we didn't worry so much about our kid disrupting the experience by being loud haha. The train was so cute, very old school and charming. We got a ticket with table seating and food included and it was very convenient to have a place to keep our things. Walking between cars was a bit treacherous, especially while carrying a toddler, but the train does pause for a significant time so you have plenty of time to wander. The gift shop car didn't have too many options and most were available at the ticket counter area as well. I did love the free postcards they had available that they would mail for you anywhere in the US. Overall, very fun! My toddler loved seeing a train in real life and we all had a great Mother's Day. read more

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I've never written a negative review for a business before... until now. My family was excited to experience the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad "Christmas with the Clauses" event this past Saturday. Unfortunately our parking lot experience upon arrival is what led me to write this review. After driving 1.5 hours from Seattle in the foggy darkness, we finally arrived into Elbe. We were behind another car as we made the turn into the train depot. A parking attendant was waving her red LED parking wand towards a couple vacant parking spots in front of a building. The car in front of us pulled into one of the spots, and we pulled alongside into the second spot. As we turned off the engine, the parking attendant comes rushing over to the driver side with a huge scowl on her face yelling, "You can't park here!" We were confused since it seemed she had first directed us to park there with her bright red wand, and obviously we weren't the only ones who thought that since the other car had also done so. My husband rolled down his window to ask why she pointed to those spots if they weren't available, and without giving him an opportunity to speak, she just barked again, "You can't park there!" and pointed to a sign behind her that read "Parking Lot", which we didn't initially see because she was standing in front of and once again, it was very dark and foggy out. So although we were put off by her rude and abrupt manner, we started to back out to head towards the sign she indicated. Immediately she jumps in front of our car waving her wand and yelling, "Stop! You can't go! The train is coming!" There was a building right in front of us, so we couldn't see the tracks or that a train was coming. So we stopped again, and after a few minutes, the train goes by. Meanwhile, she is standing in front of us with her arms outstretched glowering at us the entire time. If she had just said something to the effect of "You can't park here, but you need to wait to move since the train is coming," we would've understood the situation. Instead, she acted like we were intentionally and recklessly driving into the path of the train. As if we would endanger ourselves or our young son by doing so. Once the train goes by, she just walks away. So we continue on our way towards the parking lot, and noticing there were quite a few open spots towards the front of the lot, we headed in that direction, only to be stopped by another parking attendant. He steps in front of the car directing his wand towards a spot about 200 feet back from the front. We point to the many open spots beyond him, and he shakes his head and continues waving his wand at the spot. My husband rolls down his window to ask if we can proceed towards the open spots in the front of the lot. He says, "No, you can't park there. You park here. You've already been a pain-in-the-ass trying to drive past the train." At this point because he refuses to move, my husband just pulls into the spot. Once parked, I got out of the car and asked why he would make us park so far away from the front when there are obviously plenty of spots up front and that we've got our young son with us so would like to minimize the distance he'd have to walk. The attendant just repeatedly says, "I'm done talking to you," and walks away. So we finally move our car to the front of the lot, a good distance closer than where he was directing us to park. Needless to say, the lack of training, non-communication and poor customer service (swearing in the presence of our son, refusal to explain, pettiness of making us park further away) with the two parking attendants definitely did not put us in a festive mood. The women's bathroom having to be closed temporarily due to urine back-flow onto the floor, watered-down cocoa, and pre-packaged dry chocolate chip cookies, and the disappointing stop at "The North Pole" did not help. However, the enthusiasm of the Kringles onboard and special attention shown to our son led us to add a star to the experience. read more

Staff was nice, the train ride was not You go in a straight line for half an hour, a few nice views of Fields and a lake, but mostly just going by people's houses. Then they stop the car and you head back on the same track you came on. Pretty disappointing. I wouldn't recommend this trip. Better views on the drive here. 7/20/2025 read more

don't waste your time and money coming to the most pathetic train ride, from the two drops of hot chocolate and the most unpleasant cookie I regret bringing my family to this place. the "show" is the most lame show ever. don't come this way! read more