Visited on a Sunday with two kids. Seems like getting there when it opens (at 11) was a good call. Also: bringing a picnic. The initial line before all the trains started running (at 1130) wrapped around the snack bar. They don't necessarily fill the trains to the brim, so once you're queueing under the covers anticipate waiting for 5-6 trains to fill up before you get your seat. Approx 25 min maybe. But the trains go by often to heighten the anticipation! The ride is worth the wait! And takes you all over the property, which is really nicely landscaped, and gets you a view of the inner workings of the place too. No tour guide or anything, though, but I'm sure the volunteers would answer any Qs you have. Parking is all on the (single) main street in the neighborhood. Grab what you find rather than try to get too close and have a hard time turning around bc of the ppl walking in. Runs on donations! read more

Shady Dell Pacific Railroad - All aboard! - Playgrounds Near Me - Molalla, Oregon

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Amazing!! A must go if you have a toddler or young child. Ran by passionate and kind volunteers - We had such a blast and spent most of the day there! Tip: bring a picnic lunch as they gave a great spot with tables and grass to eat at! read more

Shady Dell Pacific Railroad - Playgrounds Near Me - Molalla, Oregon

Love this place! Highly recommended for families with young kids! Authentic steam engines, and passionate engineers. read more

Absolutely a fun place to visit donations are recommend but are not necessary it's nearly free I'd recommend bringing drinks and snacks for little ones. Just like everywhere else snacks and drinks are a little high in price but that's how they get most of there money to operate I'd imagine little gift shop but cool. read more

Shady Dell Pacific Railroad - Playgrounds Near Me - Molalla, Oregon

Went to shady Dell with my son, my cousin and his family. We had a blast riding the trains and it was a perfect day to enjoy some train fun read more

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Any train buffs out there? When you have two boys, you basically can't avoid a "train phase." I think the only thing that got me through the whole Thomas the Tank Engine obsession was the video narration by George Carlin, Ringo Starr and Alec Baldwin. Sell outs! Well, if you live in the Portland area and have a train buff in the family, this is a cool spot to visit one Sunday afternoon. A group of volunteers operate handcrafted steam locomotives, electric powered Eastern Electric locomotives and gas powered modern diesel engines on a 1-1/2" scale railroad situated on four acres in the Shady Dell Subdivision (east of Molalla, Oregon). You can see from the photo, that one of the volunteers drives the train around a track while the passengers sit on top of a bench seat. There aren't any seat belts or restraints so parents ride with the little ones. What is cool is that it isn't your basic loop, so you actually have a nice little ride. http://www.pnls.org/Trackplan.asp This is not a fancy operation, so adjust your expectations accordingly. They have a small on-site cafe with hot dogs, nachos and shaved ice, but a lot of people bring a lunch and have a picnic in one of the grassy areas. When I was there last, you didn't have to pay to ride, but they gladly accept donations. Even if there was a charge, it would be pretty minimal. Park hours 11:30 am - 5:00 pm Every Sunday May Through October read more

Shady Dell Pacific Railroad - Riding the rails at Shady Dell Railroad - Playgrounds Near Me - Molalla, Oregon

A train park is going to attract kids. Young kids especially. If you're going to put up scary Halloween decorations, I feel it is your obligation to note that on your website and maybe at the entrance of your park. Drove 30 minutes to get there. The line to get on the trains is decorated with scary witches and skeletons and other things that there should be warnings about. I thought I was going to a kids park. My son was too terrified to wait out the line and many other parents were holding their kids telling them "it's ok, those are fake" over and over. Very disappointed. read more

My family stopped by this establishment and enjoyed the very nice and fun trains. Unfortunately, the person who is managing the little store is not friendly and was completely rude to my wife when we wanted to return a hat we had literally just purchased because it didn't fit my son. He raised his voice, threatened to call the police, and then demanded that I sit down while he goes to find the "manager" to tell me to leave. Net net, come for the trains, skip the overpriced, horrible service, junk food experience at the store. read more

This is so much fun. I cant think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I cant imagine anyone having any problem with this place. Its a one of kind and if we loose it we wont have another. These people are so nice and donate their time to give everyone so much fun. My nephew lights up when we pull in. He knows from the front gate where we are and what we are there for. I would recommend anyone come. This isn't just for kids (boys and girls) us to that are kids at heart. I know you will have such a fun time. I've posted some of our photos to their page here. We have many many videos. There are few places like this where they aren't out just to make a buck. They truly want to see you having a great time. read more

Shady Dell Pacific Railroad - Entering the train park. - Playgrounds Near Me - Molalla, Oregon

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Great wekend event for the kids, who doesn't want to ride a little train ! Bring a picnic and head down to Fryer park when your done, it is less then a mile down the road. Kids have to be able to hold on to ride they can't ride on your lap read more

This is a great place for anyone who is into trains. You get to ride on multiple trains around the park. Some are even pulled by steam engines!!! I think the rides are around 10 minutes. Some of the scenery is pretty cool, like a small dam in a creek, mock western town, miniature town, and a small waterfall. There's a small concession stand and gift shop. There is a large grassy area with tables. When you realize what passion and time went into this place, it's very impressive. I'm not really sure what is up with anyone who would give it less than four stars. read more

SHOUT OUT TO THESE VOLUNTEERS... They definitely went above and beyond. I work with someone who is developmentally disabled and we decided to come here last weekend. I let the one gal know that she is developmentally disabled and she assured me that they would do the best to accommodate her. And that they did! We went on the the first time and decided to go again right before they closed. My client did not like the train they put us on, and the volunteers were SO SWEET and assured her that it was ok. They ran one last train for us (and it was about 4:56) and truly made her day! She felt special and I was very appreciative. And these are all volunteers... What a wonderful place to go to! read more

Great place for inexpensive, g-rated fun for everyone who's a kid at heart. Bring a donation. Train rides are free.

I have been to this place before but they should offer a class to help you build your own engine and resources.

Love this place! My 2 year old son and 8 year old daughter had a blast! We did too :)!

This park has come along way it keeps getting better and better. they have completely remodel there snack stand. There staff in the snack stand is very professional and very friendly they make you feel very welcome. If you have any questions they have a on site manager ( Felix ) who gives the place a great polish......No kidding.=) They carry more items now in the concession stand they have: Popcorn snow cones ice cream Candy chips soda Gatorade propel water red bull rock stars monster Energy drinks hot dogs corn dogs pizza burritos polish dogs coffee chocolate Starbucks energy drinks root beer floats Italian sodas hot cider and more.............. This is a great place to come visit with your friends and family on Sundays bring your picnic basket have lunch then go in the snack stand for a snow cone or ice cream . The park is run on donations and is open the first Sunday of may Every body can ride on the train from a child to adults we love this place its very affordable inexpensive and entertaining your children are going to love it . read more

Great place for kids - only complaint is a very small minority of the members are a bit 'power-trippy'. They over emphasize minor rules at the expense of common decency and courtesy - with their priority on talking down rather than talking to. So be prepared. Leaves a very sour after taste. Only reason for a low star rating. Otherwise, a great place for an afternoon trip and picnic. read more

A family favorite for multiple generations. The nostalgia is priceless.... the family Sundays are amazing

My grandsons are train fanatics. This was the best experience at donation cost only. Great place to spend a lovely day. Bring a lunch and ride the rails. read more