Mount Hood Railroad prepares to re-open Parkdale connection Tuesday, September 09, 2008 The Hillsboro Argus HOOD RIVER - Mount Hood Railroad, Oregon's celebrated, century-old railroad, is set to resume trips on the rails to Parkdale with its official grand opening on Sept. 12. The service resumes nearly two years after a portion of the railroad's 22 miles of track had been closed due to damage caused by heavy flooding. By the time the new track opens, the railroad will have completed more than $1 million in restoration efforts to rebuild 45-feet of hillside and replace 175-feet of railroad track. Mount Hood Railroad received a boost in its construction funding with a grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation's Connect Oregon II Multimodal Transportation Fund. The grant was awarded based on the ability to begin construction immediately and provide economic benefit to the state, and Mount Hood Railroad is the first of 30 grant recipients to complete transportation repairs. "The opening to Parkdale is a significant event for the train," said Michelle Marquart, general manager of Mount Hood Railroad. "It reestablishes our popular excursions for tourists, restores freight connections, and creates more economic opportunities for businesses in the area." The track completion caps off a series of enhancements by Mount Hood Railroad that include a new dome car, among the most popular for railroad sightseeing, previously in operation on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad in southern Colorado. In 2008, the railroad also was acquired by Permian Basin Railways, a subsidiary of Iowa Pacific Holdings. In addition to the Parkdale trips, the railroad will continue to offer passengers a two-hour round trip to Odell on the excursion train, and the four-hour round trip rides to Parkdale. Train tours include the excursion train, dinner and brunch trains, the Friday Wine Adventure train, and other special monthly tours. Mount Hood Railroad operates throughout the year, and has several special events in the fall and winter, including: Autumn Festival (Oct. 18 and 19); 11th Annual Turkey Bowl Express (Nov. 29), Christmas Tree Trains (Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21) and the always popular Polar Express in November and December. Along with carrying freight, Mount Hood Railroad transports more than 70,000 passengers, contributing nearly $7 million annually to the local economy. Designated a national historic site, the railroad originally transported fruit and lumber before it began offering passenger service 20 years ago. For more, visit Welcome to the Mount Hood Railroad - Spectacular and Historic Railroad in the Scenic Hood River Valley. Make reservations by calling 1-800-872-4661. About Mount Hood Railroad For more than 100 years, the Mount Hood Railroad has traveled through the Hood River Valley. Today, in addition to carrying freight throughout the year, the Mount Hood Railroad takes passengers on rail excursions along the Hood River and offers stunning views of meadows, forests and orchards. There are spectacular views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams along the route. Dating from the early 1900s, the Mount Hood Railroad Excursion Train features a new dome car, enclosed Pullman coaches, a concession car, an open-air car and a caboose. The dinner and brunch trains offer delicious four-course meals, prepared on board. Numerous special theme trains occur throughout the year. Two-hour round trips to Odell, and four-hour round trips to Parkdale (starting on Sept. 12) are offered annually from April through December.
Mt Hood Ry. Great to hear the line is open all the way to Parkdale. The TV news had a story with a reporter riding the train. The Mt. Hood is a unique road with a switchback in it. We rode it a couple of times a few years ago. Spring time is the best time to ride as the orchards are in bloom.
Ken, I don't know which shippers were cut off, but Parkdale was the end of their line and is again. The railroad serves a lumber shipper at Dee and fruit shippers. What I DO know is that having the washout at Parkdale was really negatively impacting the passenger excursion service, which makes up a substantial amount of their revenue. Not being privy to their books I don't know what the percentages are, but I remember it being cited as a primary reason that they were in the red a couple years ago, if you take their statements at face value. It really is a gorgeous ride. I have only taken a partial ride, but I may just have to go take the whole thing now. I think my wife and I are due a dinner train excursion. I'd better start saving my shekels.
Just hoping that if there is any freight remaining on that segment, they can regain the business. Boxcab E50
I road Their Mystery dinner train 5-6 years ago and it is an excellent, beautiful expereince, but even beyond that, it was fun to drive to hood river and watch trains. The UP line is righ there and you can hike just a very little way up the River and catch the Mt Hood railroad crossing on it's bridge. And of course, you can cross the columbia to catch BNSF action. Plus the quirky little town itself and a slew of waterfalls and wildlife, oh and some rather large volcanos. It is the only way to railfan.
As far as I know, Mount Hood has never hauled any freight into or out of Parkdale. The last freight shipper there (a fruit packing plant) closed in 1984, and trying to save the line into Parkdale for a tourist railroad is what led the original group of investors to buy the entire branch. The sawmill that Steamdonkey74 referenced at Dee burned to the ground in late 1996 and was not rebuilt. The Mount Hood at one point hauled a substantial amount of fruit, but my understanding is that most if not all of this business has been lost due to car supply problems and poor service from UP. I think the only freight shippers they have left are a propane dealer in Pine Grove and a sawmill that recently re-opened in the Odell area. It's good to hear that the line is re-opened. I hope the Mount Hood does well for its new owners. Jeff Moore Elko, NV
I agree! A fabulous area to railfan. I even like the rainy weather. Can't wait for my next trip up that way.
