The beauty of the Snoqualmie Valley takes on a different perspective from the rails. Through the end of the year, the Northwest Railway Museum is offering a lineup of special events that give visitors new ways to experience the scenery, history and character of the area.
Wine Train Excursions
The Northwest Railway Museum’s Wine Train offers adults 21 and older a chance to pair a train ride through the Snoqualmie Valley with local wine, food and scenic views.
The 2.5- to 3-hour experience includes tastings at both the Snoqualmie Depot and Train Shed Exhibit Hall. Each ticket includes a souvenir wine glass and eight tokens that can be exchanged for 1-ounce pours.
Hors d’oeuvres from local Snoqualmie Valley businesses will also be served. After returning to the Snoqualmie Depot, the museum encourages passengers to explore local restaurants to continue the evening.
August 21: Mt. Si Winery and Sparkman Cellars
September 18: Wineries to be announced
October 30: Wineries to be announced
Check-in begins at 4:30 p.m. at the Snoqualmie Depot, 38625 SE King Street. The train departs at 5 p.m.
Wine Train tickets and information
Hands-On Historic Window Restoration Workshop
Those interested in local history can get considerably closer to it during a two-day workshop September 20 and 21 at the Snoqualmie Depot.
Participants will learn basic wooden window repair while working on the depot’s octagonal turret windows. The workshop will cover traditional materials and techniques, including reglazing and minor wood repair, with King County Historic Landmarks Coordinator Sarah Steen serving as lead instructor.
The workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, with a lunch break from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Supplies and equipment will be provided. Participants must be 18 or older and should dress for the weather and bring a lunch or plan to purchase one in town.
September 20-21
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Snoqualmie Depot
Register for the window restoration workshop
North Pole Limited
The museum’s holiday season begins November 28 with the return of the North Pole Limited, a two-hour trip from North Bend to the Railway History Campus.
Passengers ride in decorated coaches, visit Santa in the restored Chapel Car 5 and can explore exhibits, take part in seasonal activities and enjoy refreshments before returning to North Bend.
November 28-29
December 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20
Yuletide Express
The shorter Yuletide Express returns for three December dates, offering a 40-minute round trip from the Snoqualmie Depot to the top of Snoqualmie Falls and views of the Snoqualmie River Valley.
Santa rides aboard the train and visits with families during the trip.
December 4, 11 and 18
From wine and nostalgia to holiday traditions, the Northwest Railway Museum offers something for every season. Check trainmuseum.org for details.
[Information and images provided by the Northwest Railway Museum]
