A SCENIC EXCURSION
Pend Oreille River Train Rides
From the warm days of summer, until the leaves have gone to fiery reds and blazing yellows. It’s a great time for a TRAIN RIDE. This is the same great train the North Pend Oreille Valley Lions Club operated for the past 35 years. Same train, exciting new location. The Newport/Priest River Rotary Club is the new operator.
We’ll leave historic Newport, WA and follow an absolutely gorgeous route on the Pend Oreille River that the Native Americans followed and lived along for millennia. We’ll trace the footsteps and paddle strokes of early French couriers d’bois, grizzled sour dough’s on their way north to the Klondike gold rush, steamboat gamblers, loggers, miners, homesteaders, and outlaws. Our train crew knows the history, and the romance of this fantastic corner of the inland northwest. We’ll tell you about it, as the wheels and tracks make that music that made America.
SPORT runs north from Newport to the little whistle-stop at Dalkena. Along the way, you just might spot a moose or an elk. Eagles will be eyeing you from their tree tops. And, you’ll want to be on the lookout for the descendants of the Dalkena Wild Bunch Gang—nefarious train robbers and fancy women from a hundred years ago. Hang onto your wallet and your pocket watch! After a turn-around in Dalkena, we’ll have you back to Newport in about an hour and a half.
The Newport WA, Priest River, ID Rotary Club was chartered in 1996 and is located in the middle of Pend O’reille County in North Eastern Washington. In 2017 the excursion train ride was moved down from the northern part of the county to beautiful Newport, WA. The Rotary will partner with the Pend Oreille Valley Railroad to operate their new excursion ride, the Scenic Pend Oreille River Train or SPORT.
We gratefully acknowledge the Pend Oreille Valley Railroad, staff and crew, without whose help our holiday weekend rides would not be possible. Without their dedication and commitment, we would not be able to make this ride available to you.
Your Train Ride Contribution helps support the many Rotary Club Community Projects. Thank you for riding with us.
Information & FAQs
A scenic train ride meanders through the beautiful Pend Oreille Valley for sights unseen anywhere else. The ride is a 9 mile, 90 minute round trip excursion that starts in Newport, WA at the The Newport Train Depot and follows the beautiful Pend Oreille River to Delkena. Our train crew will tell about the rich history and descendants of the Dalkena Wild Bunch Gang—nefarious train robbers may pay guests a visit along the way. All brought to you by the Newport Preist River Rotary Club.
Early reservations strongly advised. It’s a good idea to buy tickets a month in advance, because the trips often sell out early. If you plan to buy your tickets at the depot the day of your ride, please bring cash or a check. We accept all major credit cards at the depot.
You can buy tickets here on our website any time or call 1-877-5ALL-ABOARD (1-877-525-5226) between 6 AM and 5 PM Monday through Friday. For more information, e-mail us, explore our website further, or call us.
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Once you have purchased or picked up your tickets, take a few minutes to visit the depot. Purchase snacks and drinks from our food vendor to enjoy while waiting to board the train or while aboard the train. Also inside the depot is our souvenir shop where you will find many items to take home to help you remember your adventure.
About 30 minutes prior to departure, the train will arrive and the Rotary Club volunteers will spot the cars so the current passengers can de-board safely. Once the current passengers de-board, you can board any of the cars and find a seat for your trip.
During the ride, no passengers are allowed off the train until it returns to the ride origination point.
The Train
Using three classic railroad coaches, three open-air cars converted from various rolling stock, and one caboose. Two of the cars are leased from Inland Empire Railroad Historical Society.
Our October rides can be quite chilly and we encourage riders to dress appropriately. We have three (3) enclosed coaches and three (3) open air cars, we cannot guarantee you a seat in an enclosed car, so you may want to bring a blanket.
Our October rides frequently sell out, so your best chance to get a seat is to arrive thirty (30) minutes before your scheduled ride; however, we cannot guarantee that some riders will not have to stand for the ride. Seating is first-come-first-serve.
We recommend ear protection for infants and toddlers or anyone with sensitive hearing. A limited amount of protective earphones will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis at the ticket booth. Earplugs are also available upon request.
Groups needing special assistance should arrive one hour prior to departure and alert us to their needs. We have one open air car that is wheelchair accessible. If you want to ride in an enclosed coach, you must be able to ascend a few steps (we are happy to assist you as best we can) to get into one of the enclosed coaches.
Rates
2019 Dates & Times
The SPORT Train Rides run on select weekends throughout the year.
June RidesJune 22nd & 23rd |
October RidesOctober 5th & 6th, 12th & 13th, 19th & 20th |
September RidesSeptember 21st & 22nd |
Halloween RidesOctober 26th & 27th |
Location
The train rides start at the Newport Train Depot located at
110 Pine St.
Newport, WA 99156 United States
Phone:877-5ALL-ABOARD (877-525-5226) M-F 6am-5pm
Frequently Asked Questions
