Eagle Cap Excursion Train

Go where no car can take you! The Eagle Cap Excursion Train runs on a roadless stretch of track between Elgin and Minam in Northeast Oregon. Along the way, the train passes through a spectacular scenic landscape as it follows the Grande Ronde River down stream, then turns up the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River. The scenic train provides a relaxing journey into untamed territory. A pause at the Kimmel siding allows passengers to stretch their legs and breathe the fresh mountain air before continuing the train ride. A meal is served on the train during many trips. Other trips have featured entertainment.

The Eagle Cap Excursion Train operates out of a new depot in Elgin, where you will find ample parking, a gift shop, indoor and outdoor waiting areas, rest rooms, and historical exhibits and photos. Reservations are recommended. Reserve an entire car for your group, or charter the train for a private event. Historically known as the Joseph Branch, the railroad is owned by the governments of Wallowa & Union Counties, with the train operated by the Friends of the Joseph Branch.

2023 Trip Descriptions & Prices

Spring Special / Wednesday, May 10

We launch the season with a shorter ride, perfect for families or people who want to pack a lot into their day. The rushing river, lush green grass and flowers are highlights as we travel along the Grande Ronde River. We’ll pass the historic Palmer Junction mill site and enjoy the river and beautiful scenery. A snack is served along the ride. About 25 miles, round trip. Departs at 10 a.m. and returns at about 1 p.m.; snack included.

Adults = $65 / Seniors 60+ = $60 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $30 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

Mother’s Day Brunch / Sunday, May 14

Dine on a wonderful variety of breakfast and lunch entrees, salads and desserts, prepared by Ten Depot Street catering, while enjoying views of the rushing river, lush green grass and wildflowers. We travel along the Grande Ronde River to the bridge at Rondowa and relish in the beautiful scenery. Departs at 10 a.m. and returns to Elgin by 2 p.m. 34 miles, round trip.

Adults = $90 / Seniors 60+ = $85 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

Two Rivers / Saturday, May 27

The train departs from the Elgin Depot and follows the shore of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, where it is joined by the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River. The ride continues a couple of miles up the Wallowa, then reverses direction for the return to Elgin. The Two Rivers ride is our standard trip, and the scenery is fantastic! A delicious, boxed lunch is included and served along the way. Departs from Elgin 10 a.m., / returns at about 1:30 p.m. 38 miles traveled, round trip.

Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

Seeking Bigfoot / Saturday, June 10

Following the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers as they tumble their courses and join together at Rondowa, our Two Rivers ride is our standard trip, and the scenery is fantastic! But this trip promises more excitement and fun, as we’ve heard Sasquatch has been spotted in the area! Are you a naysayer or a believer? Bigfoot experts Scot and Hannah Violette ride along to help sway your opinion. A delicious, boxed lunch is included and served along the way. Departs from Elgin Depot at 10 a.m. / returns by 1:30 p.m.

Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

High Country Outlaws Train Robbery / Saturday, June 17

There are bandits out there in the hills, and they are looking for an excuse to flag down the train and climb on board. Be on the lookout for beautiful horses and sneaky bandits. Hide your valuables and keep your camera handy! A delicious boxed lunch is served during the return leg of the trip. Departs from Elgin at 10 a.m. / returns at about 2 p.m. 38 miles traveled, round trip. Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

Father’s Day Robbery / Sunday, June 18

Treat Dad to a fun day on the train! There are bandits out there in the hills, and they are looking for an excuse to flag down the train and climb on board. Hide your valuables and keep your camera handy! A delicious boxed lunch is served during the return leg of the trip. Departs from Elgin at 10 a.m. / returns at about 2 p.m. 38 miles traveled, round trip.

Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

Alpen Train / Wednesday, June 28

We’re joining forces with the folks from Oregon’s Alpenfest, to give this ride a Bavarian flavor and get you in the mood for the popular annual event held in Joseph, September 29 & 30. Expect plated Bavarian food on the menu, guest hosts in lederhosen and dirndl dresses, live accordion music and lots of Alpen fun! Non-alcoholic beer will be among the beverage choices. Departs from Elgin at 10 a.m. / returns at about 2 p.m. Wildflowers and waterfowl are scenic highlights, along the beautiful Grande Ronde River. Oregonsalpenfest.com

Adults = $90 / Seniors 60+ = $85 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

Veterans’ Train / two Seasonal Short runs in same day / Saturday, July 1

We honor our Veterans, active military and First Responders with this free train ride. Departures at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Rides are about 2.5 hours in duration; Snack & beverage served; Please show Veteran’s ID when checking in.

Accompanying Adults & Seniors $55 / Youth $30

Two Rivers Evening / Saturday, July 8

Enjoy the evening light as the train departs from the Elgin Depot and follows the shore of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, where it is joined by the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River. The ride continues a couple of miles up the Wallowa, then reverses direction for the return to Elgin. The scenery is fantastic! A delicious meal is included and served along the way. Departs from Elgin 4:00 p.m. / returns at about 8 p.m.

Adults = $90 / Seniors 60+ = $85 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40

Joseph Branch Railroad History Train / Saturday, July 15

Hear stories about loggers, railroaders, cowboys, and the history of the Joseph Branch railroad as we follow the shore of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, then continue along the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River ride for a couple of miles before reversing direction for the return to Elgin. A delicious, boxed lunch is included and served along the way. Departs from Elgin 10 a.m. / returns at 1:30 p.m. 38 miles traveled, round trip.

Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

Two Rivers Bonus Picnic / Saturday, July 22

Designed for rail fans, this longer train ride follows the Grande Ronde River from Elgin to Rondowa, then travels up the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River to Minam. Enjoy a picnic on the lawn at the Minam Store, beside the rushing Wallowa River. This ride departs at 10 a.m. and returns to Elgin at 5 p.m.; lunch, snack and beverage included. 52 miles traveled, round trip. Adults = $100 / Seniors 60+ = $95 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $50 (not recommended for kids under 3)

Two Rivers / Wednesday, July 26

The train departs from the Elgin Depot and follows the shore of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, where it is joined by the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River. The ride continues a couple of miles up the Wallowa, then reverses direction for the return to Elgin. The Two Rivers is our standard trip, and the scenery is fantastic! A delicious boxed lunch is included and served along the way. Departs from Elgin 10 a.m. / returns at 1:30 p.m. 38 miles, round trip.      Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)  

Mid-Summer Special / Wednesday, August 2

Our only ride in August is perfect for families or people who want to pack a lot into their day. We travel along the Grande Ronde River, passing the historic Palmer Junction mill site and enjoying views of the river and rugged landscape. A berry delicious snack is served along the ride. About 25 miles, round trip.

Departs at 10 a.m. / returns by 1 p.m.; snack included.

Adults = $65 / Seniors 60+ = $60 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $30 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

High Country Outlaws Train Robbery / Saturday, Sept. 2

There are bandits out there in the hills, and they are looking for an excuse to flag down the train and climb on board. Be on the lookout for beautiful horses and sneaky bandits. Hide your valuables and keep your camera handy! A delicious boxed lunch is served during the return leg of the trip. Departs from Elgin at 10 a.m. / returns at about 2 p.m. 38 miles, round trip. Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

Bigfoot Special / Saturday, September 9

This shorter ride is perfect for families or people who want to pack a lot into their day. The rushing river and fall colors are highlights along the Grande Ronde River. But this trip promises more excitement and fun, as Sasquatch has been spotted in the area! Are you a naysayer or a believer? Bigfoot experts Scot and Hannah Violette ride along to help sway your opinion. 25 miles, round trip. Departs at 10 a.m. / returns at 1 p.m.; snack included. Adults = $65 / Seniors 60+ = $60 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $30 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

Two Rivers / Saturday, September 16

The train departs from the Elgin Depot and follows the shore of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, where it is joined by the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River. The ride continues a couple of miles up the Wallowa, then reverses direction for the return to Elgin. The Two Rivers ride is our standard trip, and the scenery is fantastic! A boxed lunch is included and served along the way. Departs from Elgin 10 a.m. / returns at 1:30 p.m. 38 miles, round trip. Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

Autumn Equinox Two Rivers / Saturday, September 23

Fall foliage and brilliant colors are highlights as the train follows the shore of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, continues up the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River for a couple of miles, then reverses direction for the return to Elgin. The scenery is fantastic! A delicious boxed lunch is included and served along the way. Departs from Elgin 10 a.m. / returns at 1:30 p.m. Travels 38 miles, round trip.

Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

Two Rivers Bonus / Saturday, September 30

Designed for rail fans, this longer train ride follows the Grande Ronde River from Elgin to Rondowa, then travels up the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River to Minam. Enjoy the beautiful scenery during this 6-hour ride. Departs at 10 a.m. and returns to Elgin by 4 p.m.; A delicious boxed lunch, snack and beverage included. 52 miles round trip.

Adults = $100 / Seniors 60+ = $95 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $50 (not recommended for kids under 3)

Fall Foliage / Saturdays, October 7 & October 14

Enjoy the amazing fall colors as the train follows the shore of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, where it is joined by the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River. The ride continues a couple of miles up the Wallowa, then reverses direction for the return to Elgin. The Two Rivers ride is our standard trip, and the scenery is fantastic! A delicious, boxed meal is included and served along the way. Departs from Elgin 10 a.m. / returns 1:30 p.m.

Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

End of Season Bounty / Saturday, October 21; Sunday, October 22

Enjoy the bounty of the season and the waning fall colors as the train follows the shore of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, where it is joined by the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River. The ride continues a couple of miles up the Wallowa, then reverses direction for the return to Elgin. The late-season scenery is fantastic! A delicious hot meal featuring stew with locally sourced meat, vegetables and fruit is included and served along the way. Departs from Elgin 10 a.m. / returns at about 1:30 p.m.

Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

To book a seat, please select “Book Online“. Your confirmation will be emailed to you – if you do not receive confirmation within 48 hours after booking your tickets, please check your SPAM folder, then contact us if it isn’t there. Our reservations manager can also help if you need additional travel information, lodging arrangements or if you would like to purchase a gift certificate.