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.

2022 Eagle Cap Excursion Train Fall Schedule TRIP DESCRIPTIONS

FALL SEASON (Go to elginoperahouse.com to see their School of Rock performance schedule and add award-winning

entertainment to your visit!)

High Country Outlaws Train Robbery / Saturday, September 3 THIS RIDE IS SOLD OUT.

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!

Two Rivers with Shakespeare / Saturday, September 10

“The world is but a stage..!” We’ll be joined by performers from the Opera House Shakespeare Company - a new group that is already earning accolades. Passengers will have the opportunity to meet and interact with some of the world’s most famous characters and hear the lovely language of Shakespeare as we roll along! The jewel tones of fall dress the scenery. The train departs from the Elgin Depot and follows the banks of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, then travels up the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River, before returning to Elgin. A delicious, boxed lunch is included and served on the train. Departs from Elgin at 10 a.m., / returns at about 1:30 p.m. 38 miles traveled, round trip. 

Adults = $75 / Seniors 60+ = $70 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $35

Two Rivers with Shakespeare / Saturday, September 17

“The world is but a stage..!” We’ll be joined by performers from the Opera House Shakespeare Company - a new group that is already earning accolades. Passengers will have the opportunity to meet and interact with some of the world’s most famous characters and hear the lovely language of Shakespeare as we roll along! The jewel tones of fall dress the scenery. The train departs from the Elgin Depot and follows the banks of the Grande Ronde River to Rondowa, then travels up the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River, before returning to Elgin. A delicious, boxed lunch is included and served on the train. Departs from Elgin @ 10 a.m., / returns at about 1:30 p.m. 38 miles traveled, round trip. 

Adults = $75 / Seniors 60+ = $70 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $35

Alpen Train / Wednesday, September 21

We’re joining forces with the folks from Oregon’s Alpenfest, www.oregonalpenfest.com, to give this ride a Bavarian flavor and get you in the mood for the popular annual event in Joseph, held this September 29 – October 2. 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 1:30 p.m. Brilliant fall colors and wildlife are scenic highlights, along the beautiful Grande Ronde River.

Adults = $80 / Seniors 60+ = $75 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

Bigfoot Train Two Rivers / Saturday, October 1

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. Along the way, be on the lookout for Bigfoot, as they are rumored to be in the area. Our guests for this ride are Bigfoot experts Scot and Hannah Violette, of Squatch America. They will offer information and answer questions about the legendary creature (Is it real or a myth?!) 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. Arrive early to peruse and shop the Bigfoot booth at the depot before the ride.

Adults = $75 / Seniors 60+ = $70 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $35 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

Two Rivers Bonus Ride / Saturday, October 8

Enjoy the beautiful fall colors and rugged river corridor scenery! Designed for rail fans, this nearly 6-hour train ride follows the Grande Ronde River from Elgin to Rondowa, then travels up the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River all the way to Minam. You’ll have the chance to stretch your legs before boarding for the return to Elgin. Departs from Elgin at 10 a.m. / returns at about 4 p.m. Delicious boxed lunch, snack and beverage included. 52 rail miles, round trip.

Adults = $85 / Seniors 60+ = $80 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $40 (not recommended for kids under 3)

Fall Foliage / Saturday, October 15

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 at about 1:30 p.m.

Adults = $75 / Seniors 60+ = $70 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $35 (kids under 3 ride for free!)

End of Season Bounty / Saturday, 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 = $75 / Seniors 60+ = $70 / Youth, 3 to 16 = $35 (kids under 3 ride for free!)