Last Update:  October 19, 2009
Charters and Specials on the Oregon Pacific Railroad
Information on how to charter a train on the Oregon Pacific Railroad and what the OPR can offer to
you for a special group event, birthday party or a family train ride.

For more information, please call 503-651-2231 and ask for Kelly.
The Oregon Pacific Railroad is primarily a freight railroad in the heart of Portland, Oregon.   But, the Milwaukie to
East Portland branch has a long history of transporting Portland area passengers that dates back more than a
century.   Until the 1950s, trolley cars once transported passengers along this very same route and more than a 100
years ago, people rode the trolleys and trains to visit the famous Oaks Amusement Park, which still exists and
operates successfully to this day.

The Oregon Pacific Railroad is offering group charters and special events to those who might be interested in
riding one of the most unique freight shortline railroads in Oregon.

For those who may interested in a train ride with some of the most beautiful track side scenery, the OPR's East
Portland Branch route travels in between the Oaks Bottom Wildlife refuge and the Willamette River.   Views include
numerous birds and plant life of the refuge and riverboats of the Willamette River.

For children, the OPR is dedicated to the principles of Operation Lifesaver and can offer an education program to
kids about railroad safety.    What better way to educate children than a hands on event where they can ride, see
and hear how the trains operate and why railroad crossing safety is so important to everyone.

The OPR can offer a train ride and an event that can suit the needs of various groups.   For railfan groups or tours,
the OPR can offer a tour of the OPR shops in Milwaukie where people can view the historic diesel locomotives and
learn how the Samuels family operates and maintains it's two branch lines.  The group can then ride the train to the
East Portland Yard, where they can see where the OPR interchanges with the Union Pacific.  Cab tours and rides in
one of the historical diesel locomotives could also be available.

In most cases, trains depart from and return to Oaks Park Station.   Oaks Park Station is located directly in front of
Oaks Amusement Park, which is a major amusement park in the Portland area, offering rides and other events for
kids of all ages.  Oaks Amusement Park also offers picnic facilities and a skating rink, among other attractions, that
can be combined with your event on the OPR and graciously allows OPR passengers to use their parking lot
located right next to Oaks Park Station.

Some recent examples of charters on the OPR include a ride for dozens of preschool children, a cub scout event,
railroad historical society club gathering, anniversary party, numerous birthday parties and a retirement party.

Much of the event can be tailored to your group's needs.  Give the OPR a call to see what they can
do for you.   Call 503-651-2231.
About the Oregon Pacific Railroad
The OPR is a very unique railroad in that it is exclusively family owned and operated by the Richard Samuels family.  Family
members are engineers, conductors and maintenance operators and run the entire railroad.   While the OPR operates two
branch lines, one in Portland and one in Canby, the charters and tours can only be offered on the Portland branch line at this
time.    The Portland branch line is generally known as the East Portland Branch and was originally constructed in 1891 and
has operated continuously for almost 120 years.   Today, the line begins at the Union Pacific interchange in East Portland,
located near OMSI.   It travels along the east bank of the Willamette River for several miles, passing by Oaks Park, before
traveling through the neighborhoods of Sellwood and Milwaukie.   The line ends at the Milwaukie Industrial Park, were several
spurs serve numerous freight customers.

For more information about the Oregon Pacific Railroad and its History

For more information about the OPR East Portland Branch
Locomotives of the Oregon Pacific Railroad
The OPR owns and operates numerous historical diesel locomotives on its two branch lines.   On the East Portland Branch,
the OPR currently operates two primary locomotives, with others currently under restoration or working on the OPR Molalla
Branch.   Passengers can tour the locomotives and ride inside with special arrangements.

The No. 1202 is a diesel switcher originally built for the Canadian Pacific Railroad in 1953 as a GMD SW9 making 900 h.p.  It
was later rebuilt into an SW1200RSu with modern equipment and now makes 1200 h.p.   

The No. 100, is the most famous diesel locomotives in the Northwest.  The No. 100 is a EMD SW1 built in 1952 for this very
railroad, where it has operated almost continuously for well over 50 years.   The No. 100 is almost entirely original, save for
normal overhauls, and is one of the most historical diesel locomotives in the United States.

For more information about the Oregon Pacific Railroad No. 1202

For more information about the Oregon Pacific Railroad No. 100
Passenger Equipment
The OPR currently owns and operates two cabooses, with a 3rd caboose stored on OPR property and available for use as
well.   In addition,  the OPR has one open air passenger car.   This equipment is on OPR property and available for
immediate use.

However, for special events, the OPR could have access to additional equipment and cars depending on the size and type of
event you want to plan.   Additional passenger cars could include fully enclosed passenger and dining cars as well as
additional cabooses.   Please give the OPR a call to discuss pricing and availablity of non-OPR passenger cars.

A typical passenger chartered excursion for a family birthday party or other event will normally include the open air car and
the No. 900 caboose .   

The No. 900 caboose is not your typical caboose.   It was originally constructed for the Simpson Timber Company and has a
half open deck that allows passengers to experience the ride from either inside the caboose, up in the cupola or out on the
open deck.   It has been completely rebuilt with the intent of carrying passengers.

The open air car is a custom built passenger car originally built for the Oregon Pacific Railroad's Samtrak passenger train
and is now used for special occasions like private charters and other public events on the railroad.

Both cars are covered in the event of inclement weather and passengers can walk between the caboose and open air car
during the excursion.
For additional views of the passenger route of the Oregon Pacific Railroad, check out the follow online video
Steaming through History Part 2
186MB - 51 minutesOaks
Along the Willamette River on a snowy winter day.   As viewed from the train.
Oaks Bottom Lake as viewed from the train.
Willamette River from the train.
Other views from the train along the passenger route.
For more information or any questions at all about chartering an excursion or
group tour, please call 503-651-2231 and ask for Kelly.
Riverside Park Station
Riverside Park Station is the newest station on the OPR East Portland Branch.   Located just south of the Ross Island Bridge,
trains can stop here where passengers can get off and rest, gather, eat or have an event at a picnic area located next to the
railroad tracks.    The stop allows for views of the Willamette River, Ross Island Bridge the South Waterfront and West Hills of
Portland.
Oaks Park Station
Trains depart from and return to Oaks Park Station.   Oaks Park Station is located adjacent to the famous
Oaks Amusement Park of Portland, Oregon.    Oaks Amusement Park graciously allows riders of the OPR to use its parking
lot, which is located next to the Oaks Park Station.    Oaks Park Amusement Park and Oaks Park Station are located at
7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, Oregon, 97202
Location with Yahoo Maps     Location with Google Maps
East Portland Railroad Yard and Interchange
The East Portland Yard is the northern most end of the Oregon Pacific Railroad, East Portland Branch.  This is the business
end of the railroad, where freight cars are interchanged with the Union Pacific Railroad.    Depending on construction and
congestion, trains can travel to the yard, where passengers can see the OPR railroad yard, the Union Pacific interchange and
possibly a passing UP freight train or Amtrak passenger train.
Scenery Along the Route
The Oregon Pacific Railroad, East Portland Branch, between Oaks Park Station and Riverside Station passes through some
of the most scenic railroad territory in the Portland area.    The line passes through the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge which
makes up most of the views on one side of the train, while the train follows the Willamette River on the other side.    The
Springwater trail also follows the railroad along most of the route as the trail is actually built over the 2nd, of what used to be a
double track railroad.    Scenery includes numerous wildlife, plant life and river traffic, along the route.
For more information about this unique and historical railroad and railroad company, please return to the
homepage and visit our many links throughout the website, including the history of this railroad, the roster of
locomotives and equipment section, our pictures and video pages, and our latest news and events page and
much more.
Photos of Past Charter Events
To see photos of some past events, check out our
Charters Photo Compilation 2009 Page
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