A few weekends each year the Museum’s restored steam locomotive, Northern Pacific 924, thunders to life for a special weekend of operation. These weekends are a unique opportunity to fully immerse yourself in what a train ride would have been like in 1890 when the Snoqualmie Depot was constructed.
What kind of fuel does your steam locomotive use?
During rehabilitation, 924 was converted to a wood-burning engine. Wood burns cleaner and is a more renewable resource compared to coal and oil.
Is the steam train ride appropriate for young children?
Absolutely! The sound (and smell) of a steam locomotive is a timeless experience for visitors of any age. The whistle can be heard for miles around the upper valley. Some find it easier on the ears than a diesel locomotive horn. If anyone in your group is sensitive to loud sounds, you may want to bring protective headphones. Earplugs are available aboard the train and at all stations.
How long is the train ride/excursion?
Steam train rides operate on the same schedule and itinerary as regular diesel locomotive excursions. The round-trip is about 1 hour and 45 minutes, including a 30-minute stop at the Railway History Campus (RHC).
The steam locomotive refills its tender with wood and water during your RHC visit. It offers a unique opportunity to see the extra work that goes into steam locomotive operation. Please watch from the boardwalk at a safe distance.
When does the steam train run?
The Museum aims to operate the steam locomotive on Mothers Day Weekend, Fathers Day Weekend, the first weekend of October, and the first weekend of November. However, these are not guaranteed operating weekends. Maintenance and other projects may take priority, especially as the Museum heads into construction of the Roundhouse Exhibit Gallery & Turntable.
Why don’t you offer steam train rides more often?
As Visitor Services might tell you, “sometimes 924 gets tired and cranky”. 924 was built in 1899 and celebrated her 125th birthday in September 2024. As an operating historic landmark, the locomotive sometimes needs extra time for maintenance between operating weekends.
Conditions are usually drier in the summer months so the Museum does not offer summer steam train rides due to increased fire risk.
Why are steam train tickets so expensive?
Ticket prices reflect the cost of operating our excursions. Fuel and maintenance for running this historic steam locomotive are much higher than the cost of running the diesel locomotives.
What happens if the steam engine isn’t able to run?
While the Museum does everything in its power to ensure 924 can operate, sometimes she has other plans. If we are unable to safely run the steam locomotive, we will substitute one of our diesel locomotives and the trains will continue to operate as scheduled. All steam train ticket-holders are entitled to a refund for the difference in ticket price between a steam train ride and a diesel train ride.
Do you offer cab or tender rides?
Unfortunately, no we do not. There are numerous risks involved aboard the engine and tender on a steam locomotive, so only trained staff and volunteers are allowed aboard. Even staff rarely get to ride unless they are on train crew, it gets crowded up there!
How does a steam locomotive work?
Short answer: like a complicated tea kettle. The Museum educators recommend this in-depth video demonstrating how a Union Pacific Big Boy steam locomotive works.
If your question was not answered in the above FAQ, please reach out to Northwest Railway Museum visitor services staff through our contact form or by emailing info@TrainMuseum.org.
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