Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad


The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad is a heritage railroad, a 501(c) non-profit organization, operating in Oregon, US, primarily between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach, with additional special trips to Wheeler, Nehalem River and into the Salmonberry River canyon. The railroad travels on tracks that pass along the edge of Tillamook Bay and the Oregon Coast, and through thick forest along the Nehalem River. The OCSR runs its collection of vintage rail equipment over of former Southern Pacific Transportation Company track under a lease from the Port of Tillamook Bay Railroad, an entity distinct from the OCSR.

Stations

Garibaldi Station is the only station on the system equipped with a wheelchair lift.

Railroad Operations

General Operating Schedule—As of 2025

  • Early-Spring through mid-spring—Trains run on an 2-day, 3-day, or 4-day weekend service
  • Mid-Spring through mid-Fall—Trains run every day
  • Mid-Fall through Christmas—Trains run on an 2-day, 3-day, or 4-day weekend service
  • January and February—No trains run
The above information is intended as a rough guide. Contact the company for details.

Excursions

Excursions are seasonal, and do not run all year round. Travel on some excursions where alcohol is served are age restricted. Current details are on the railroad's Web site.
Oregon Coastal Excursion is a 90 minute round trip between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach and return. It is 30 minutes each direction with a 30 minute layover. Passengers may stay longer and take any available return trip.
Moonlight Excursion is a romantic, steam-powered train ride from Garibaldi to Wheeler and back. Sandwiches and snacks are usually available for sale on this excursion; check the company web-site for details. Alcohol is served on this train—meaning this ride is only available to Passengers 21+
Fall Splendor Excursion and Spring Splendor Excursion are 2-1/4 hour round trips between Rockaway Beach and Wheeler.
Halloween Coast Train is a 60 minute round trip between Rockaway Beach and Garibaldi.
Candy Cane Express is a 60 minutes round trip between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach.
Dinner Train This service was discontinued after the 2023 season. There are currently no plans to reintroduce this service in the near future. Sandwiches and snacks are usually available for sale on the Moonlight Excursion; check the company web-site for details.
Additional Seasonal Trains are offered at various times, including:
  • Spring Break Excursion
  • St. Patrick's Pub Train
  • Easter Eggstravaganza Train
  • Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular

Special Services

Cab Rides are available on most trains. For an additional fee, passengers can ride in the cab of a steam locomotive or diesel locomotive—as available.
One-way ticket Travel in one direction can be arranged by calling the railroad.
Charters
Various locomotives and/or car configurations are available for private or semi-private charter.

Rail trail

In August 2025, the future of the railroad was in jeopardy when the City of Rockaway Beach requested that the POTB remove the tracks for a trail extension. The City argues that the Railroad's proposed "rails with trail" option is too costly.

Incidents

2007 Landslide

In December 2007, the Oregon Coast was struck by the Great Coastal Gale of 2007. Hurricane force winds and torrential rain caused extensive damage to the railroad in the Salmonberry River Valley. More than of rain fell in less than 24 hours. Flooding and landslides washed out several embankments and one large bridge. This caused a break in the line between the coastal areas and Banks, OR. The majority of the line is now isolated from the rest of the North American rail system—causing all rail-freight operations past this break to cease. The scenic, coastal areas were largely unaffected. The estimate to reconnect the line was $57.3 million . It is unlikely that the Salmonberry River portion will be reopened anytime soon.

Salmonberry River Disputes

During 2014, the OCSR has been in a series of legal challenges with the State of Oregon over their attempts to reconstruct track in the Salmonberry River corridor that had been damaged in winter storms of 2007. The central issue was the OCSR's work included placing rock fill on the bank of the river, for which they had not obtained state permits, potentially impacting native salmon and steelhead. OCSR's position was that as a railroad, federal law exempted them from state environmental regulations. In March 2015, a decision was reported that exempted the OCSR from the state regulations.
2025 Tillamook Trestle Fire
On October 8, 2025, a wood trestle near Tillamook was damaged by fire and rendered impassable until it could be repaired or rebuilt. While it is not used by OCSR’s regular excursions, it sits on a section of track connecting the excursion route with the railroad's main restoration facility. The blaze is currently under investigation by the local sheriff’s office and the railroad has been in contact with state and federal law enforcement.