Has your family experienced the Mt. Hood Railroad yet? If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to do so, consider their “Family Explorer Lunch Train” excursions, taking place this month.
My family took the excursion last Thursday, traveling aboard the vintage train to orchard-flanked Odell – and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Aside from MAX, most of us rarely have the opportunity to travel by train. For that reason alone, the Mt. Hood Railroad is a thrill. But the added benefit of beautiful scenery is what makes these excursions a true delight. We sat mesmerized watching the landscape slide lazily by: the rushing, frothy Hood River, Mt Hood and Mt Adams, and endless mosaics of fruit trees.
A formal lunch served on white table linens by spiffy wait staff was (surprise!) cooked right there on the train. The kids inhaled tasty grilled cheese, local Hood River cherries and chocolate chip cookies; Grandma loved that the chicken sandwiches were served warm.
The hour-long stop in Odell featured an interactive, low-key OMSI presentation. The kids handled volcanic rocks and animal artifacts, helped explode a cool oozing, fizzy volcano and tackled an original craft: origami maple seeds!
Just a short “Gorge-ous” drive out to Hood River, the Mt Hood Railroad offers numerous themed excursions. Family Explorer Lunch Train excursions are scheduled for Aug. 13, 20 and 27. Visit www.mthoodrr.com or call 800-872-4661 for details.
Another big hit with families is the railroad’s Western Train Robbery Excursion. The next ones are scheduled for Aug. 22 and 23. Click here to read about how much fun your family will have during this “special event” excursion.
Submitted by Kandy

August 9th, 2009 | Category: Uncategorized