Chelatchie Prairie Railroad — Attraction in Yacolt

Kind of a mixed review. We took the "wine train." It appears the "wine train" idea is fairly new, because it's a little chaotic at the winery; getting instructions on how to get the physical ticket (required) in place of the electronic receipt took some doing. The ticket includes a tasting of 3 wines at the winery. You can board at the train station in Yacolt (which won't give you time at the winery) or at the winery 10 minutes away from the train station. Anyone with mobility issues should board at Yacolt. At Yacolt, there is a ramp to the train; at the winery, you have to climb some very steep steps onto the train. It's a "wine train" only if you buy wine at the winery and take it on board (or otherwise BYOB); nothing is served on the train. Altho it's a noon-time train, there is no food available other than a "wine snacks" tray (crackers, cheese, nuts) from the winery. Bring your own lunch unless you eat beforehand (which won't happen at the winery because they have no food on "wine train" days other than the "wine snacks"). Ride itself is pretty; goes into shaded glens, through a tunnel, past pleasant fields, etc. It stops for 20-25 minutes at Yacolt Falls, giving pax the chance to stroll to the falls and stretch their legs. We went on a beautiful warm sunny day; wouldn't recommend a cloudy or rainy day. The volunteer crew is friendly and helpful; the winery folks are also friendly but maybe a little understaffed when things start getting busy as train riders show up. The giant shaggy dog at the winery is friendly. The steam engine is quaint and works well. Much like the Mt. Hood Railway, the train has no place to turn around, so you back out of Yacolt and go forward back into Yacolt. The open cars have better visibility, but worse seats, than the closed car. Tickets are $4 cheaper if you go to the train station in Yacolt rather than buy...

I understand that this is ran by volunteers. First off, no one acted like they enjoyed what they were doing there was no interaction with the children. The train itself I understand is very old but it was filthy to the point where you didn't want to touch anything. I doubt it is ever sanitized but of course we were told to wear a mask. You couldn't see out the windows because of all the steam so we were given one single paper towel to wipe the windows but that didn’t do anything. This is a Santa train so we thought Christmas music would be playing but there was no music the entire time. Halfway through we stopped and the children were able to see Santa, may I add the lamest Santa ever that was standing up, not even sitting down and barely interacted with the children. The only thing he said was say "rotten cookies" so parents could take a picture of their child just standing by him. The website is false advertisement saying that each child receives a gift from Santa. All they received at the very end walking out was a piece of paper that was a "ticket" from Santa and the railroad crew given by a woman. You mean to tell me that they couldn't even give out mini candy canes or something to the kids? They were definitely quick to ask for donations on everything, my favorite was at the very end a man came down the aisle with a magazine of the history of Yacolt and asked for a $10 donation. I wouldn't even spend 5 dollars on this experience, very disappointed and do...

All aboard! The Chelatchie Prairie Santa Train is ready to go! This restored locomotive is no ordinary train; it’s the stuff of railroad buffs and children’s dreams, and the little town of Yacoult, Washington’s claim to fame. Passengers board with jackets, hats, gloves and scarves and even blankets for the open air trip from Yacoult to place unknown in the forest. The mid car, decorated with wreaths and holly, is heated up toastily for babies, elderly and those not so interested in braving the brisk Pacific Northwest air. It’s the Christmas season so the diesel locomotive stops for a hot cocoa and cider and a visit with Santa. Children are also treated to a photo with the jolly guy, a gift, and candy. A roaring bonfire is outside St. Nicholas’ shelter to warm up children’s cold little hands. The call to board is made once again, and the train trundles back through the forest and past frozen ponds back to the depot. At about $15 a head per adult and $13 for children, the Chelatchie Santa Train is a wonderful, wholesome jingle bell holiday experience straight out of a Hallmark...