Sumpter Valley Railway

The Sumpter Valley Railway is a beloved narrow gauge heritage railroad in the historic gold mining district of eastern Oregon, operating vintage steam-powered trains through the scenic Powder River Valley between the old mining town of Sumpter and the Baker Valley. Originally built in 1896 as a 36-inch narrow gauge logging and mining railroad, the Sumpter Valley Railway hauled timber and ore through the rugged Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon until it closed in 1947. Heroic preservation efforts beginning in the 1970s resulted in the restoration of several miles of track and the acquisition of genuine historic narrow gauge equipment, including restored steam locomotives and passenger cars. Today, the railroad operates seasonal excursion trains through the sagebrush and pine landscape of the Powder River corridor, offering one of the most authentic narrow-gauge steam railroad experiences in the Pacific Northwest. The surrounding area is rich in gold mining history, with the Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area preserving several enormous gold dredges that worked the valley floor during the 20th century. Wildlife viewing is excellent throughout the Powder River Valley, with pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and abundant birdlife commonly observed from the train. The Sumpter Valley Railway operates on a seasonal schedule and is one of Oregon’s most distinctive and historically significant heritage attractions.