Best Train Journeys Around the World in Spokane, Washington, United States
1. Amtrak Coast Starlight
Scenic train journey from Seattle to Los Angeles, offering views of the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains. Particularly beautiful during sunrise.
- Overnight Journey: Allows travelers to save on accommodation.
- Coastal Views: Provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast.
- Dining Car Experience: Offers a unique dining car experience with delicious meals.
2. Amtrak Empire Builder
Cross-country train journey from Chicago to Portland, showcasing the diverse landscapes of Montana and North Dakota.
- Scenic Diversity: Provides a glimpse into the varied landscapes of the American West.
- Lengthy Journey: Allows travelers to cover vast distances without flying.
- Observation Car: Features an observation car for optimal sightseeing.
3. Rocky Mountaineer
Luxury train ride through the Canadian Rockies, offering panoramic views of glaciers, mountains, and forests.
- Luxury Experience: Offers a high-end travel experience with gourmet meals.
- Scenic Highlights: Highlights the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
- Daily Departures: Allows for flexible scheduling options.
4. Denali Star
Alaskan train ride from Anchorage to Fairbanks, showcasing the wild beauty of Denali National Park.
- Wildlife Viewing: Offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, including bears and moose.
- Alaskan Wilderness: Highlights the pristine wilderness of Alaska.
- Seasonal Departures: Departs during specific seasons to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.
5. Iron Horse Railroad
Scenic train ride through the North Cascades National Park, featuring views of glaciers and waterfalls.
- North Cascades Views: Provides stunning views of the North Cascades National Park.
- Short Journey: A shorter train ride, perfect for those with limited time.
- Seasonal Departures: Departs during specific seasons to maximize scenic opportunities.
6. Heart of the Rockies Scenic Railroad
Colorado train ride through the Rocky Mountains, showcasing views of mountains, valleys, and historic towns.
- Rocky Mountain Views: Offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
- Historic Towns: Passes through historic towns, offering a glimpse into Colorado's past.
- Daily Departures: Allows for flexible scheduling options.
7. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Tennessee train ride through the Great Smoky Mountains, offering views of forests and historic towns.
- Great Smoky Mountains Views: Provides breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Historic Towns: Passes through historic towns, offering a glimpse into Tennessee's past.
- Seasonal Departures: Departs during specific seasons to maximize scenic opportunities.
8. Cascade Crest Scenic Railroad
Oregon train ride through the Cascade Mountains, offering views of forests and waterfalls.
- Cascade Mountain Views: Provides stunning views of the Cascade Mountains.
- Short Journey: A shorter train ride, perfect for those with limited time.
- Seasonal Departures: Departs during specific seasons to maximize scenic opportunities.
9. Napa Valley Wine Train
California train ride through Napa Valley, featuring wine tastings and vineyard tours.
- Wine Tastings: Offers wine tastings at various stops along the route.
- Vineyard Tours: Provides tours of vineyards and wineries.
- Daily Departures: Allows for flexible scheduling options.
10. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Colorado and New Mexico train ride through the San Juan Mountains, featuring historic steam engines.
- Historic Steam Engines: Uses historic steam engines for a unique experience.
- Scenic Highlights: Highlights the beauty of the San Juan Mountains.
- Seasonal Departures: Departs during specific seasons to maximize scenic opportunities.
11. White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
Alaska train ride through the White Pass and Chilkoot trails, offering views of glaciers and historic sites.
- Historic Sites: Passes by historic sites associated with the Klondike Gold Rush.
- Glacier Views: Offers views of glaciers and the surrounding wilderness.
- Seasonal Departures: Departs during specific seasons to maximize scenic opportunities.
12. Palouse Scenic Railroad
Washington train ride through the Palouse Hills, offering views of farms and rolling hills.
- Farmland Views: Provides stunning views of the Palouse farmlands.
- Short Journey: A shorter train ride, perfect for those with limited time.
- Seasonal Departures: Departs during specific seasons to maximize scenic opportunities.
13. Cadillac Desert Railroad
Arizona train ride through the Grand Canyon, offering views of one of the world's natural wonders.
- Grand Canyon Views: Provides breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon.
- Lengthy Journey: Allows travelers to cover vast distances without flying.
- Luxury Experience: Offers a high-end travel experience with gourmet meals.
14. Ski Train
Colorado train ride to the Winter Park Ski Resort, offering a convenient way to reach popular ski destinations.
- Convenient Ski Access: Provides easy access to the Winter Park Ski Resort.
- Seasonal Departures: Departs during the winter ski season.
- Short Journey: A shorter train ride, perfect for those with limited time.
15. Great Northern Route Railroad
Minnesota and North Dakota train ride through the Twin Cities and Glacial Lakes, offering views of lakes and cities.
- Twin Cities Views: Offers views of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
- Glacial Lakes Views: Provides stunning views of the Glacial Lakes region.
- Daily Departures: Allows for flexible scheduling options.