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01 Feb 2025Updated last time
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Pacific Northwest Train Trip Itinerary

Exploring the Pacific Northwest: A Journey by Rail

Embark on a captivating train journey through the Pacific Northwest, a region famed for its lush landscapes, urban gems, and charming towns. Begin your adventure in Seattle, WA, where the skyline is punctuated by the Space Needle and the sounds of bustling Pike Place Market fill the air. Absorb the city's creative energy before heading to Leavenworth, WA, a delightful Bavarian-themed village nestled in the Cascades. Stroll through the quaint streets, savor authentic German cuisine, and bask in the alpine ambiance.

Next, your train whisks you to Spokane, WA, bridging the natural and urbane with its splendid Riverfront Park and cultural landmarks. This is your gateway to the great outdoors, with countless trails and parks at your fingertips. As you continue your journey, Whitefish, MT awaits with its enchanting mountain vistas and proximity to the awe-inspiring Glacier National Park. Relish in outdoor recreational activities or explore the town's inviting community.

The final leg takes you to Portland, OR, affectionately known as the City of Roses. Immerse yourself in its vibrant neighborhoods, innovative culinary scene, and verdant parklands. Portland's artistic spirit and proximity to the majestic landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood make it the perfect finale to your Pacific Northwest train trip.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Seattle, WA

    Seattle is a vibrant city known for its iconic Space Needle, bustling Pike Place Market, and rich music history. It's surrounded by water, mountains, and evergreen forests, making it a great starting point for exploring the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty.
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    Leavenworth, WA

    Leavenworth is a charming Bavarian-styled village in the Cascade Mountains. This unique town offers a slice of Germany with its alpine architecture, German food, and fun festivals like Oktoberfest. It also provides outdoor adventures such as hiking and river rafting.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Spokane, WA

    Spokane offers a mix of urban and outdoor experiences. Visit the beautiful Riverfront Park, check out the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, or explore the scenic Spokane Falls. The city serves as a gateway to recreational opportunities of the Inland Northwest.
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    Whitefish, MT

    Whitefish is a resort town near Glacier National Park, offering stunning natural scenery, outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and fishing, and a quaint downtown with shops and dining. It's a perfect spot for adventure and relaxation in a picturesque setting.
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    Portland, OR

    Portland is known for its eclectic vibe, lush parks, and a thriving food, coffee, and craft beer scene. Cultural offerings like the Portland Art Museum and performances at the Oregon Symphony are complemented by the nearby Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood.
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Restaurants

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    The Pink Door

    The Pink Door

    Serving Italian-American cuisine, The Pink Door features trapeze artists and an eclectic, quirky atmosphere in Seattle's Pike Place Market.
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    Safe House

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    Safe House

    An espionage-themed restaurant where guests need a password to enter, located in the heart of downtown Spokane.
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    Portland City Grill

    Portland City Grill

    Enjoy sweeping views of Portland and the Cascade Mountains while dining from the 30th floor of the U.S. Bancorp Tower.
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    The Hobbit Cafe

    The Hobbit Cafe

    This fantasy-inspired cafe in Whitefish offers a cozy retreat for those who enjoy a bit of magic with their meal.
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    Grendel's Den

    Grendel's Den

    A medieval-themed establishment in Leavenworth, provides an immersive dining experience featuring period-appropriate dรฉcor and dishes.
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    The Wandering Table

    The Wandering Table

    Located in Spokane, this restaurant offers a unique 'wandering' menu that changes often, inspired by the chef's travels.
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    Vertical Diner

    Vertical Diner

    Funky all-vegan diner in Portland that offers plant-based versions of classic American diner food in a unique, retro atmosphere.
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  • Canlis

    Offering an original blend of fine dining with a secret treehouse-like location, Canlis is a Seattle institution with a view.
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Hotels

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    TreeHouse Point

    TreeHouse Point

    Nestled in a lush forest, TreeHouse Point offers guests the unique experience of staying in an actual treehouse, just outside of Seattle.
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    McMenamins Kennedy School

    McMenamins Kennedy School

    A former elementary school converted into a hotel, complete with classrooms-turned-guestrooms, a brewery, and a soaking pool, located in Portland.
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    The Davenport Hotel

    The Davenport Hotel

    This historic hotel in Spokane offers a taste of the grandeur of the past with its stunning architecture and luxurious accommodations.
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    Northern Rail Traincar Inn

    Northern Rail Traincar Inn

    Set near the shores of Lake Superior, guests can stay in converted train cars for a unique lodging experience reminiscent of the train journey itself.
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    Hotel deLuxe

    Hotel deLuxe

    Themed after a 1930s Hollywood studio, this Portland hotel gives you a glamorous taste of old-time movie magic.
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    The Icicle Village Resort

    The Icicle Village Resort

    Located in Leavenworth, this alpine resort offers a Bavarian experience with beautiful mountain views, just steps away from the town's center.
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Beyond Wonderland

    Beyond Wonderland

    The event will take place at Gorge Amphitheatre in George.
    Map IconGorge Amphitheatre in George (19.88 mi)
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    2024 Season Tickets

    2024 Season Tickets

    The event will take place at Gorge Amphitheatre in George.
    Map IconGorge Amphitheatre in George (29.95 mi)
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    ILLENIUM: Memorial Day Weekend 2024 2 Day Pass

    ILLENIUM: Memorial Day Weekend 2024 2 Day Pass

    For more information on The Gorge and the Gorge Campground go to: www.gorgecamping.com. LINE UP Saturday: ILLENIUM LIVE SET KASKADEW Blanke KREAM HVDES Fairlane CIMEMA KID Sunday: ILLENIUM Two Friends Ghengar Level Up Bijou Midnight Kids PAWS Please ...
    Map IconGorge Amphitheatre in George (29.95 mi)
    Calendar IconN/A
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  • Event Icon

    Beyond Wonderland at the Gorge

    Beyond Wonderland at the Gorge

    The event will take place at Gorge Amphitheatre in George.
    Map IconGorge Amphitheatre in George (29.95 mi)
    Calendar IconN/A
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  • Event Icon

    Noah Kahan: We'll All Be Here Forever Tour

    Noah Kahan: We'll All Be Here Forever Tour

    A portion of proceeds from each ?Make A Difference Ticket? will be donated to The Busyhead Project, a fund at the Vermont Community Foundation, which Noah created to support organizations delivering mental health treatment and providing access to car...
    Map IconGorge Amphitheatre in George (29.95 mi)
    Calendar Icon30 Jun 2024
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    blink-182 - ONE MORE TIME

    blink-182 - ONE MORE TIME

    A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to the Living The Dream Foundation which makes dreams come true for music fans living with life threatening illnesses. Dream Days include hanging out onstage, backstage, and special meet and greets wit...
    Map IconGorge Amphitheatre in George (29.95 mi)
    Calendar Icon15 Jul 2024
    Picture for blink-182 - ONE MORE TIME
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    Tyler Childers - Mule Pull '24 Tour

    Tyler Childers - Mule Pull '24 Tour

    The time has changed on this event to 5:30PM. Tickets for previous times will remain valid. $1 from every ticket sold will be going to Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund. Established in 2020 by Senora May and Tyler Childers, HHARF brings awarenes...
    Map IconGorge Amphitheatre in George (29.95 mi)
    Calendar Icon24 Aug 2024
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Recommendations for trip to Pacific Northwest via train . I'm graduating from college in June and have always wanted to visit the Pacific Northwest, so as a graduation gift to...

    Recommendations for trip to Pacific Northwest via train

    Recommendations for trip to Pacific Northwest via train . I'm graduating from college in June and have always wanted to visit the Pacific Northwest, so as a graduation gift to...

    /r/solotravel
  • Reddit Icon

    Hi all. I am planning a trip for me and my family (wife and two young kids ages 5 and 2) this summer in mid-August to the Pacific Northwest. Looking for suggestions for things...

    Trip Itinerary Recommendations?

    Hi all. I am planning a trip for me and my family (wife and two young kids ages 5 and 2) this summer in mid-August to the Pacific Northwest. Looking for suggestions for things...

    /r/PacificNorthwest
  • Reddit Icon

    My girlfriend and I are planning to do a trip through the Pacific Northwest in August. Our plan is in August to fly into Seattle and do a few days there before either taking a...

    Planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest

    My girlfriend and I are planning to do a trip through the Pacific Northwest in August. Our plan is in August to fly into Seattle and do a few days there before either taking a...

    /r/travel
  • Reddit Icon

    I'm a urban transportation planner and food adventurer from Ohio heading to the Pacific Northwest for the first time this July! Visiting Vancouver (4 days), Eugene (2.5 days),...

    First-Time Trip to the Pacific Northwest (PNW)

    I'm a urban transportation planner and food adventurer from Ohio heading to the Pacific Northwest for the first time this July! Visiting Vancouver (4 days), Eugene (2.5 days),...

    /r/solotravel
  • Reddit Icon

    Mount St. Helens (known as Lawetlat'la to the indigenous Cowlitz people, and Loowit or Louwala-Clough to the Klickitat) is an active stratovolcano located in Skamania County, ...

    Looking for guidance and recommendations for PNW trip

    Mount St. Helens (known as Lawetlat'la to the indigenous Cowlitz people, and Loowit or Louwala-Clough to the Klickitat) is an active stratovolcano located in Skamania County, ...

    /r/PacificNorthwest
  • Reddit Icon

    Hellooo! I am turning 24 in February and I am coming from Chicago to explore the Pacific North West. Ive only been so far as Idaho and Montana and have been dying to travel ou...

    Birthday Solo Trip!! (end of february/ early march) Need ...

    Hellooo! I am turning 24 in February and I am coming from Chicago to explore the Pacific North West. Ive only been so far as Idaho and Montana and have been dying to travel ou...

    /r/PacificNorthwest
  • Reddit Icon

    My wife (33F) and I (32M) are planning a 10 day PNW trip a couple weeks from now. Looking for any feedback for things we could be adding, or maybe more importantly things not ...

    10 Day PNW Itinerary Feedback

    My wife (33F) and I (32M) are planning a 10 day PNW trip a couple weeks from now. Looking for any feedback for things we could be adding, or maybe more importantly things not ...

    /r/PacificNorthwest

Music for Your Journey

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    Edith Whiskers - Home

    Edith Whiskers - Home

    A relaxing tune capturing the essence of comfort and nostalgia which compliments the scenic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.
    Listen on Spotify
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    The Head And The Heart - Rivers and Roads

    The Head And The Heart - Rivers and Roads

    This song embodies the feeling of change and distance, perfect as you travel between the varied destinations of your trip.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Jack Johnson - Banana Pancakes

    Jack Johnson - Banana Pancakes

    A laid-back, feel-good song that encourages you to take it easy, much like the leisurely pace of a train ride.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Unleash The Archers - Northwest Passage

    Unleash The Archers - Northwest Passage

    An iconic song about the quest for the elusive Northwest Passage, providing historical depth to your modern journey.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Ola Gjeilo - Northern Lights

    Ola Gjeilo - Northern Lights

    With shimmering guitar work, this song reflects the natural beauty and wonder of the Northern regions you'll be exploring.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Led Zeppelin - Going to California - Remaster

    Led Zeppelin - Going to California - Remaster

    Captures the spirit of heading West to find oneself, resonating with the exploratory nature of your travels.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Donovan Woods - Portland, Maine

    Donovan Woods - Portland, Maine

    A reflective track that might mirror your thoughts while gazing out at the passing scenery.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Death Cab for Cutie - Meet Me on the Equinox

    Death Cab for Cutie - Meet Me on the Equinox

    Hailing from one of Seattle's own bands, this song's meditative vibe fits with the contemplative mood of train travel.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Tom Petty - Wildflowers

    Tom Petty - Wildflowers

    The simplicity and beauty of the lyrics can echo the serene landscapes sweeping by your window.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Norah Jones - Come Away With Me

    Norah Jones - Come Away With Me

    A gentle invitation to escape from the world, perfect for the moments of quiet introspection during your journey.
    Listen on Spotify
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