The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad

February 2007

The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad can be a bit difficult to find, but for the determined visitor of tourist railroads, it is worth the effort. They are near the Portland OR, Vancouver WA metropolitan area, and operate from Yacolt WA, which is north of Battleground on the Lewis and Clark counties railroad.

Their usual consist is of an Alco diesel switcher, an open car, and a couple of nicely restored wide vision caboose. They operatate south from Yacolt. They used to stop at Moulton Falls, but now go down near Lucia.

Yacolt can be a bit difficult to locate. I suggest you print out a copy of the driving instructions from their website. The drive in the spring and fall is very nice and I recommend it.

Starting in December 2006, the Crosset Western #10, a 2-8-2T tank steam locomotive (formerly Peninsular Railway (aka Hammond Lumber) #16 at Shelton, WA) was restored to operation and added to the Chelatchie Prairie roster. I'm told that no definite schedule has been planned for steam operations and it is likely to only occur on special occaisons.

The Alco locomotive at the depot in Yacolt.

I really like the way the Chelatchie Prairie folks converted this flat car to an open car.

Running above the Moulton River.

The Crosset Western #10 at the depot in Yacolt.

The #10 pushing the train away from the depot in Yacolt.