Looking for a unique adventure through some of Oregon's most awe-inspiring scenery? Then hop aboard the Mount Hood Railroad!
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I am still amazed at how many wonderful adventures are available to residents and visitors alike. There is SO much to do and see in Oregon! My love affair, I am convinced, will never ever end because there is always something new-to-me and exciting just around the corner. Way to keep things interesting, Oregon!
I've lived here for most of my life, and I had never taken the Mount Hood Railroad – until recently. I had the pleasure of spending the day on the Mount Hood Railroad Champagne Brunch Train with my husband for a little mid-day date.
Mount Hood Railroad Champagne Brunch Train
Each year, June through October, you can wine and dine while enjoying the Oregon countryside during the four-hour Champagne Brunch Train. It runs on Sundays from 11:30am to 3:15pm, departing from the rail station at Hood River, Oregon, stopping for 30 minutes in Parkdale, Oregon, then returning back to the Hood River station.
You can choose from Standard, First, or Diamond Class. Thanks to the Mount Hood Railroad, Mr. Bliss and I were able to enjoy the champagne brunch train in Diamond Class, which includes a 3-course brunch meal and glass of champagne.
The brunch begins with plates of fruit and assorted pastries. In First Class and Diamond Class, you get one glass of champagne or sparkling cider with your ticket; you can purchase additional champagne, cocktails, beer, or wine as well.
After the train starts moving, the main course is served. My husband enjoyed the fresh apple crepes with fruit berry compote.
When you purchase your tickets online in advance, you can place your brunch order. The Mount Hood Railroad is happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, so be sure to let them know ahead of time. I can't have dairy or eggs, and one of our seat mates across from us is Celiac so he couldn't have gluten.
I had the pork with a salad instead of with eggs, since I can't have eggs.
The third (dessert) course varies, and usually consists of seasonal ingredients.
The train stops at Parkdale, Oregon, a quaint town close to Mount Hood. Here, you'll have 45 minutes to explore sights such as the Hutson Museum. We decided to spend that time trying out the local microbrewery: Solera.
Solera is a family-friendly brewpub with about eight beers on tap. When we visited, one of the taps had Anthem Cider, which is an excellent cider out of Salem, Oregon. They also served five of their own brews, plus two out of Washington.
Be sure to keep an eye on the clock, because you don't want to miss the train going back. The ride back is just as relaxing and the sights are just as sweet as the ride to Parkdale. It really is a beautiful part of the state, and like all train rides, you get to see areas by rail that you don't normally get to see when just driving along the main highways. We're so lucky to live in a beautiful, produce-rich state! The apple orchards alone, with Mount Hood as the backdrop, make for such lovely scenery.
Overall, it was a nice experience and I think a trip on the Mount Hood Railroad is a great gift to give to parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, and also a fun excursion to take relatives visiting from out of town. We were definitely younger by at least 10 years than the majority of people who rode the Champagne Brunch Train on this particular day, and it seemed to be a popular trip for couples to take with other couple friends.
In addition to the Champagne Brunch Train, you can enjoy a Western Train Robbery ride and a Timber Baron Dinner train which includes a murder mystery show. Both of those train rides are available through October 31st. In November and December, families can enjoy the Polar Express Train, which I have heard is great fun for kids.
For full train excursion ride details, fees, meals, and more, be sure to visit the Mount Hood Railroad website. If you've ever been on one of their rides, or a similar train excursion where you live, I'd love to hear about it! Please feel free to leave a comment below!
Thanks to the Mount Hood Railroad for the complementary opportunity to experience the Champagne Brunch Train! All opinions and photos are, as always, my own.
Shahin says
A friend knows some folks visiting Hood River asked for must see things to do. I LOVE Hood River but drew a blank - then said I know JUST where to check. A search on your site for Hood River and voila! Yes! The train rides! We've done the Polar Express but didn't even think about other ones like the Robbery one!
And the Brewery - YUM! Went there already on your recommendation. So good!
Colleen Lanin says
I love train travel & have been wanting to visit Oregon for the past few years. This brunch sounds so fun!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
You should come out for a visit, Colleen! :)
Monica Louie says
Sounds like such a fun and delicious trip! My husband and I will have to do this!
Verena says
I am soo there! It's nice to get out, especially when it's rainy outside and you're getting pampered inside! And it's so pretty! Nothing compared to crummy Amtrak trains! Thanks for the tip!
Molly says
This looks like so much fun and the food looks amazing!
Jessica Smith says
I am definitely doing this when I go to Mt. Hood! Thanks so much for sharing :)
Alexandra Rood says
Oh this sounds great!! I just recently moved back to the Portland area with my husband (who has lived his whole life Texas). I am constantly on the search for fun things like this to do with him so he can experience my favorite state!! Thanks for sharing!
kelsey says
oh wow! this looks wonderful! i need to explore more!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, Kelsey! I hope you get the chance to go on one of their excursions someday!
Pech says
I've heard of this train, but admit I've never been on it either - it's good to hear how open they are to accommodating dietary restrictions!
Rachel Lloyd says
OMGOSH! I am so jealous, I am in the same boat as you- I've lived here most of my life and never tried the train. I heard they have a Polar Express train during holidays for kids- I actually kind of want to try that! ha- the food actually looks pretty great as well- awesome. I will totally need to make this on my agenda for the fall. Thanks for sharing!