Shady Dell Pacific Railroad

SHOUT OUT TO THESE VOLUNTEERS… They definitely went above and beyond. I work with someone who is developmentally disabled and we decided to come here last weekend. I let the one gal know that she is developmentally disabled and she assured me that they would do the best to accommodate her. And that they did! We went on the the first time and decided to go again right before they closed. My client did not like the train they put us on, and the volunteers were SO SWEET and assured her that it was ok. They ran one last train for us (and it was about 4:56) and truly made her day! She felt special and I was very appreciative. And these are all volunteers… What a wonderful place to go to!

A family favorite for multiple generations. The nostalgia is priceless… the family Sundays are amazing

This is so much fun. I cant think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I cant imagine anyone having any problem with this place. Its a one of kind and if we loose it we wont have another. These people are so nice and donate their time to give everyone so much fun. My nephew lights up when we pull in. He knows from the front gate where we are and what we are there for. I would recommend anyone come. This isn’t just for kids (boys and girls) us to that are kids at heart. I know you will have such a fun time. I’ve posted some of our photos to their page here. We have many many videos. There are few places like this where they aren’t out just to make a buck. They truly want to see you having a great time.

Great place for kids — only complaint is a very small minority of the members are a bit ‘power-​trippy’. They over emphasize minor rules at the expense of common decency and courtesy — with their priority on talking down rather than talking to. So be prepared. Leaves a very sour after taste. Only reason for a low star rating. Otherwise, a great place for an afternoon trip and picnic.

Great place for inexpensive, g-​rated fun for everyone who’s a kid at heart. Bring a donation. Train rides are free.

Great wekend event for the kids, who doesn’t want to ride a little train ! Bring a picnic and head down to Fryer park when your done, it is less then a mile down the road.
Kids have to be able to hold on to ride they can’t ride on your lap

Any train buffs out there? When you have two boys, you basically can’t avoid a «train phase.» I think the only thing that got me through the whole Thomas the Tank Engine obsession was the video narration by George Carlin, Ringo Starr and Alec Baldwin. Sell outs!
Well, if you live in the Portland area and have a train buff in the family, this is a cool spot to visit one Sunday afternoon.
A group of volunteers operate handcrafted steam locomotives, electric powered Eastern Electric locomotives and gas powered modern diesel engines on a 1−½″ scale railroad situated on four acres in the Shady Dell Subdivision (east of Molalla, Oregon).
You can see from the photo, that one of the volunteers drives the train around a track while the passengers sit on top of a bench seat. There aren’t any seat belts or restraints so parents ride with the little ones. What is cool is that it isn’t your basic loop, so you actually have a nice little ride.
This is not a fancy operation, so adjust your expectations accordingly. They have a small on-​site café with hot dogs, nachos and shaved ice, but a lot of people bring a lunch and have a picnic in one of the grassy areas.
When I was there last, you didn’t have to pay to ride, but they gladly accept donations. Even if there was a charge, it would be pretty minimal.
Park hours
11:30 am — 5:00 pm Every Sunday
May Through October