Lake Whatcom Railway

The train was last updated in the 1940s, and was still in pretty good condition, looking like an appropriate time piece (which is a plus). Friendly staff, a banjo player was going through the train cars singing toons that make you feel like you went back in time. The train stops at a small waterfall, which was beautiful, and there’s a nice lawn for a picnic. Other than that, the train was really slow, the scenery wasn’t really that impressive despite going on a perfectly clear day. The train tracks are covered by trees, so you can barely see the mountains or much at all other than the trees around you. The actual train ride is pretty short, I think it took about 20 – 25 minutes each way to get to the waterfall, and you spend the rest of the time just hanging out there. I think kids would enjoy the train experience… but for me, I was expecting more.

The following is a review by my mom, who told me about her experience on the Lake Whatcom Railway in 2008.
«My husband and I took our then 7 year old daughter on the Lake Whatcom Railway Easter Train which departs out of Wickersham WA on Hwy 9. There was adequate parking in an unpaved, somewhat muddy lot which is to be expected during springtime in northwest Washington.
I am a history and architecture lover and rennovator of historic properties, so I looked forward to the historical aspect of the trip. My little girl was excited about the Easter egg hunt which was to be included as part of the trip.
Upon entering the train I was very dissappointed to see a near total lack of restoration. There were foul smells, no heat, and holes in the floors which allowed a view of the tracks speeding by below. The upholstry was torn, the snacks were expensive and of poor quality, and frankly the train felt unsafe as it swayed to nearly tipping when we rounded bends and corners.
About 15 minutes into the journey the train stopped on the tracks and we disembarked for the Easter egg „hunt.“ This consisted of no more than 3 doz. plastic eggs strewn on level ground.
After about 15 minutes of mucking through a muddy field toward a waterfall that was too slick to approach, we were informed it was time to re-​board for the trip back.
On the return trip we were „regaled“ by a banjo playing musician with a limited repertoire. He was apparently not taking requests as he ignored input by all the patrons.
In summary we were dissappointed by the condition of the train, and the lack of care put into the Easter egg hunt. Needless to say we do not feel we got our money’s worth.»