Northwest Railway Museum

This is much more about the history of the Snoqualmie Valley than about the railroad specifically. Even if you read all the plaques, you can’t really spend more than 30 minutes here. I wanted to learn more about actual trains, engines, their different uses, historical significance of different models and why they were designed that way, etc. Also a bummer that you couldn’t go inside any of the cars they have in the yard area.
Cute gift shop but I didn’t get anything.

AWESOME for families, train enthusiasts, engineers. Great history. Was a tour-​it-​yourself museum with descriptions for the trains, uses, discharge date, manufacture company.
NOT recommended if it’s rainy outside. Drizzle weather to sun perfect.

I had the pleasure of visiting Snoqualmie a few weeks ago via my stay in Seattle. I am an avid photographer and even though it took me almost 2 hours to get there using public transportation and lugging around a 25 pound camera bag, got my photo of the fall and was a happy photographer. I knew nothing about the city but kept hearing people say «That waterfall was from the show Twin Peaks!» which honestly I had never watched, and was also told that the Railway Museum is worth checking out and photographing. Since the bus stop was near the railroad museum and I was hungry and thirsty, I started walking up by the train tracks and also snapping some photos of the trains since they looked nice.
Here is where things hit a sour note. Once I got to the Railroad Museum, I thought it was a charming building and took a photo, but I noticed across the street, a security guard was eyeballing me and walking towards me. There wasn’t much going on — just a gazebo and some what looked to be a light stands and other gear on the gazebo. I thought maybe there was a band setting up to play later. Not being from that area, I asked the security guard if something was wrong and was told I couldn’t photograph there. Keep in mind, I was on a public sidewalk, there were no signs posted regarding any photography restrictions, and I had not stepped even one step towards the gazebo.
The security guard was polite and professional and we had some small talk (which consisted of him asking my name and where I was from and otherwise sizing me up), but he offered no details about what was going on other than to confirm my question of «is there a private event there?». He pointed to the area which was open to photography and said it was ok «there» except that «there» was not very clear.
At that point, I had a feeling I was being watched so i put my camera away and kept walking wondering what sort of thing I had walked in on. Was it a political event? Was it some sort of military activity? I had no way to know because I wasn’t from there. As I kept walking, I saw another security guard in a large parking lot full of trailers talking on his headset– no doubt about me. At that point, I decided to just buy a snack and water from one of the stores there and head back to the big city before I «accidentally» take a picture of the precious gazebo.
Later on, I found out that it was just the set of the reboot of Twin Peaks. That’s it. All that drama because of the reboot of a 90’s show. So I guess the point of this rant is, if this is supposed to be a charming little tourist town with a charming little Railway Museum where they want tourists, they shouldn’t freak out when they see a guy with a camera, even if it’s a bigger than normal camera. I would have loved to check out the museum but not if I felt like I was going to be harassed and the front of the museum is as far as I could get.
I’m sure the city made a bunch of money from the show so tourists’ dollars don’t matter much in the short term, but next time I’m in the area, I’ll just pass right through the town and not spend any money.
PS. That is one weird show.

This is in regard to Thomas the train event in 2015. The lady that reviewed below S C. in 2014. she pretty much summarized our family experience with Thomas the Train. Most were just posters and pictures of Thomas plastered onto an old train.
Overpriced rip off artist. Save yourself a trip!!! Save your money and buy your kids a video of Thomas and some toys. You’ll thank me later!

I took my family to include husband and toddler. My toddler loved the train ride; train ride for adults is a bit pricey at $ 20 each, but baby was free (fares start at 2 years of age). Was a fun experience.

We had a great time. Took my 18 month old because he started showing interest in trains and he hasn’t stopped saying choo-​choo for days. It was probably the best memory he has had in his young little life. We missed the train at Snoqualmie so we raced down to North Bend to hop on it from there. So we took it up to Snoqualmie, saw the falls and the beautiful views. Then back to North Bend. It took more than an hour total on the train. Back in North Bend we got out, took a photo in front of the train and the. had some cherry pie at Twede’s. Everything worked out perfectly because I planned ahead and knew what to expect. Missed the first train but it still worked out. Oh! The train whistle or horn or whatever is LOUD! Covers your childs ears if you’re towards the front.

This review is for the regular train ride. I took my almost 3 year old son on the Mothers day train.
PROS:
— Location was easy to find via google maps. Signs posted along the way.
— Bathrooms were nice and clean.
— I arrived very early, so getting tickets was a breeze since I was the only one in line (and moms got in free with paying child which was only $ 10.00, otherwise $ 18.00 for adults). Although I did see a long line forming towards the end, if you get there about an hour early I dont think you will wait in line at all.
— The train staff were informative and kept things fun along the way. Made it a point to interact with as many guests as they could.
— They have 3 parked trains onsite for train/​history buffs to check out.
CONS:
— I couldnt find a designated parking area for the museum. It appears that people just park along the street in front of peoples houses. I did find a gravel parking lot across the street from the museum that was adjacent to a bowling alley or café of some sort. There was a parking sign but did not indicate if there was a time limit or if train museum guests could park there.
–Would be nice if some of the parked trains were open to the public. They are all locked. so the most you can do is peak through the windows. Although my son did enjoy climbing on the trains. there is a sign that states «no climbing– staff only». They are also dangerous to climb on (they are up pretty high with no safety railing prevent the littls from falling). Kids do lose interest pretty fast & it appears a lot of other children were growing restless with the wait & having nothing to do. Im glad I brought some toys to pass the time.
–Not very stroller friendly for families with small kids. Gravel in most places or wooden planks. I just parked my stroller and we walked since it was impossible to stroll him around. Not a big deal since he is 3 and can just walk anyway… but for families with small children its something to keep in mind. A carrier would probably be best.
–There is a market across the street. However, no drinks or snacks available at the station itself. Not a huge deal but if you are in a hurry thinking you can grab something while you are there before you cant a train.wrong. Its a quick walk across the street and not a huge deal. but just a heads up.
–No bathrooms on the trains. Again. not a huge deal. The bathrooms at the museum are clean & nice.
OVERALL–
My son is 3 and loved it. Just seeing a train and being on a train made his heart melt. Staff was friendly. The train ride itself wasnt very scenic (you board the train in snoqualamie… ride to northbend… return back to snoqualamie. go past it a few miles for a look at the falls). BUT… it wasnt about me wanting to be on a scenic train ride. It was about my sons experience which was good.
Seats were comfortable on the train and there was plenty of room to roam around.
We will return, but probably only during the mothers day/​fathers day special. Knowing what to prepare for ahead of time will make the trip more enjoyable/​prepared next time around.
Thanks for the great train ride ! My son loved it.

Unfortunately we didn’t have time to go on one of the train rides, but we did get a chance to explore the quaint museum in the depot. There was a man working in the bookstore who was helpful, informative and friendly. We enjoyed chatting with him and picking up a cute pin in the gift shop.

The Santa train was disappointing. You wait in line to get on the train, you’re on the train maybe 10 minutes (probably a stretch) then stop and get out, you wait in line for Santa, grab your cookie and hot chocolate, mill around for a couple of minutes and get back in line for the less than 10 minute ride back. I will say that the people running it were really great… I think they are all volunteers. The advertising is a little deceptive as it says it’s a 2hour event. They don’t tell you most of the 2 hours is standing in line. Won’t be back.

This is the 4^th year we’ve taken our son here for the Day Out With Thomas event. We’ve always had a good time despite the crowds and unruly children and inevitable meltdowns that we witness happening! Our son loves trains and especially loves Thomas, so dealing with the lines and the crowds is worth it. We have learned that coming earlier in the day is better as the crowds are smaller, and the kids are usually in a better mood!
The staff and volunteers have always been friendly and helpful. It’s fun to talk to the older people that work there as they are a wealth of knowledge and love to talk about the old trains and the history of everything. We keep talking about coming back some day when the Thomas event isn’t going on just to explore the museum and see what else they have to offer.

This review is for the Day Out with Thomas only.
What a bust! We came for the first train of the day for the Day Out with Thomas. For the age group of the fans it attracts, there really needs to be a better system. There is a line for everything! We had to wait in line about ½ hour to get in, even though the ticket said to arrive an hour early. Then we had to wait in a line to board the train, add another 45 minutes until we were actually boarding the train. Before our day with Thomas even started, my 2.5 and 5 year old were over it. Let’s be honest, Thomas targets the under 5 crowd. Asking a child that young to patiently wait over an hour in line to board a train is too much. My little guy was upset and crying by the time out adventure even started. Thomas pulls the train so there is no indication once you’re on the train that you’re doing anything but riding any old train. In fact, once we got home, my 5 year old was upset thinking we never rode Thomas! The ride itself is short. To some people, the 15 minute ride and back might seem like a rip off. For us, it was perfect because my kids were agitated and recovering from their hour long wait in line.
After the ride, we hustled to the front of the train to take a picture of Thomas only to find a huge line to take a picture! There was no way I was going to torture my kids with another minute of waiting in a line. So we viewed Thomas through a line of people waiting to get a photo. It was so disappointing.
As for the attractions, yes, Sir Topham hat was there, but guess what? You had to wait in a line to see him. The line was looking a bit shorter at one point so we tried to join in only to be told that they were cutting the line off and Sit Topham Hat would be back out in an hour! Seriously? How about you have several people dressed up as Sir Topham hat and would solve the waiting in line for at least one attraction.
There was a tattoo station. So what? Lame in my opinion. The storytelling/​video attraction was a tent with some crayons and photocopies to color with a tV in the corner. Is this the best they can do? This is storytelling? We can color a picture at home.
Maybe the only half way entertaining moment for my kids was the tent with the multiple train tables. It was instant satisfaction and they didn’t have to wait to play. It was over run with kids but at least they didn’t seem to mind too much.
There was a small tent with a small puppet stage set up. I can’t image that would be all that great considering the puppet set up looked like something you would buy at Toys R Us for your home.
Of course there was a gigantic retail tent with every Thomas item known to man. At this point in our Misadventure with Thomas, I was not willing to pay another cent to this poorly executed event.
There was a live musician playing and some food vendors on site and that pretty much sums up the Thomas Event.
For the price you pay per ticket to get in, this event is WAY overpriced and poorly executed. There has to be a better way to get a photo with Thomas even if it’s super imposed after wards. The lines were ridiculous everywhere. Put several people in Sir Topham hat costumes. Have a couple tattoo stations set up so not everyone has to wait as long for every little thing. Perhaps, have Sir Topham hat making rounds while the train is en route!!! And the bounce house that was advertised was tiny! Maybe next year they should splurge and get one that holds more kids or set up a couple. It was a joke.
They give you a «map» to get stamps once you go to each station and once you collect all the stamps, you get a free prize at the gift shop. Save yourself the hassle, it’s a card board Thomas wheel. Boring!
Never again, Thomas. You were a complete disappointment, let down and rip off. $ 20 dollars a head is ridiculous for what they to offer. I think I would have rather have a bag handed to my kids with their lame card board «gift», the tattoo (to do later) and the photocopied color sheets. Then again, if they took that away, they would be taking away almost all of their so called «attractions.» There has to be a better way to make this more enjoyable for everyone and make the lines reasonable for this age group.
Here’s a tip, hang out near the depot in the park and watch Thomas as he drives past on the way to the falls and back. It’s free and will be a better view of the Thomas than the people who pay admission.

A fun spot to bring the kids. Unfortunately you can’t go inside the trains. Friendly staff in the shop. Will be back when kids are older.

This is a great way to spend a day. The kids love the train and so do the parents. We do lunch at the brewery and then walk back on the train and head back to North Bend. Great day.

This was a fun (and educational) activity. Check their website for specials!
We took our daughter (age 11) to see Snoqualmie falls and decided last minute to catch the train. She really enjoyed riding the old train and found it to be an adventure! As for the adults with us, it was difficult for them to not focus on the dilapidation of the train car. I’m not sure how well funded this museum is but if possible, the train cars could use a little tlc.
The museum itself was actually several open rooms, constructed to depict what it would look like a long time ago. Each room is filled with displays, photos, and posters that provide information about each area. I liked the set up and even though you couldn’t go inside of the display trains, it was fun to walk around. There is also a small gift shop with train books, stickers, and other train items for purchase. The cashier was very friendly and even gave us some historical information about the station.
There are plenty of little shops (and cafes) around the station but if you get a chance, (and you’re a history buff) take the train to Northbend and check out the Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum! The last time we were there, the person on staff gave us a great tour full of fun facts and his presentation alone made us want to return. He said that they change some items on display so you might want to check their website too before planning a visit!

On the plus side — its free. Stopped off here on my «Twin Peaks» tour and killed ten minutes or so — looking at the old trains, parked in a field. Not much in the way of explanatory notes (other than a placard on each train). There is a bookstore — with a bored clerk who didn’t look up to offer a greeting or give an overview of what there is to see. Still, how can you complain about the chance to walk around the vintage trains for a few minutes and burn off the cherry pie from Twede’s Café.

We’ve passed through this place many times and finally had a reason to check it out. I took my husband and toddler for a Father’s Day treat. Dads get in free with a paying child. Really, we did this more for our toddler since he’s all about trains. Dad and son had a good time. We checked out the museum, which was disappointing. A bunch of old train cars that you can look at from the outside, but not go in. I’m sure it’s a safety issue so I can understand. Other than that we just sat around waiting to board the train.
My husband commented that he hopes our son doesn’t think that all trains have holes and rust inside when we were seated. There was one train car that just had wicker chairs. It remained empty the rest of the ride. The train went to North Bend to pick up passengers then we came back the same direction to the Snoqualmie Train Depot. We eventually passed the Snoqualmie Train Depot and headed to Snoqualmie Falls. There’s currently a lot of construction at Snoqualmie Falls and with the surrounding trees you don’t really see the waterfall. We just heard it. We did see the Snoqualmie River. The train stopped for about 5 minutes so people can take pictures inside the train. Maybe some were fortunate enough to see the waterfall, but we definitely didn’t see it. Afterwards, we went back to the Snoqualmie Train Depot.
Also, depending on which train car you ride you’ll definitely notice more rocking motion the older the train car. We first sat on the ‘green’ train car with the leather seats that was built in 1950. That was a very smooth ride. Going back from North Bend we went to the train car built in 1912 that had the park benches. The rocking motion was pretty intense so if you get motion sickness I wouldn’t recommend that train car.

I really enjoyed visiting this train museum as it was converted from an actual train depot from long ago in history of the Snoqualmie valley. There are many old trains to see with the historical aspects added to give you a sense of how trains evolved through time. Many of the trains were over 100 years old and one train was even from the Civil War.
The viewing of the old trains is along a fenced path to keep people off the trains and for your own safety, but there are a few more trains to see right by the museum which are not fenced in. Great for taking pictures!
The museum is just a couple minutes drive from Snoqualmie Falls as it is a great place to visit along the way and is located right by the town center.

As a history buff, I really liked this place. They have many old trains many of which they have restored to full operational capability. You can get a 6 mi. ride on the rails for $ 10. Engineers and Conductors are dressed in period costume. We rode in a 1915 pullman car. Great stuff!
The museum does have many old items from the rail days. Worth the visit. The old engines and train cars are really neat to explore and cast back into the days of big iron trains. The history of the Snoqualmie area is also explained with many old photos. The trains use in the logging industry is especially interesting.
Worth the stop for sure.

They have a few restored old trains but you can’t board most and only one allows views through the door window. I am used to train museums that allow you to climb aboard the old cars look and touch all the old working equipment and get the feelings for the rails. This «Museum» was a far cry but time is not totally wasted on it. The gift shop had a very friendly man who told admittedly horrible train jokes. It was very cute. That earned them an extra star.

When you are headed out to see the dramatic cascading waters of Snoqualmie falls, you might see a restored train engine on your right, ponder for a brief moment, then veer left and head up to the falls. If you’re in the mood for a little something different, though, consider taking a right and heading into the town of Snoqualmie for a stop at the Northwest Railway museum. If you hit it at the right season, you can even hop a scenic train at the museum and see the falls in a whole new way!
The scenic train normally operates in spring, summer, and fall. This past January brought a major flood event to Snoqualmie, but they still expect the train to be up and running in April. There’s also a Halloween train in October, and a Santa train for the winter holidays!
They have several restored train cars on the grounds, and you can walk around and look at them up close, but I was a little disappointed that you can’t go inside. Most of the cars are used as offices for the staff, so even the stairs are roped off. There is one place where you can climb up the steps and look into the inside of a couple of the cars, though. The museum also has a couple of rooms set up as dioramas with historic items to recreate the feel of a working train depot — a little ticket booth, an indoor parlor, and an outdoor waiting area.
Where this place has no match, though, is as a specialty shop for train-​related memorabilia, including books, movies, whistles, knick knacks, t-​shirts, and toys. They have a more extensive collection of Thomas and Friends toys, books, movies, and other goodies than I have seen anywhere else. If you happen to know a little train aficionado, chances are they’ll be happy as a clam browsing through the gift shop, if nothing else.