Tacoma Eastern — Mineral to Morton
WA · Mineral → Morton
A logging railroad into the shadow of Mount Rainier.
Heads up: The Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad runs ACTIVE steam trains and rail bikes near Mineral — stay well south of there, and check with the railroad before going on this line.
The Tacoma Eastern was organized in 1890 to reach the coal and timber south of Mount Rainier. It was extended in stages toward Morton, carrying logs, lumber and tourists heading for the mountain.
The line later became part of the Milwaukee Road and then Tacoma's city-owned railroad. The Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, which runs steam excursions between Elbe and Mineral, recently acquired the trackage toward Morton. A bridge fire in 2025 slowed plans to run trains on it.
⚠️ Before you go: every railroad on this map is private property. A line that looks abandoned may still be owned by a railroad, used to store rail cars, or put back into service at any time — sometimes with no warning. Before going near any track, make sure it's truly abandoned (no recent use, rails not polished, no signals or cars stored on it) and that you're allowed to be there. Never assume a track is dead.
📷 Photos & stories from riders
Loading…