8 best stops on Amtrak’s Cascades route

One of Amtrak’s shorter routes, the Cascades travels through Oregon, Washington State and part of Canada. Vancouver BC, Seattle and Portland are popular stops, and there are 18 stations in total. If you’re interested in getting on and off the train to explore cities along the way, here are the eight best stops to consider.

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Bellingham

Bellingham, Washington is a great destination for nature lovers. In addition to being the gateway to Alaska via ferry, the area is full of lakes, hiking trails and a few waterfalls. Top spots include Whatcom Falls Park and Lake Padden Park (pictured above). Other things to do include day trips to Mt. Baker and exploring the quaint Fairhaven Village, which has restaurants, shops and a First Fridays Art Walk.

Edmonds

On Puget Sound, Edmonds has beaches, whale watching excursions, ferries to Kingston and scuba diving at an underwater park. In the historic downtown area, you can check out the monthly Art Walk, outdoor summer concerts and other events. Book a room near it all at Best Western Harbor Inn or check out vacation rentals for a more unique place to stay.

Eugene

A college town near wineries and outdoor recreation, Eugene has a variety of things to do. The station is in a very walkable area near a few hotels, farm-to-table restaurants and the historic Eugene Saturday Market. You can go to a game at the University of Oregon, visit the Cascades Raptor Center, go hiking and check out the Willamette River path.

Portland

Full of parks, gardens and craft beer, Portland is another great stop on the Cascades route. There are many interesting festivals to plan a trip around, and bike tours are a great way to see the city. Plus, Mt. Hood (home to multiple ski areas) and the Columbia River Gorge are nearby, which are great day trip options. Tip: You can transfer to the Empire Builder train in Portland to travel through the gorge.

Salem

The capital of Oregon, Salem is a beautiful city with many nature areas and an abundance of fresh food (including at the Salem Public Market). Wine lovers can visit the nearby vineyards, and if you’re traveling with kids, head to the Enchanted Forest Theme Park or the Riverfront Carousel for family-friendly fun. For a special spring experience, don’t miss the cherry blossoms in April.

Seattle

Seattle is a cultural urban getaway with many attractions and activities. Grab a coffee and stroll through the famous Pike Place Market, visit the Chihuly Gardens, Museum of Flight, or head to Kerry Park for stunning skyline views of the city. There are even tours to Mount Rainier if you want to visit the national park, or you can transfer to the Empire Builder train to reach many great places in the mountains and Midwest.

Tacoma

In the shadow of Mt. Rainier, Tacoma has several museums worth visiting, including the popular Museum of Glass and America’s Car Museum. The large Point Defiance Park is also a top attraction — there’s a marina, beach (pictured above), zoo, aquarium, trails and gardens that are great for the whole family. Summer is great time to visit to attend one of the many festivals or consider planning a trip around the monthly Tacoma Night Market.

Vancouver BC

Vancouver Canada skyline and boats — *Photo by Madhumanti Mandal*

Vancouver is known for its natural beauty, diverse culture, unique neighborhoods (don’t miss Gastown) and food scene. Consider planning a trip around the Vancouver International Wine Festival in late February, the cherry blossoms that bloom late March through mid-April or the spectacular Canyon Lights on display from mid-November through mid-January.