The Chehalis–Centralia Railroad (CHTX) is a heritage railroad based in Chehalis, Washington. The No. 15, a 2-8-2 steam locomotive built by Baldwin in 1916, travels over a 10-mile section of former Milwaukee Road track. The route was originally built by the Puget Sound & Willapa Harbor Railway in 1914 and the train engine operated by the Cowlitz, Chehalis, & Cascade Railroad. The rail course winds through scenic hills, farmland, and over several wooden trestles above the Chehalis River, along with various tributary streams including the Newaukum River. Operations, overseen by the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad Museum, were suspended indefinitely in 2022 due to insurance issues but were resumed a year later under agreement with Goose Lake Railway.

History

The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad (CCR) was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1986 by Chehalis citizens inspired by a visit to Chehalis by the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad. The organization removed No. 15, known locally as the "Old Lady", from Recreation Park in Chehalis, where it had been on display for over 30 years, and brought it to the Mt. Rainier shops in Mineral, Washington, for restoration. Work on the locomotive was completed in 1989 and the railroad started operations later that year over the ex-Milwaukee Road, a Weyerhaeuser Timber Company-owned track. The Port of Chehalis, in 1996, helped purchase the rail tracks from Weyerhauser for the CCR via a $420,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Due to the December 2007 floods, the railroad sustained significant damage. The right-of-way was restored due in part to volunteer efforts. In early 2019, the #15 was found to have major boiler damage and could no longer be steamed safely and it was out of service for several years. Repairs were expected to be completed by mid-to-late 2021 but severe washouts to the rail lines in February 2022 hampered the efforts. Funding to restore the line was requested from FEMA and the SBA. The funding was granted, and a complete restoration and overhaul of the line was completed in mid-2023. During this period of time, major work was completed both on the line and in the yard that had been deferred for years. This included a complete re tamp and regulation of the rail line, over 1,000 ties replaced, and cosmetic restoration of the depot and engine #6. Restoration of Locomotive 15 was suspended due to lack of funding but resumed thanks to state legislation. After an evaluation of two steam locomotives at the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad Museum (CCRM) in 2024, restorations were estimated to cost $1.0 million per engine. The CCRM announced that their collection of 600-series rail cars were also undergoing renovations and new trips, including a ride to the Willapa Hills, were planned.

Operations

Operations and excursions of the railroad are overseen by the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad Museum (CCRM). The museum lost its liability insurance coverage in 2022 to operate the "excursion stream train" due to financial losses stemming from two collision accidents. The museum reopened in 2023 and made repairs to the tracks and the train engine. That same year, a partnership contract with the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad to begin joint operations on the CCRM rail lines did not materialize, but CCRM reached a joint operating agreement with Goose Lake Railway. Train rides began again in April 2024. In 2006, the railroad reported a record 10,250 riders. By July 2024, months after the restart of operations, the CCRM reported earnings above $112,000 and counted over 3,800 passengers.

Events

The heritage railroad provides an 18 mi round-trip that courses through the Chehalis River valley. Separate excursion rides are provided for exclusively for children in the local school district or are members of the regional Boys & Girls Clubs of America. , other rides include a variety of themed trips such as a dinner murder mystery or escape room excursions, or holiday and film-themed outings. The CCRM has hosted, since 2012, a quickly sold-out Christmas-themed Polar Express ride during the winter holiday season, providing refreshments and holiday activities in the course of the hour-long trip.

Equipment Roster