Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

Plumes of steam puff from the locomotive as it travels along the Pacific coast. A mountainside blanketed in evergreens towers above the vessel as waves pound against the boulder-strewn shore below. Guided by the vision of president and engineer Scott Wickert, the nonprofit Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad serves as both a living history museum and tour operator for the state's forested coastline. Antique locomotives that hearken back to the region's logging origins take guests on waterside excursions as conductors feed the engines recycled motor oil and coal-flavored candies. Seasonal events bring about the railroad’s dinner trains, which treat guests to four-course meals as they gaze at the sparkling water of Tillamook and Nehalem Bays. For an even more immersive experience, conductors sometimes let passengers ride in the cab of the locomotive.