Elgin Excursion Train Opens May 10 with Mother's Day Brunch Ride

Following tradition, the season begins with Mother’s Day Brunch on May 10, when the Eagle Cap Excursion Train departs the Elgin Depot at 10:00 a.m. and returns at 2:00 p.m. The Mother’s Day ride covers 38 miles round trip and includes a delicious brunch served during the journey, an event the operator notes is the customary season opener.

The route follows local waterways and landmarks. “The train follows the banks of the Grande Ronde River into mostly roadless country, offering views of timbered ridges, rippling water and basalt cliffs,” with most trips pushing north to Rondowa where the Grande Ronde is joined by the Wild & Scenic Wallowa River before the train reverses for the return to Elgin. Eagle Cap excursions use the Elgin-to-Minam section of the historic Wallowa Union Railroad, once known as the Joseph Branch.

The 2026 season runs from May through October and features 22 scheduled rides. Riders will find a mix of shorter outings and longer “Minam Bonus” trips that travel additional miles along the Wallowa River and include an outdoor lunch at the Minam Store & Food Truck. “Most rides include lunch that is served during the trip,” the schedule notes.

Entertainment for the season is decidedly theatrical. The lineup includes four robberies enacted by the High Country Outlaws, and Bigfoot will make an appearance to watchful passengers on May 30 and Aug. 1. The materials provided describe those elements as part of the season’s offerings; specific dates for the staged robberies were not listed in the season excerpt.

Operations are run by volunteers. “The train is operated by the nonprofit Friends of the Joseph Branch,” and the railroad itself is owned by a partnership between Wallowa and Union counties, according to a press release. The all-volunteer crew includes certified engineers and conductors and car hosts trained in customer service; all are members of the Friends of the Joseph Branch.

Practicals for gifting and booking are straightforward. Mother’s Day fares are Adults $90, Seniors 60+ $85, Youth ages 3 to 16 $40, and children under 3 ride for free. The operator advises, “We love giving young riders the opportunity to ride a train, but for their safety, please make sure youth 12 and younger are accompanied by an adult at all times.” If a younger passenger needs a larger meal, an adult meal may be added for a small fee at booking. Gift certificates are available, and the operator positions the experience as a present: “A train ride is a wonderful gift for any occasion... Whether you are giving to a rail fan, a nature and wildlife enthusiast, a history buff or a vacationer looking for a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the spectacular beauty of region, a ride on the Eagle Cap Excursion Train is sure to please.”

Reserve seats by phone at 541-437-3652 or through the operator’s website; for scheduling and trip descriptions consult the Eagle Cap Excursion Train’s season listings. The Mother’s Day brunch ride is the ceremonial start to a season that pairs river scenery, regional history, and volunteer-run hospitality in a single giftable experience.