We have tried RailsNW for two trips on a steam engine train into the Salmonberry Canyon. Last year, the steam engine broke less than halfway along the trip. We were able to get back to the station using the diesel engines in the cars. It was a very slow and hot way to travel. Even though we did not make it the entire distance, RailsNW only offered a $35 credit towards another of their trips.
We again tried the trip this year. They changed to a diesel engine at the last minute. Actually they knew about it a month before the trip, but did not notify the passengers until it was too late to cancel and get our money back. After boarding the train, they announced that we would not get all the way to the end of the route, the area with the historic trestles. The track had sustained damage last fall. They have known for 10 months, but did not bother to change their advertisements or notify the passengers until they were on the train. The lunch was TERRIBLE. The bathrooms quit functioning (tanks filled up) about an hour from the station. They did stop at a small town where we all lined up in the rain to use the restroom. Otherwise we were supposed to just "hold it." The portable microphone did not work because they forgot to charge the battery.
We have now paid Rails NW close to $1,000 for a steam engine train ride to the top of the Salmonberry Canyon, and we haven't made it yet.
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