The transition from March to April is a peculiar time of year. We wake up in the morning to weather below freezing, but it later warms up so much that you question the thermal you wore. The cherry blossoms begin to detach from their branches dramatically, and the whimsically bright daffodils begin to wilt. But just as this is happening, the leaves on the branches turn to varying shades of green, and the vibrant flowers adorn the landscape throughout early fall.
Behind my home is a decently sized area of majestic trees. In the wintertime, they are bare, and you can easily see through to the other side of what lies beyond them. But now we are approaching the season when they begin filling in, which makes us feel like we are in our own secluded area, despite being very much in a suburban neighborhood. This miniature forest behind our home is a beautiful signal that the rest of our natural environment is preparing itself for Spring.
A perfect way to experience the changing seasons of Oregon is to take a ride on the Mount Hood Railroad. This century-old short-line railroad is an activity the whole family will love and is sure to be something you return to. One of the many things I appreciate about train rides is that both the youngest and the oldest kids enjoy them. Little kids have an adorable yearning for trains, and teens and college students can use them as the perfect selfie backdrop. It’s a win-win.
Tickets can either be purchased onsite or via their website, and the train departs from Hood River. All seats are pre-assigned, which helps parents ensure their children sit with them.
A big part of our regular, day-to-day life involves loading and unloading the kids from the car for their activities. The Mount Hood Railroad offers the fun experience of riding for the pure joy of it.
These train rides are categorized by season, and they are now entering their Spring Train, called Buds & Blossoms. From April through May, this train runs on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, departing each day at 11:30am. Each ride lasts 2.5 to 3 hours, including a 45-minute layover at The Fruit Company. Tickets start at $27 for kids 2-12 and $37 for 13 and older, and infants 2 years old and younger can ride as lap children for free.
The train is also clean and spacious, making you feel right at home. This historic train also features large windows, allowing you and your little ones to look out at the beautiful Oregon landscape easily. I would recommend upgrading your tickets to VIP, which will guarantee you and your family a table for up to 4 people, bar and lounge access, and snacks and beverages. Just make sure you have four people per table so you have it all to yourselves.
On Saturday, April 4th, they will be offering their Easter Edition train ride. With two departing times at 11:30am and 2:45pm, it is a great way to celebrate the holiday. Included on this ride will be a friendly Easter bunny, joyful music, coloring pages, and an Easter egg hunt for any kids who want to take part.
On April 25th, there will be the Art in Motion train ride, in which a local artist will help you make your own mixed media wood panel masterpiece. This event is recommended for ages 13 and older and is a wonderful activity for those with a crafty side.
The Mount Hood Railroad offers these activities year-round, and they are a great deal of fun. But I have to say, even if you want to enjoy a simple, scenic train ride with your loved ones, then that is more than enough.
I should also mention the separate, but incredibly cool, activity they offer here: their Two-Person Railbikes. With battery-powered assistance, you can pedal your way through the Oregon landscape in the open air. This activity goes from April through October, costs $199 per cart, and lasts around 2.5 hours. This is an incredibly popular activity, so making a reservation online is highly recommended.
April is a peculiar month in Oregon. You leave your house early in the morning, wearing a snowsuit, and return in the evening, wearing shorts and a tank top. This shift from the winter to spring season is a great reminder that warm, dry outdoor activities are upon us. So, start this new season with a train ride through Oregon. You and your family will love it.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.
