Every autumn, the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad offers a Harvest Run and a mid-October fall foliage ride. They’re both beautiful and fun, but if you love Halloween, wait until the end of the month. The Headless Horseman Halloween Train is always on the last weekend of October, and it’s as spooky as it sounds.
There is no age limit for passengers on this train.
If you’re looking for something with a lot of gore, this isn’t it. But sometimes gore isn’t necessary…
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… because a headless horseman standing behind you is just as scary.
On a foggy day, Chelatchie even looks a little like Sleepy Hollow.
The diesel train powers through a 330-foot rock tunnel to the Helsson area with a stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls.
Keep your eyes open on this train ride. The headless horseman likes to sneak up on people.
All aboard... if you dare.
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This year's Headless Horseman Halloween Trains depart on October 28th and 29th at 9:30 AM, Noon & 2:30 PM.
You can reserve a seat on the Headless Horseman Halloween Train online. And if you’d rather have a tamer experience on the tracks, here are some other Washington train rides.
Walla Walla is a charming town known for its incredible wine region, and we have seen it rise up through the ranks to become a top travel destination. Boasting natural beauty, history, fine wines, and excellent dining options, it’s not hard to think of this as an ideal place to escape the craziness of the everyday. In fact, we have a couple of ideas for a Walla Walla getaway that will not only let you relax but will even feel like you’ve stepped back in time, if for just a moment.
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Let’s start with one of the coolest motels in town, The FINCH, ranked among the Top Ten Pacific Northwest Hotels in the country by 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Choice Awards. First built in 1969 as the Howard Johnson, it has undergone several transformations and is now the perfect combination of vintage and modern.
The entire place has a funky but elegant mid-century vibe and the rooms, which all open to the outside, are outfitted with retro-style furnishings and decor, and graphic art created by local artists. While the simplicity turns back the clock, the comfort and amenities do not. There is a wide range of room configurations to suit everyone — from solo travelers to families — and all feature plush pillow-top beds, walk-in showers, luxurious toiletries, a mini fridge, and cozy bathrobes.
The property is dog-friendly and has wonderful outdoor spaces to relax or gather with friends (or make new ones!) including a landscaped plaza and yard games. The covered sitting area with its wood-burning fireplace is perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or some gooey s’mores in the evening. And The FINCH’s location is perfect for exploring everything Walla Walla has to offer. You can even explore it the old-fashioned way by checking out a bicycle.
For a delicious meal that won’t rip you out of our “back in time” mood, make your way over to Clarette’s Restaurant. Grab a cozy booth at this old-school diner and enjoy generous portions of American comfort classics and friendly service, both of which receive glowing reviews from customers, some even willing to “drive an hour just to go there.”
The extensive menu offers something for everyone, whether you are here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I love the fact that breakfast is served all day — there is never a bad time for a crispy Belgian waffle, especially if it is topped with local Klicker Farm strawberries! There is a huge selection of breakfast options featuring farm-fresh eggs, homemade biscuits, and anything else you could ask for. And that’s not to mention the lunch and dinner options ranging from burgers and salads to pasta and seafood. If this is a family trip, the littles will be thrilled with no less than ten delicious options to choose from.
Are you ready to turn back time for a weekend in Walla Walla, Washington? Get your mouth watering by checking out the menu on the Clarette’s Restaurant website, then book your comfy room or suite at The FINCH. Do you know someone else who could use a retro-inspired getaway? Be sure to share this article with them!
The small town of Snoqualmie, Washington is about as charming as it gets. Visitors flock to the area in the spring and summer to take in the awe-inspiring views of Snoqualmie Falls. But did you know that this little town, just 30 minutes from Seattle, comes alive in winter when snow blankets the area, creating a magical winter wonderland? You've got to see Snoqualmie Falls in December. Read on to learn more about Snoqualmie, a town surrounded by natural beauty, like Snoqualmie Falls in winter. It's one of the loveliest waterfalls in Washington.
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Whether you’re staying for the day or a weekend getaway, Snoqualmie has plenty of activities to keep you busy. The perfect place to sip, shop, and eat, Historic Downtown Snoqualmie is full of kitschy shops, restaurants, local breweries, and more. Spend the afternoon wine tasting and searching for the perfect, locally curated gift to take home.
Pack your cold-weather gear for a winter hike. Mount Si is a popular hike year-round, but if you’re prepared for winter conditions, views from this 8-mile round-trip climb will take your breath away. For a shorter hike, check out Little Si, a 4-mile trek with a 1,200-ft. elevation gain. Always check with AllTrails for trail reports before you head out.
A total of 45 miles of pristine water make up the Snoqualmie River. The three main tributaries of the Snoqualmie River are the North, Middle, and South Forks. Its relatively low altitude makes the Middle Fork a popular wintertime recreational destination.
Take the family to the Historic Northwest Railway Museum, where you can view railroad artifacts and history exhibits and walk the grounds of the completely restored, historic Snoqualmie Depot. Be sure to check out the Depot Book Store and peruse its selection of unique train-themed gifts, books, puzzles, games, and more. Take a scenic ride through the upper Snoqualmie Valley on the Historic Snoqualmie Valley Railroad.
You can’t beat the spectacular views of Snoqualmie Falls and the valley below as you wind through gorgeous wintertime scenery aboard the Snoqualmie Valley Railroad. Train rides are available on Saturdays during the winter, and advance ticket purchase is recommended.
If you’re into skiing, the Summit at Snoqualmie is the place for you. Located less than an hour from downtown Snoqualmie, the Summit at Snoqualmie offers a variety of wintertime activities for skiers, snowboarders, and outdoor enthusiasts. With a great tubing area, a Nordic center, equipment rentals, and lessons, the Summit at Snoqualmie is the perfect winter escape.
Perched high above the Snoqualmie Falls sits the lavish Salish Lodge and Spa. Elegantly appointed guest rooms and luxurious accommodations await, not to mention the spectacular wintertime views.
Take a virtual winter drive to experience Snoqualmie Falls in December:
Snoqualmie, Washington is a town small in size but big in adventure. Whether you want to ski the backcountry, sip local wines, hike through snowy forests, or enjoy a scenic train ride, Snoqualmie is the wintertime destination for you. The breathtaking view of snow-covered Snoqualmie Falls in winter is one natural wonder you’ll remember for a lifetime.
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Have you visited Snoqualmie, Washington during winter? What snowy activities did you take part in? We'd like to hear from you in the comments. For more winter wonders, check out these winter getaways in Washington.