Coast Starlight OKJ to PDX or OKJ to SEA

[deliche]

Hello gang,

This is my first trip and my first post. I've been enjoying the forums immensely. I'm planning on squeezing in one last vacation before school starts and I've got Wed (today) through Saturday to get it completed.

So far the plan is to board the Coast Starlight at OKJ tonight and spend Thursday night in Portland before returning. I've been perusing the timetables though and now I'm concerned that most of the great scenery might be between PDX and SEA. There's also the issue of it possibly being dark when we're passing all the good stuff. It looks like, if we get up early, we'd be able to see the sights between Mt. Shasta and Portland. Will this give us the views we're looking for?

The problem with going all the way to SEA is that we would be pretty rushed getting to and from hotel that Friday. I could definitely handle the rushing around, but my boyfriend just finished 3 12-hour shifts and I'm trying to sell this as a RELAXING trip with some beautiful scenery.

We'd be in a sleeper in both directions.

What are your thoughts?

Best,

Alexandrea

 

[Trogdor]

There's plenty of great scenery along the entire route. Even if you get off in Portland, you'll still see some of the best views on the north half of that route.

 

[Bob Dylan]

:hi: Nice Get Away! I agree, usually youll see Mt. Shasta as the Sun is rising and the Roller Coaster Like Ride through the Cascades is Spectacular! And the trip up to Portland after leaving the Cascades is a very nice mix of Farms, Hills, Rivers, Small Cities and the Approach into the Great Portland Station across the River Bridge is a Good one! Remember about Meals and the Wine and Cheese Tasting in the PPC Car :wub: (for Sleeping Car Passengers only)and also the Metro Lounge in the Portland Station, its one of the Better run ones, Great Place to Refresh,Relax and Wait for your Train!! Portland is a cool town as you might know, have a ball, we're envious! !!

 

[fairviewroad]

If all you're doing is enjoying the scenery, you may as well save some money and turn around in Eugene. The section

between EUG and PDX is "nice" but nothing special. In Eugene, there are several hotels that are reasonably close to the

station, and the downtown area is a nice enough place to kill a few hours...shops, nice restaurants, etc. You wouldn't really

be in Portland long enough to experience that city much anyhow. The best scenery on the northern end of the route is

between Dunsmuir and Eugene...the first part of that will be in the dark, but the Cascades crossing will be in full daylight

going northbound, and partial daylight going southbound. Enjoy your trip, and let us know how it went!

UPDATE to add: Not sure if you're using points or paying cash, but obviously if you're using points, it's the same amount to

PDX as it is to Eugene, so the "saving money" part wouldn't really apply in that case.

 

[Deliche]

Thanks for the input all. Great tip about the Eugene vs PDX,@fairviewroad. We may shoot for PDX anyway to meet up with a friend and have a good meal. I'm terribly excited to check out the sleeper cars and compare them to the experiences I had with the Italian sleeper cars. I'll be sure and report back.

One last question, can you get free meals in the dinning car as well as the Parlor car? A few of the meals look tastier on the dining car menu.

Cheers, Alex

 

[fairviewroad]

One last question, can you get free meals in the dinning car as well as the Parlor car? A few of the meals look tastier on the dining car menu.

Cheers, Alex

Yes. In fact, for breakfast you will have to eat in the dining car, as the Parlour Car does not serve breakfast, IIRC. For lunch and dinner, you'll be able to choose

either place. You should try at least one meal in the Parlour Car just for the experience, since it's the only venue of its kind in the Amtrak system.

 

[SP&S]

Sleeping car passengers eat free in either the diner or the parlour.

Coach passengers may pay to eat in the diner but are not allowed in the parlour.

Either may go downstairs in the ssl and pay for food and drink.

 

[oregon pioneer]

Only one thing to add to these excellent comments: Be sure and get up by first light for the views of Mt Shasta. It is worth it to get up as early as you can stand to (the river is gorgeous in the pre-dawn, and you climb out of the river valley to the views of Shasta via a a track perched on a sheer, rocky canyon wall). If you're a little late, you get to see more of the river valley. The views of Shasta last from first light, all the way to Klamath Falls, whatever the season. I usually travel in mid-winter, so I speak from experience.

You're getting on the train this evening -- there will be wi-fi in the Parlour Car wherever you're close to a highway with towers, which is most of the way (though it is less-than-speedy). Keep us posted!

 

[Deliche]

All packed up and so excited. I plan on setting the alarm to see Shasta in the sunrise. Thanks for the tip. I'll keep you posted!

 

[Amtrak Cajun]

Have a safe and wonderful trip with your boyfriend, and welcome to the AU Family.

Anthony

 

[Swadian Hardcore]

:hi: Nice Get Away! I agree, usually youll see Mt. Shasta as the Sun is rising and the Roller Coaster Like Ride through the Cascades is Spectacular! And the trip up to Portland after leaving the Cascades is a very nice mix of Farms, Hills, Rivers, Small Cities and the Approach into the Great Portland Station across the River Bridge is a Good one! Remember about Meals and the Wine and Cheese Tasting in the PPC Car :wub: (for Sleeping Car Passengers only)and also the Metro Lounge in the Portland Station, its one of the Better run ones, Great Place to Refresh,Relax and Wait for your Train!! Portland is a cool town as you might know, have a ball, we're envious! !!

What he said, I totally agree. I would just tell you about www.amsnag.com to find cheaper tickets. I hope you have a great trip!

 

[TinCan782]

A few years ago, my wife and I traveled LAUS to PDX and return (October, sleeper both ways). On #14 we were "late" enough to enjoy Mt. Shasta from the diner over breakfast. Returning on #11 I woke up in the middle of the night to see Mt. Shasta under a full moon from our bedroom window. My favorite part of the trip was the Cascades - both directions although, it got dark on the southbound trip. The downside to this trip...no PPC either direction!