Mount Hood Railroad
The Mount Hood Railroad (AAR reporting marks MHRR) is a heritage railway and working railroad originating in Hood River, Oregon, 60 miles east of Portland, Oregon. A majority of the railroad's revenue is generated from passenger excursions although a few small freight shippers remain which generate a few carloads of traffic per week.
The line offers 4-hour scenic tours through the Hood River Valley and narrated historic excursion train tours, as well as special events. There are views of Mount Hood and Mt. Adams.
MHRR Trackage
The northern terminus of the Mount Hood Railroad is at Hood River, Oregon, where the line interchanges with the Union Pacific Railroad. The line starts out parallel to the Hood River for the first three miles until it reaches a switchback. A switchback used to be common, but this is now only one of five remaining railroad switchbacks in use in the United States. After the trains reverse direction at the switchback, the line continues south through the communities of Pine Grove, Odell, and Dee before reaching the southern end of the line at Parkdale in the shadow of Mount Hood. The total length of the line is just over 21 miles.
Locomotives & Equipment
The Mount Hood Railroad currently has three locomotives on their roster.
- MHRR 02 - EMD GP38-2 (ex-CR/PC 7796, ex-PCN 16)
- MHRR 88 - EMD GP9 (ex-SP 3885)
- MHRR 89 - EMD GP9 (built 9/59, ex-MILW 306, ex-MNVA 306)
The MHRR roster also includes one excursion passenger train which consists of two closed coaches, one snack car, one open air coach, and a caboose. There is also a dinner train which consists of four cars configured in dining seating arrangements.
History
The line south out of Hood River was first built in 1906, extending as far as Dee. In 1909 the line was extended to the present-day end of track at Parkdale. The Union Pacific acquired the line in 1968 and operated it with the primary customers being fruit shippers and the lumber operation at Dee. As local industries switched to truck-based transportation for their goods, service on the line dwindled and the Union Pacific proposed scrapping the line. Instead it was purchased in 1987 by a local group which is now the present-day owner.
The MHRR is still extant and operating. Those curious about regional railroad nuances should note there was also a Mount Hood Railway and Power Company. Route of this line also reached into the environs of Mount Hood; however was located at a junction with the Union Pacific in Montavilla, a neighborhood in east Portland; and ran, generally east; to Bull Run. There was also a connection with Portland streetcar “MV” line near 91st and Glisan. The line was initially built for construction purposes associated with the Bull Run hydroelectric project.
Internet sources indicate the Mount Hood Railway and Power Company line was 22 miles in length, and service initiated in 1911 with 30 stations. The Portland Railway Light and Power Co. acquired the line in 1912, electrified it in 1913, and operated it as its’ Mount Hood Division. Passenger service to Bull Run ended on December 27, 1930.
See also
External links
- [1] for some information, maps and pictures related to Mount Hood Railway and Power Company
- [2] for Union Pacific’s information on the Mount Hood Railroad
- [3] for information on an extant piece of Mount Hood Railway and Power Company equipment.
