Amtrak Coast Starlight

The Coast Starlight serves Crater Lake National Park, which is just off of the Klamath Falls stop in the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon6. The train route is also known for its stunning views and has been described as an experience in its own right8. The train also provides access to Olympic National Park, depending on your preferred route and starting point6. The closest station to Lassen Volcanic National Park on the Coast Starlight route is in Redding, California7. Challenges facing Amtrak, in general, include climate change-related issues such as wildfires, flooding, and landslides that can disrupt service5.For a comprehensive understanding of Al Runte’s views on the Coast Starlight and Amtrak refer directly to his book.

Here is a list of the stops made by the Amtrak Coast Starlight train traveling from Seattle to Emeryville, along with information on noteworthy features for boaters, hikers, railroad enthusiasts, beer drinkers, birders, and tourists at each stop:

The Seattle Amtrak Station, also known as King Street Station, was originally designed by the architecture firm of Reed and Stem, who also designed New York City’s Grand Central Terminal. The station fell into disrepair in the mid-20th century as air travel became more common and passenger trains fell out of vogue. The station was selected as Amtrak’s sole Seattle station in 1971 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places two years later. A major renovation in 2013 features a restored grand waiting room, which includes a 40-foot-high ceiling, ornate plasterwork, and a terrazzo floor. The station also includes a new baggage handling area, a new ticketing area, and new restrooms. The station’s exterior was restored to its original appearance, including the clock tower and the terra cotta facade.
  1. Seattle, WA (SEA) Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is placed between sea and mountains. Embrace the amazing food, culture, music, sports, and theater. The Coast Starlight starts and ends in Seattle, making it a great place to explore before or after a train trip. Transportation options include ferries, rideshare services, Sound Transit light rail and commuter trains, and even tours to Mount Rainier National Park.
View from Kerry Park, January 2015
  • Noteworthy features for boaters: Bell Harbor Marina, Elliott Bay Marina
  • Noteworthy features for hikers: Discovery Park, Kerry Park
  • Noteworthy features for railroad enthusiasts: King Street Station, Seattle Center Monorail
  • Noteworthy features for beer drinkers: Pike Brewing Company, Cloudburst Brewing
  • Noteworthy features for birders: Magnuson Park, Union Bay Natural Area
  • Noteworthy features for tourists: Space Needle, Pike Place Market

  1. Tacoma, WA (TAC)
Union Station in Tacoma Washington was owned by Northern
Pacific Railway but was also used by Great Northern and Union Pacific. In 1911, 48 trains each day were scheduled through Tacoma but the coming of the automobile, bus and airplane caused a drastic reduction in train travel. When the station closed in 1984, only six trains survived.

The Narrows off Point Defiance, June 22 2015
  • Noteworthy features for boaters: Point Defiance Marina, Foss Harbor Marina
  • Noteworthy features for hikers: Point Defiance Park, Tacoma Nature Center
  • Noteworthy features for railroad enthusiasts: Tacoma Rail, Tacoma Union Station
  • Noteworthy features for beer drinkers: Wingman Brewers, Pacific Brewing & Malting Co.
  • Noteworthy features for birders: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Titlow Beach
  • Noteworthy features for tourists: Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum

Lacy – Hawks Prairie June 2015

The closest Amtrak station to Mount Rainier National Park on the Coast Starlight route is in Tacoma, Washington11

  1. Olympia-Lacey, WA (OLW)
  • Noteworthy features for boaters: Swantown Marina, Zittel’s Marina
  • Noteworthy features for hikers: Watershed Park, Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area
  • Noteworthy features for railroad enthusiasts: Lacey Amtrak Station
  • Noteworthy features for beer drinkers: Top Rung Brewing Company, Fish Brewing Company
  • Noteworthy features for birders: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area
  • Noteworthy features for tourists: Washington State Capitol, Hands On Children’s Museum

Olympia, October 2016

Olympia, Swantown Marina, September 2017. Smoke from forest fires is evident in the photo.

Olympic National Park Headquarters are located in Olympia.

  1. Centralia, WA (CTL)
  • Noteworthy features for boaters: None
  • Noteworthy features for hikers: Seminary Hill Natural Area, Borst Park
  • Noteworthy features for railroad enthusiasts: Centralia Amtrak Station, Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum
  • Noteworthy features for beer drinkers: Dick’s Brewing Company, McMenamins Olympic Club
  • Noteworthy features for birders: Seminary Hill Natural Area, Borst Park
  • Noteworthy features for tourists: Centralia Factory Outlets, Olympic Club Hotel

Measuring in at 105 miles in length, the Cowlitz River calls Lewis County home for more than half of that. It has been harnessed in several different spots to provide electricity for Tacoma Power, and the dams that were built resulted in the formation of Riffe Lake and Mayfield Lake, the region’s two most-visited recreational lakes. Anglers prize the Cowlitz for its stock of different species of salmon, steelhead and sturgeon.
  1. Kelso-Longview, WA (KEL) Kelso is situated on the east side of the Cowlitz Rivernear the Columbia River, opposite from its twin city of Longview on the west bank. Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides service to the twin cities of Kelso-Longview. The Amtrak station is located in the Kelso Multimodal Transportation Center along the Cowlitz River.
  • Noteworthy features for boaters: Port of Longview Marina, Willow Grove Park Boat Launch
  • Noteworthy features for hikers: Lake Sacajawea Park, Tam O’Shanter Park
  • Noteworthy features for railroad enthusiasts: Kelso Multimodal Transportation Center
  • Noteworthy features for beer drinkers: Ashtown Brewing Company, North Jetty Brewing
  • Noteworthy features for birders: Lake Sacajawea Park, Tam O’Shanter Park
  • Noteworthy features for tourists: Cowlitz County Historical Museum, Three Rivers Mall

Allen Street Bridge over the Cowlitz River, Kelso, Washington. View from West Kelso. Image taken August 12, 2006.

The Cowlitz River originates in the Cascade Mountain Range and flows west from its source at Mount Rainier, and then south to where it empties into the Columbia River at Longview, Washington, approximately Columbia River Mile (RM) 68. The River is located seven miles downstream of the Kalama River, and approximately 40 miles downstream of Vancouver, Washington. The mouth of the Cowlitz River lies directly across from Rainier, Oregon. Cottonwood Island is the island just upstream of the mouth. Downstream from the Cowlitz River is Fisher Island and Fisher Island Slough. Three miles upstream from the Cowlitz on the Oregon side is Prescott Beach, where Lewis and Clark spent the night of November 5, 1805. Lewis and Clark passed the Cowlitz River on November 6, 1805 and again on March 27, 1806. The called the river by the Indian name of “”Cow-e-lis-kee River”.

Lewis & Clark’s Columbia River – “200 Years Later”
“Cowlitz River, Washington
Vancouver, November 2022
  1. Vancouver, WA (VAN)
  • Noteworthy features for boaters: Port of Vancouver USA Marina, Vancouver Lake Park
  • Noteworthy features for hikers: Burnt Bridge Creek Trail, Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park
  • Noteworthy features for railroad enthusiasts: Vancouver Amtrak Station
  • Noteworthy features for beer drinkers: Fortside Brewing Company, Brothers Cascadia Brewing
  • Noteworthy features for birders: Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway
  • Noteworthy features for tourists: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Pearson Air Museum

Tomahawk Island, November 2022
  1. Portland, OR (PDX) Discover the City of Roses and the many attributes that make this city so fascinating. Dine at world renowned restaurants, attend a live show, tour the Columbia River Gorge, or explore one of its many historic neighborhoods. Portland is a vibrant city with a thriving food and drink scene, as well as many cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the city’s many parks and gardens, visit the Portland Art Museum, or take a stroll through the Pearl District.
Portland – Humboldt, May 2018
  • Noteworthy features for boaters: Portland Marina, Riverplace Marina
  • Noteworthy features for hikers: Forest Park, Powell Butte Nature Park
  • Noteworthy features for railroad enthusiasts: Portland Union Station, Oregon Rail Heritage Center
  • Noteworthy features for beer drinkers: Deschutes Brewery, Hair of the Dog Brewing Company
  • Noteworthy features for birders: Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, Powell Butte Nature Park
  • Noteworthy features for tourists: Portland Art Museum, Pioneer Courthouse Square


The Portland Train Station, also known as Union Station, offers a variety of attractions and amenities that cater to different interests. Here’s what’s noteworthy for an architect, historian, train enthusiast, and beer drinker at the Portland Train Station:

  1. Historian: Union Station is a historic landmark that has been meticulously preserved to retain its original charm. The station’s waiting room is adorned with intricate details, including marble floors, ornate plasterwork, and a stunning 150-foot-long coffered ceiling.
  2. Train Enthusiast: The Portland Train Station is a hub for train enthusiasts, offering the opportunity to witness the arrival and departure of Amtrak trains, including the Coast Starlight. The station’s platforms provide an excellent vantage point to observe the trains and experience the hustle and bustle of rail travel.
  3. Beer Drinker: Nearby the Portland Train Station, beer enthusiasts can explore the city’s vibrant craft beer scene. Portland is renowned for its numerous breweries and taprooms, offering a wide selection of locally brewed beers. Some popular breweries near the station include Deschutes Brewery, BridgePort Brewing Company, and Rogue Ales Public House.

The Coast Starlight typically stops at the Portland Train Station for approximately 30 minutes to an hour, allowing passengers to stretch their legs and explore the station’s surroundings. During this time, passengers can also enjoy the station’s amenities, including the historic architecture and nearby dining options.

Notably, the station contains Wilf’s Restaurant & Bar on the ground level, offering a dining and social space for travelers. The upper floors of the station house offices, and the building also features Amtrak’s first Metropolitan Lounge on the West Coast, reserved for first-class sleeping car and business-class passengers.

While specific information about the beers available at or near the Portland Train Station is not readily available, Portland is known for its diverse and thriving craft beer scene. Visitors can expect to find a wide variety of local and regional beers, including IPAs, stouts, lagers, and ales, at breweries and taprooms throughout the city.

Oregon City

The Oregon City Amtrak Station, also known as the Oregon City station, is an Amtrak station in Oregon City, Oregon, United States. The current station consists of a platform and the city’s historic Southern Pacific depot that was restored and moved to the site in 2010. The station opened on April 16, 2004, and is presently a platform and shelter served by the Amtrak Cascades.

The station is located about 15 miles southeast of Portland, Oregon, and is the oldest incorporated city west of the Rockies. The city is rich in historical homes and buildings, and it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The station is situated near the falls of the Willamette River, providing a picturesque setting for travelers.

Oregon City

The Oregon City station is a platform with a shelter, offering a comfortable and convenient environment for passengers. The station is owned by the City of Oregon City, and the platform is owned by the Union Pacific Railroad. The station’s annual ridership in FY 2022 was 11,685 passengers.

Regarding the availability of beers at or near the Oregon City station, specific information about the beers available at the station or nearby is not readily available. However, the station’s location near the historic downtown area of Oregon City offers the potential for travelers to explore local dining and beverage options.

In terms of plans for Oregon City Falls and tours, while specific details about tours and future plans for the falls are not readily available, the city of Oregon City has been involved in efforts to preserve and enhance the area surrounding the falls. The falls are a significant natural and historical landmark, and there have been ongoing discussions and plans for the development and preservation of the area.

Oregon City November 18, 2022 2:47 PM


  1. Salem, OR (SLM)
  • Noteworthy features for boaters: Wallace Marine Park Boat Ramp, Riverfront Park Boat Ramp
  • Noteworthy features for hikers: Minto-Brown Island Park, Bush’s Pasture Park
  • Noteworthy features for railroad enthusiasts: Salem Amtrak Station
  • Noteworthy features for beer drinkers: Salem Ale Works, Gilgamesh Brewing
  • Noteworthy features for birders: Minto-Brown Island Park, Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
  • Noteworthy features for tourists: Oregon State Capitol, Willamette Heritage Center
Corvallis April 3, 2023

Salem, Oregon, offers a variety of attractions for a diverse range of interests.For railroad enthusiasts, the Salem Railroad Station is a point of interest. The station, built in 1918, was designed by Southern Pacific’s chief architect, J.H. Christie, in the Beaux-Arts style. The station was restored in 1999 and features tall columns, decorative plasterwork, and terrazzo and marble floors61410.

Birders may find a variety of local and migratory bird species in the numerous parks and natural areas around Salem. However, specific birding locations were not mentioned in the search results.

Boaters can enjoy the Willamette River, which runs through Salem, although specific boating facilities or services were not mentioned in the search results.

Architects and those interested in architecture can explore the Salem Downtown State Street–Commercial Street Historic District, which features buildings designed by prominent Oregon architect William Christmas Knighton5.

Athletes and sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the sports programs at local universities like Willamette University and Corban University, both of which offer a variety of varsity sports412.

The Salem Railroad Station was designed by J.H. Christie, a Southern Pacific architect614.

Salem, Massachusetts, is well-known for its Halloween celebrations, which include a month-long festival called Haunted Happenings. This event features numerous activities such as museum visits, haunted houses, psychic fairs, and tours. The festival was first planned in 1982 by the Salem Chamber of Commerce and the Salem Witch Museum to provide family-friendly events for guests interested in visiting the “Witch City.” It has grown significantly since its inception, attracting a wide range of visitors, including families, history buffs, and Halloween enthusiasts from around the world17911.

On the other hand, Salem, Oregon, does not have a significant Halloween celebration tied to witches like its namesake in Massachusetts. The city was founded in 1842 and became the capital of the Oregon Territory in 1851. The name “Salem” may have been chosen by David Leslie, one of the town’s founders, who was educated in Salem, Massachusetts. However, the city’s history and culture are more closely tied to its agricultural roots and its role as the state capital, rather than any association with witches or Halloween246810. Oregon has a large Halloween celebration in Saint Hellen’s which was the site of Disney’s film Halloween Town.

In conclusion, while both cities share the name Salem, only Salem, Massachusetts, is known for its large-scale Halloween celebrations related to witches. Salem, Oregon, while potentially named after Salem, Massachusetts, does not have a similar tradition.

Salem Oregon is home to several universities. Willamette University, a private university known for its educational excellence, is located next to the Oregon State Capitol4. Corban University, a private Christian university, is also located in Salem12. Western Oregon University also has a location in downtown Salem, offering a range of course offerings8.


McFadden Marsh, April 3 2023
  1. Albany, OR (ALY)

Albany, Oregon, considers itself historic due to its rich architectural heritage and its significant role in the development of the region. The city is credited by historians and architects with having the most varied collection of historic buildings in Oregon, with styles ranging from the 1840s through the 1920s. These buildings are concentrated within an area of approximately 100 square blocks, and three Albany Historic Districts are listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior112.

  • Noteworthy features for boaters: Takena Landing Park, Bryant Park Boat Ramp
  • Noteworthy features for hikers: Talking Water Gardens, Takena Landing Park
  • Noteworthy features for railroad enthusiasts: Albany Amtrak Station
  • Noteworthy features for beer drinkers: Calapooia Brewing Company, Deluxe Brewing Company
  • Noteworthy features for birders: Talking Water Gardens, Bowers Rock State Park
  • Noteworthy features for tourists: Monteith District, Historic Carousel & Museum

Albany was established in 1848 by Walter and Thomas Monteith and was named after the New York state capital2. The city prospered as a political and commercial center, linked to markets by regular steamboat service. The arrival of the Oregon and California Railroad in 1871 greatly furthered Albany’s growth9.

The city also has a significant educational history, with the Oregon Legislature chartering the Albany Collegiate Institute in February 1867. Albany residents raised funds to erect a building for the school on land donated by Thomas and Walter Monteith1. As for the name, Albany, Oregon, was indeed named after Albany, New York246.

Monteith House Albany, Oregon
This 1849 house-museum is said to be the most authentically restored Pioneer Era home in Oregon and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Monteith House in Albany, Oregon, is a significant historical site due to its architectural and cultural importance. Built by pioneer brothers Walter and Thomas Monteith in 1849, it was one of the first homes in Oregon to be constructed from sawed lumber and was the first frame house in Albany236. The house was built on the dividing line between the brothers’ claims, fulfilling the requirement that each man sleep on his claim256.

The Monteith House served not only as a home but also as a community center for the emerging city of Albany. The Monteith family generously allowed their home to be used as a meeting place for religious, political, and other activities. For instance, Albany’s first sermon was delivered by Dr. Kendal in the home in 185025.

The house underwent several remodelings and was moved 50 feet west in 1901. It was extensively remodeled in 1855 and 1880, and again in 1922, such that the structure little resembled the original construction37. Despite these changes, the Monteith House is considered the most authentically restored pioneer-era home in the State of Oregon6.

Today, the Monteith House is a museum highlighting the Monteiths’ contributions to the area’s community. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 197536.

The house is owned by the City of Albany, with the non-profit Monteith Historic Society providing financial and volunteer resources for its maintenance, restoration, and operation2. The museum offers tours and hosts “Living History” events, where visitors can participate in activities like woodworking, pioneer doll making, baking biscuits, and making butter14.

  1. Eugene-Springfield, OR (EUG) Eugene is a college town near wineries and outdoor recreation. Visitors can go to a game at the University of Oregon, visit the Cascades Raptor Center, walk or bike along the Willamette River path, or take a day trip to the Oregon coast.
Southern Pacific Railroad Depot at Eugene Constructed in 1908, the Southern Pacific Railroad Company used standardized building plans for many of their small stations. Eugene’s depot shows a common feature with the use of a “bell-cast” hipped roof, with large eaves supported by massive wooden beams and brackets. The projecting bay on the north side once housed the station master and ticket office and is shaped so the arrival and departure of trains could be viewed more easily from the interior.

The Express Office sits directly east of the depot, reminiscent of the era when freight and household products were moved by rail. The bunkhouse provided a place for train crews to rest between stops and was originall located further west than its present location.

Spawned by the City Beautiful Movement of the late 19th century, an elaborate garden was designed by W.E. Chase, a Portland landscape architect. To the west was a curvilinear alpine garden, planted among local rocks. The east side contained an elaborate rose parterre, including planters, lawns and pathways. Granite columns announced the entrance to the station area at Willamette Street, and a three tiered illuminated fountain was positioned to allow carriages, and then cars, to make U-turns.

From the Eugene-Springfield, OR train station, there are several places to explore. The station is located in the heart of historic downtown Eugene, surrounded by hotels, fine dining, shopping, and performing arts. Markets, celebrations, and street fairs keep this community active. Golf courses, breweries, art galleries, and sports venues are integrated into the business district.

The city also boasts over 100 miles of paved riverfront paths and multi-use trails that connect downtown Eugene and downtown Springfield. Five pedestrian/bike bridges crisscross the Willamette River, offering beautiful views, especially in the spring and fall13.

Five pedestrian/bike bridges crisscross the Willamette River, offering beautiful views, especially in the spring and fall13.

The Amtrak Coast Starlight follows the Willamette River as part of its scenic journey. The full route of the Coast Starlight is a spectacular 1,390-mile journey from Seattle in Washington to Los Angeles. From Vancouver, the train takes up the course of the Willamette River, crossing the State Line into Oregon as it travels towards Portland14.

  • Noteworthy features for boaters: Alton Baker Park Boat Ramp, Island Park Boat Ramp
  • Noteworthy features for hikers: Mount Pisgah Arboretum, Spencer Butte
  • Noteworthy features for railroad enthusiasts: Eugene Amtrak Station
  • Noteworthy features for beer drinkers: Ninkasi Brewing Company, Falling Sky Brewing
  • Noteworthy features for birders: Mount Pisgah Arboretum, Skinner Butte Park
  • Noteworthy features for tourists: University of Oregon, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
Eugene – Cal Young August 2016

Some popular tourist attractions near the Eugene-Springfield, OR train station include:

  1. Alton Baker Park: A beautiful park with over 100 miles of paved riverfront paths and multi-use trails, offering scenic views and outdoor recreational opportunities1.
  2. The Official Simpsons Mural: Located in Springfield, this mural is a popular attraction for fans of the television show “The Simpsons”3.
  3. Dorris Ranch: A historic hazelnut orchard and living history farm, offering educational and recreational opportunities3.
  4. Emerald Art Center: An art center featuring a variety of visual arts and exhibitions3.
  5. Splash! at Lively Park: A family-friendly water park offering aquatic activities and entertainment3.

These attractions provide a range of activities, from outdoor recreation to cultural experiences, making the area around the Eugene-Springfield train station an appealing destination for tourists and visitors.


  1. Chemult, OR (CML)
  • Noteworthy features for boaters: None
  • Noteworthy features for hikers: Crater Lake National Park, Diamond Lake
  • Noteworthy features for railroad enthusiasts: Chemult Amtrak Station
  • Noteworthy features for beer drinkers: None
  • Noteworthy features for birders: Crater Lake National Park, Diamond Lake
  • Noteworthy features for tourists: Crater Lake National Park, Collier Memorial State Park

  1. Klamath Falls, OR (KFS) Take a relaxing train ride to beautiful Klamath Falls and explore the deepest and bluest lake in the U.S. and one of our treasured National Parks, Crater Lake National Park.
  • Noteworthy features for boaters: Klamath County Marina, Rocky Point Resort
  • Noteworthy features for hikers: Moore Park, Spence Mountain Trail
  • Noteworthy features for railroad enthusiasts: Klamath Falls Amtrak Station
  • Noteworthy features for beer drinkers: Klamath Basin Brewing Company, Mia & Pia’s Pizzeria & Brewhouse
  • Noteworthy features for birders: Klamath Wildlife Area, Moore Park
  • Noteworthy features for tourists: Crater Lake National Park, Favell Museum

Castle Crags State Park, April 2023
  1. Dunsmuir, CA (DUN)
  • Noteworthy features for boaters: Lake Siskiyou, Shasta Lake
  • Noteworthy features for hikers: Castle Crags State Park, Mossbrae Falls
  • Noteworthy features for railroad enthusiasts: Dunsmuir Amtrak Station
  • Noteworthy features for beer drinkers: Dunsmuir Brewery Works, Siskiyou Brew Works
  • Noteworthy features for birders: Castle Crags State Park, Shasta-Trinity National Forest
  • Noteworthy features for tourists: Hedge Creek Falls, Siskiyou Arts Museum

  1. Redding, CA (RDD)
  • Noteworthy features for boaters: Redding Marina, Whiskeytown Lake
  • Noteworthy features for hikers: Sundial Bridge, Shasta State Historic Park
  • Noteworthy features for railroad enthusiasts: Redding Amtrak Station
  • Noteworthy features for beer drinkers: Wildcard Brewing Company, Final Draft Brewing Company
  • Noteworthy features for birders: Sacramento River Trail, Turtle Bay Exploration Park
  • Noteworthy features for tourists: Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Shasta Dam
Turtle Bay Exploration Park April 2023


Sundial Bridge, Redding – Turtle Bay

Lakehead Shasta
  1. Chico, CA (CIC) Chico State University is the main university in the town and has a reputation for being a party school. The university’s party culture dates back several decades and has become ingrained in its identity. The party scene at Chico State can be traced back to the 1970s when the campus became known for its vibrant social life. The university attracted students who were looking for a balance between academics and a lively social scene.
  • Noteworthy features for boaters: Bidwell Canyon Marina, Lake Oroville Marina
  • Noteworthy features for hikers: Bidwell Park, Upper Bidwell Park
  • Noteworthy features for railroad enthusiasts: Chico Amtrak Station
  • Noteworthy features for beer drinkers: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Secret Trail Brewing Company
  • Noteworthy features for birders: Bidwell Park, Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge
  • Noteworthy features for tourists: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park

  1. Sacramento, CA (SAC) Sacramento is the capital of California and is home to many historic sites and museums. Visitors can explore the California State Capitol Museum, the Crocker Art Museum, or the Old Sacramento State Historic Park.
Old Sacramento State Historic Park, November 2022
  • Noteworthy features for boaters: Sacramento Marina, Miller Park Marina
  • Noteworthy features for hikers: American River Parkway, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
  • Noteworthy features for railroad enthusiasts: Sacramento Valley Station, California State Railroad Museum
  • Noteworthy features for beer drinkers: Track 7 Brewing Company, New Helvetia Brewing Company
  • Noteworthy features for birders: American River Parkway, Cosumnes River Preserve
  • Noteworthy features for tourists: California State Capitol Museum, Crocker Art Museum

University of California – Davis, October 2018


  1. Davis, CA (DAV) The University of California, Davis is known for its wine and beer research and programs. The university has a Winery, Brewery, and Food Science Laboratory, the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science, and a teaching and research facility for brewing, winemaking, and food science.

Photo to the left is of the Davis train station. The university also offers courses in winemaking and viticulture, which prepare students for careers in the wine industry.

  • Noteworthy features for boaters: Lake Berryessa, Putah Creek
  • Noteworthy features for hikers: UC Davis Arboretum, Putah Creek Wildlife Area
  • Noteworthy features for railroad enthusiasts: Davis Amtrak Station
  • Noteworthy features for beer drinkers: Sudwerk Brewing Company, Three Mile Brewing Company
  • Noteworthy features for birders: UC Davis Arboretum, Putah Creek Wildlife Area
  • Noteworthy features for tourists: UC Davis, Davis Farmers Market
University of California – Davis, October 2018
Researching the Mighetto Winery
  1. Martinez, CA (MTZ)
  • Noteworthy features for boaters: Martinez Marina, Benicia Marina
  • Noteworthy features for hikers: Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline, Mount Wanda
  • Noteworthy features for railroad enthusiasts: Martinez Amtrak Station
  • Noteworthy features for beer drinkers: Del Cielo Brewing, Five Suns Brewing
  • Noteworthy features for birders: Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline, Mount Wanda
  • Noteworthy features for tourists: John Muir National Historic Site, Martinez Museum

Tilden Regional Park offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The park contains numerous trails, providing facilities for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling. While most of the trails are dog-friendly, dogs are not permitted in the Tilden Nature Area to the north of the park. The park also has a golf course, a steam train, a merry-go-round, a working farm, and a botanical garden.
  1. Emeryville, CA (EMY) Emeryville is a city located on the east shore of San Francisco Bay between Oakland and Berkeley. The area was recognized as an ideal location for settlement by indigenous people and the Spanish and Americans that followed them. The city was incorporated in 1896, and by the 1930s, it had become a thriving industrial center with a network of spur tracks built by the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe railroads to serve the many industrial plants that developed during the town’s first decades of incorporation. Today, Emeryville is a vibrant city with a diverse population and a thriving business community. Emeryville is well-connected to San Francisco and other cities in the Bay Area, with several transportation options available. BART is the most popular and convenient way to get to San Francisco from Emeryville, but other options like buses and taxis are also available. The Emery Go Round is a free bus shuttle service that connects Emeryville’s employers and shopping centers with the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), 7 days a week. The Emery Go Round runs from the MacArthur BART Station. The closest stop to the Amtrak station is the “Hollis at 64th” stop, which is located about a block away from the station. Additionally, Amtrak-ticketed connecting buses are available from Emeryville to San Francisco, which can be booked through Amtrak.
The San Francisco Bay Trail welcomes hikers, joggers, bicyclists, skaters and wheelchair users to more than 350 miles of trails that circle the bay. The above photo is the access from Emeryville Marina
  • Noteworthy features for boaters: Emeryville Marina, Berkeley Marina
  • Noteworthy features for hikers: Tilden Regional Park, Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve
  • Noteworthy features for railroad enthusiasts: Emeryville Amtrak Station
  • Noteworthy features for beer drinkers: Fieldwork Brewing Company, Temescal Brewing
  • Noteworthy features for birders: Tilden Regional Park, Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve
  • Noteworthy features for tourists: Bay Street Emeryville, Pixar Animation Studios
Emeryville is the closest station to the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, it is the primary connection point between Amtrak trains and Amtrak Thruway bus service in the Bay Area. Oakland – Jack London Square station is used for San Francisco connections for the southern leg of the Coast Starlight,

The Emeryville Mudflats became notable in the 1960s and 1970s for public art, erected (with neither permission nor compensation) from driftwood timbers and boards by professional and amateur artists and art students from local high schools, UC Berkeley, the California College of Arts and Crafts and the Free University of Berkeley. The mudflats were even featured in the 1971 film Harold and Maude. These unsanctioned works were admired by some drivers heading westbound on the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge from Interstate 80. In the late 1990s, the sculptures and materials were removed in the interest of establishing a more natural and undisturbed marshland for the nurturing of wildlife.

Emeryville, Californiaj

The Coast Starlight train serves several university campuses along its route. Here are some of the university campuses served by the Coast Starlight:

  • University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
  • Western Washington University (Bellingham, WA)
  • University of Puget Sound (Tacoma, WA)
  • University of Oregon (Eugene, OR)
  • Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR)
  • University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)
  • Chico State University
  • California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento, CA)
  • University of California, Davis (Davis, CA)
  • University of California, Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA)
  • University of California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)

These universities are located in cities and towns along the Coast Starlight’s route, and they provide convenient access to the train for students and faculty. The Coast Starlight is a cherished experience for students traveling between these universities and their hometowns, as it offers a unique social experience. The following story reminds us of our college days.

As the Thanksgiving holiday approachedy, college students from various universities along the West Coast eagerly anticipated their trip home to their parents’ houses. Many of them had decided to take the Coast Starlight train, which would take them from their campuses to their hometowns. The Coast Starlight train is a popular choice for students, as it serves several university campuses along its route, including the University of Washington, the University of Oregon, the University of California, Davis, Chico State University and the University of California, Berkeley.


As the students boarded the train, they were excited to see what the journey would bring. Some of them had brought board games, while others had brought snacks and drinks to share. The University of California, Davis Students brought wine and beer from their VEN127L course. As the train made its way down the coast, the students enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the company of their fellow passengers.


As the night wore on, some of the Chico students began to get rowdy. They started playing music and dancing in the aisles, and some of them even started drinking alcohol. All the other students joined in. The train conductor warned them to quiet down, but they ignored him and continued to party.


Eventually, the conductor had had enough and threatened to throw the students off the train if they didn’t stop their disruptive behavior. The students quickly realized that they had gone too far and apologized to the conductor. They promised to behave for the rest of the journey, offered a bottle of Davis VEN127L for Thanksgiving, and the conductor allowed them to stay on the train.

The rest of the journey was uneventful, and the students arrived safely at their destinations. They had had a great time on the train, but they also learned an important lesson about respecting the rules and regulations of public transportation.


Overall, the Coast Starlight train is a great way for college students to travel home for the holidays. It serves several university campuses along its route, and it offers beautiful scenery and a comfortable ride. However, students should be mindful of their behavior and avoid disrupting other passengers or risking being thrown off the train. They also should remember that only alcohol purchased on the train is allowed to be consumed while on the train. This rule doesn’t apply to those drinking in sleeper cars.

One thought on “Amtrak Coast Starlight

  1. December 08, 2023 10:42 AM Biden administration promises $6 billion to help floundering high-speed rail projects

    The Biden administration announced $6 billion in funding this week to two green high-speed railway projects in the West, giving a boost to plans that have been years in the making.

    The grants from the Department of Transportation will allocate $3 billion to a privately owned route between Las Vegas and Southern California and $3.1 billion to California’s longtime publicly funded effort to connect Los Angeles and San Francisco.

    https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/energy-environment/biden-administrations-6-billion-two-green-high-speed-railway-on-track

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