Train out to Seattle?

lefty8881 · March 2011

H and I are thinking of taking a vacation this summer. One idea we're throwing around is taking the train out to Seattle/Vancouver. Has anyone ever done this? I think we would fly back home and just take it one way out there. Any other tips for cool places out there? We're also thinking about taking a day or two pit stop at Glacier as I've never been there before but I've heard it's amazing.

Thanks!

Sue/Mike · March 2011

A girlfriend and her H did it once. She said it was fun for the first day and then quite boring and bumpy...but that's just her. I get really motion sick, but if you're planning on flying back, it may be an interesting experience. I would definitely, however, go to Glacier, though. I've hiked it a couple times and it is beautiful.

Steph0871 · March 2011

I've never done the train thing, but I have been to Glacier. HIGHLY recommended staying there for a few days. It was gorgeous! I was only 14 when we traveled out there, and I still remember it as one of my favorite trips.

I'll have to figure out my scanner. I have a picture of my cousin and I, in shorts, lying in the snow next to a mountain goat. That pretty much summed up how awesome the trip was

ElizabethD · March 2011

It is LONG! Did it with gf's over spring break. Probably easier if you can afford a bed... we were too frugral. ;-)

There is a timing issue.... I think we only saw the beauty on the return ride based on when we left and being in the dark through the mountains. I'd look into that and maybe fly OUT then train home? I'm also not sure if from the train station you can rent a car easily, from there, to be able to do the national parks?

Remember Amtrak is notoriously *late* in departures so don't expect to arrive when you should.

pourroni · March 2011

I have never riden all the way to Seattle, but I grew up taking the Empire Builder across MT and then once in college across ND. I would only travel that far if I could afford a sleeper car. That way you can spead out and have your own space. The last time I took the train I was had to sit by (the train was completely full) this super creepy guy that kept touching my leg. I finally just went and sat in the observation car. That same ride my train was 8 hours late. That is one reason we never take the train to my home, it is so late and unreliable. But it is a great way to see the country. You will be in the dark until about western ND and you will hit Glacier around dinner time or a little later.

lefty8881 · March 2011

Thanks for the replies ladies! Looks like we'll have to think about this a bit. We just both hate driving and don't really have a good enough car to drive that far anyway. I would really love to see Glacier, but maybe we could just fly into Seattle and take the train to Vancouver...

Train out to Seattle?

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