This exciting 11-day escorted tour takes you through rugged frontier towns of the Old West, to beautiful National Parks, and along awe-inspiring vistas. Your tour to the Old West begins in Chicago, where you will board the California Zephyr to Salt Lake City. In Salt Lake City, take time to tour this historic capital city as well as the lovely Heber Valley before continuing on to Jackson, WY, and Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The last leg of your trip will take you to the Black Hills of South Dakota and Badlands National Park, Crazy Horse, Mount Rushmore, and an excursion aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad.
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Tour Inclusions
One-way transportation aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr from Chicago to Salt Lake City.
Transportation aboard a deluxe motorcoach
One night on board Amtrak's California Zephyr
Hotel accommodations
16 meals
Salt Lake City sightseeing
Excursion aboard the Heber Valley Railroad
Snake River float trip
Jackson Rodeo*
Guided tour of Yellowstone
Visit to Buffalo Bill Historical Center
Tour of Deadwood and Boot Hill
Visit to Crazy Horse Memorial and Mt. Rushmore
Excursion aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad
Tour of Badlands National Park
Services of a professional tour manager
Airport transfer from Deadwood to Rapid City, SD
Baggage handling
Maps and destination information
Taxes and service charges
Sightseeing and Scenic Highlights Include:
Moffat Tunnel
Byers, Glenwood, and Ruby Canyons
Temple Square
Grand Teton National Park
Snake River
Yellowstone National Park
Mammoth Hot Springs
Old Faithful
Upper and Lower Falls
Hayden Valley
Buffalo Bill Historical Center
Devil's Tower
Deadwood
Boot Hill
Badlands National Park
Crazy Horse Memorial
Mount Rushmore
Yellowstone, Grand Tetons & Mt. Rushmore Tour Itinerary
First 4 days are all filler and a waste of time.
Day 5 - Discover Jackson
After breakfast at the Teton Steakhouse, hit the water for a float trip along the Snake River through Grand Teton National Park. Keep an eye out for elk and other wildlife of the area. Your route includes the National Elk Refuge with close to 5,000 wintering elk as well as the largest bison herd in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Later, root for modern day cowboys at the Jackson Rodeo*. Overnight Best Western Plus The Lodge at Jackson Hole (Parkway Inn and Spa for 2012 departures). (B)
Day 6 - Yellowstone National Park
Your journey today takes you to Yellowstone, the country's first National Park. As you travel to your lodge, located right inside the park, you may catch a glimpse of majestic herds of buffalo and awe-inspiring rock formations. Afer you check into your room, there will be time to explore this remarkable natural landmark. Overnight Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park. (D)
Day 7 - Explore Yellowstone National Park
Start your morning with breakfast followed by a guided tour of Yellowstone National Park. Established in 1872, Yellowstone has the world's most extensive region of geothermal activity with thousands of hot springs that dot the landscape. Scenic highlights include Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Falls, Old Faithful, the Hayden Valley, and the Upper and Lower Falls. Keep an eye out for the Park's wildlife, including wolves, grizzly bears, bison and elk. Overnight Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park. (B)
Day 8 - Buffalo Bill Historical Center
Wyoming is steeped in Old West history. Today visit the Buffalo Bill Historical Center where you'll learn about Buffalo Bill Cody's early days riding for the Pony Express as well as his exploits as an expert tracker, sharpshooter, and showman. In addition to this Western hero, you'll learn about Annie Oakley. Sitting Bull, and Texas Jack. The Historical Center has been preserving and celebrating the history of the Old West since 1917. Overnight Holiday Inn. (B, D)
Day 9 - Deadwood / Crazy Horse Memorial / Mt. Rushmore
This morning travel to Deadwood, South Dakota, keeping an eye out for Devil's Tower National Monument, towering 1,267 feet above the Belle Fourche River, along the way. Deadwood was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1967. It has preserved the history and legends of the Wild West from it's beginnings as a mining town to its status as a haven for outlaws, gamblers, and gunslingers. Your tour of the town takes you along the same streets walked by Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, past stately Victorian homes, and restored gambling palaces. You'll also visit Boot Hill, the final resting place of Deadwood's famous and citizens.
Later today, visit the Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills. The memorial is a tribute to the Native Americans who lived in these beautiful hills and consists of the mountain monument, the Indian Museum of North America, and the Native American Cultural Center Your tour closes with one of the most inspiring sites in our nation's landscape, Mount Rushmore. The towering visage of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt stands as a stirring memorial to the country's greatest leaders. Overnight Holiday Inn Express (overnight Hampton Inn for September 4 departure).
Day 10 - Black Hills Central Rarilroad / Badlands National Park
After breakfast, embark on an excursion through South Dakota's Black Hills aboard the Black Hills Central Railroad. Refurbished early 20th-century train cars take travelers along the same route once used by miners and the carvers of Mount Rushmore. Scenic highlights include the Black Hills National Forest and breathtaking views from Harney Peak. Your travels continue with a visit to Badlands National Park for a guided tour. Keep an eye out for bison and bighorn sheep. This evening join your group for a farewell dinner at K Bar S Lodge. Overnight Holiday Inn Express (overnight Hampton Inn for September 4 departure). (B, D)
Day 11 - Memories of Western Adventure
Your tour ends after breakfast this morning but you will have memories of your Wild West adventure to last a lifetime. Group transfer to the Rapid City airport today for your flight home after 12:00 pm. (B)
Hotel Accommodations
Embassy Suites: Guests will enjoy two-room suites that include high-speed wireless Internet access as well as hotel amenities that include a pool, whirlpool, and fitness center.
Holiday Inn Express: Located near Mt. Rushmore, the hotel features a business center, fitness center, indoor pool, whirlpool, and laundry facilities.
Grant Village: Located on the southwestern shore of Yellowstone Lake?about 20 minutes from Old Faithful? the complex includes six 2-story buildings, each containing 50 rooms. There are two restaurants with lake views, a lounge, and a small gift store.
Holiday Inn, Sheridan: Guest rooms include high-speed Internet access and hotel amenities include business services, fitness center, indoor pool, spa facilities, sauna, whirlpool, putting green, game room, guest laundry, two restaurants and one lounge.
Best Western Plus The Lodge at Jackson Hole: Located near Jackson's wonderful shops and restaurants, hotel amenities include an indoor/outdoor heated pool, hot tubs, sauna, guest laundry, business center, and complimentary shuttle to downtown Jackson.
Hampton Inn: Located in the heart of Rapid City, this 82-room hotel features a swimming pool, whirlpool, fitness center, business center, and guest laundry among other amenities.
Discover all the natural beauty and scenic wonders of Glacier National Park, "the crown of the continent" in the majestic Pacific Northwest. Travel from Chicago or Seattle aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder and relax in comfort as the glorious scenery passes by.
Your "Glacier National Park" 7-day adventure includes two nights onboard Amtrak's Empire Builder as well as two nights each in Glacier Park Lodge and Many Glacier Lodge. This well-planned itinerary lets you enjoy the best of Glacier National Park with tour highlights including the Swift Current Lake Boat Cruise and "Crown of the Continent Tour." Consider upgrading to a roomette or bedroom, which includes meals aboard the train.
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Empire Builder with Glacier Park Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart Chicago westbound on Amtrak's Empire Builder
Board Amtrak's Empire Builder and follow the route of the explorers as you head towards the magnificent Pacific Northwest. Read, listen to music or chat with your fellow travelers as gaze out at the magnificent scenery. Check out your journey on a map as train makes it way through Wisconsin, Minnesota and the grasslands in the "Northern Prairie State" of North Dakota.
Day 2 - Arrive East Glacier Park, Montana
Welcome to East Glacier Park, covering more than 1.2 million acres of lakes and waterfalls, dramatic peaks and breathtaking ice-carved glaciers. Your hotel for the night is the Glacier Park Lodge. Modeled after a Swiss Chalet, this historic lodge offers enticing amenities including a heated outdoor swimming pool and nine-hole golf course.
Day 3 - Travel to Many Glacier Hotel and Swift Current Lake Boat Cruise
Your adventure continues with your transfer to the Many Glacier Hotel, often referred to the "Switzerland of North America." The Many Glacier Hotel is situated on the shores of Swift Current Lake in the heart of Glacier National Park. This national landmark, built by the Great Northern Railroad in 1915 to create the "American Alps" boasts a true Swiss atmosphere. Enjoy a delightful boat ride on Swift Current Lake showcasing the alpine beauty and grandeur of the park.
Day 4 - Crown of the Continent Tour
Spend another day in Glacier National Park by taking a breathtaking "Crown of the Continent Tour." The historic red buses of Glacier National Park, called Jammers, will take you around the park just as they did in 1930's. Journey across one of the most stunning roads in North America. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is unsurpassed in alpine splendor and you enjoy several picture-perfect stops along the way.
Day 5 - Transfer to Glacier Park Lodge
Today, experience pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes and discover why Glacier National Park is considered the birthplace of mountaineering in North America. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker's paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. Deer are among the most commonly spotted wildlife but elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, wolves, grizzly and black bears roam its wild vastness and are often seen by visitors. Spend another night at Glacier Park Lodge.
Day 6 - Transfer to the Amtrak Station
Board your Amtrak train in the evening bound for Seattle and relax as you watch the Cascade Mountains come into view. Snow-capped volcanoes and forested mountains dot the landscape as you reach your destination.
Day 7 - Arrive in Seattle - "World Capital" of Coffee and Computers
When you see the Mount Rainier and Space Needle looming in the distance, you'll know you've arrived in Seattle. But you certainly won't be "Sleepless in Seattle" as there is more than enough activity to keep you busy. Visit the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, a combination shopping mecca and farmer's market, Chinatown, and the Experience Music Project. Sip a cup of java at any one of the hundreds of coffee shops throughout the city and reflect on your amazing Alpine adventure.
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I'll believe corporations are persons when Texas executes one.: LBJ's Ghost
California Zephyr with Yellowstone National Park - 7 Night/8 Day Tour
More than 2,000 acres of geysers, hot springs, and lava formations await you in Yellowstone, the world's first national park established in 1872. Located in three states, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone's most famous sights include Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and the Continental Divide. Keep your cameras handy as the vast Yellowstone is teeming with roaming wildlife, including wolves, grizzly bears, bison and elk.
Your "Yellowstone National Park" 8-day adventure includes two nights onboard Amtrak's California Zephyr as well as one night in Salt Lake City, three nights at the Yellowstone Park Hotel and one night in San Francisco. This well-planned itinerary combines rail touring with scenic driving and land tours to give you the "best of the West" independent vacation. Consider upgrading to a roomette or bedroom, which includes meals aboard the train.
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Chicago . Salt Lake City . Yellowstone National Park . San Francisco
Call 877-929-7245 for rail fares and schedules from your city to and from Chicago.
Tour Highlights
Enjoy a full day tour of the lower loop at Yellowstone National Park including Old Faithful, Isa Lake and Continental Divide
Experience magnificent views as you drive back and forth to Salt Lake City
Travel aboard the California Zephyr from Chicago to Salt Lake City and Salt Lake City to San Francisco
Tour Inclusions
Rail transportation onboard Amtrak's California Zephyr
Reclining coach seat with leg rest on the train for two nights (upgrade to sleeping accommodations with meals onboard train available)
First-class hotel accommodations with private bath for five nights
Four days mid-size car rental (taxes not included)
Sightseeing in Yellowstone National Park
Pre and post night trip stays available
Available Options:
Coach class with upgrades to comfortable Roomettes and Bedrooms available
Additional hotel nights in Chicago or San Francisco
Additional Sightseeing Tours and attractions in Chicago and San Francisco
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I'll believe corporations are persons when Texas executes one.: LBJ's Ghost
Featuring six amazing National Parks: Glacier, Waterton Lakes, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Arches, and Canyonlands.
Your tour begins in Chicago where you will board the Empire Builder bound for the first National Park on your trip, Glacier, where you will explore the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road and enjoy a full-day excursion to Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada (passport required). Next, your travels take you to the historic mining town of Virginia City before arriving in Yellowstone National Park for a two-night stay. Continue on to Wyoming for visits to Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park, and finally to Utah for visits to Salt Lake City and Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Board the California Zephyr in Utah for your return trip home through the Colorado Rockies.
Call 877-929-7245 for rail fares and schedules from your city
to and from Chicago, Seattle, or Portland.
Tour Inclusions
One-way overnight transportation aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder from Chicago to Glacier National Park
One-way overnight transportation aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr from Price, UT to Chicago
Transportation aboard a deluxe motorcoach
Hotel accommodations for 11 nights (including 3 nights at the Red Cliffs lodge)
22 meals
Sightseeing and scenic excursions (admission to all attractions included in tour price)
Services of a professional tour manager
Baggage handling
Taxes and service charges
Sightseeing and Scenic Highlights Include:
Glacier National Park
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Waterton Lakes National Park (passport required)
Virginia City, MT sightseeing
Yellowstone National Park
Hayden Valley
Old Faithful
Upper and Lower Falls
Grand Teton National Park
Jackson Hole
Oregon Trail Historical Center
Arches National Park
Delicate Arch
Landscape Arch
Canyonlands National Park
Dead Horse Point State Park
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I'll believe corporations are persons when Texas executes one.: LBJ's Ghost
In the United States, the train vacation options are limitless. From custom rail adventures on scenic trains to escorted rail tours that take you to scenic and historic railways, an adventure is around every bend.
Vacations Using Amtrak: Travel by train to some of the most popular destinations in America and experience historic routes. Chicago to Seattle on the Empire Builder, Los Angeles to San Francisco on the Coast Starlight or New York to Washington on the America?s only high speed train, the Acela Express or the Rocky Mountains onboard the legendary California Zephyr; weekend getaways or month long adventures, it?s up to you.
Escorted Train Tours in the United States: From the Scenic Trains of Colorado to the Historic Grand Canyon Railway or narrow gauge railways during the New England Rails & Sails, escorted rail tours take you to where the road ends and the rails begin. Escorted Rail Tours include hotels, meals and rail experiences that you will talk about for years to come.
Luxury Train Tours: Relive the Golden Age of Rail in comfort and style. When you think Luxury Rail Tours in the United States, you can only think about the American Orient Express. Onboard restored Vintage Pullman train carriages, you are treated to the Luxury and History only few have a pleasure to experience. The American Orient Express takes you to America?s National Park Treasures, the Antebellum South or from coast to coast, Washington, DC to Los Angeles on a trans continental journey of a lifetime.
Vacations Using Amtrak
Independent Amtrak Tours
California Zephyr with Yellowstone
California Zephyr Experience
Classic Coast to Coast
Coast Starlight Experience
Coast Starlight with Alaska Cruise
Empire Builder Experience
Empire Builder with Alaska Cruise
Empire Builder with Glacier Park
Glacier National Park Escape
Grand Canyon Rails to Rim
Lake Shore Limited Experience
Southwest Chief & Grand Canyon
Escorted Amtrak Tours
America's Beautiful West
America's Great National Parks
Best of the West
Big Cites Big Fun
Big Four
California's Wines and Trains
Canyonlands By Rail
Colorado By Rail
Fall Colors of New England
Glacier Park & Canadian Rockies
Glacier Park Discovery Tour
Glories of the West
Golden West Rail Ramble
Grand Fall Tour
Great Parks of the Southwest
Great Trains of the American West
Great Western Circle Journey
Great Western Explorer
Journey to Colonial America
Las Vegas by Train
National Parks of the West
New England's Fall Foliage
New England Rail/Sail Adventure
North to Alaska
Peaks to Pacific
Rail To Glacier Park Montana
Red Cliffs Experience by Rail
West Coast Swing
Wonders of the West
Yellowstone & Glacier Adventure
Yellowstone, Tetons & Rushmore
Yosemite To Denali
Winter 2011/2012 Escapes on Amtrak
Snow Zephyr to San Francisco
Winter Escape to the Grand Canyon
Snow Train to Seattle
Yellowstone & Yosemite Magic
New Orleans Rail-Cruise
New Years at the Grand Canyon
Escorted US Rail Tours
Alaska Spectacular
Colorado Rail Adventure
Fall Colors in Quebec & Vermont
Fall Colors in the Smoky Mountains
Historic Trains of Arizona
Mackinac Island & the Grand Hotel
New England Historic Trains & Sails
Pacific Northwest Tour
Passage to British Honduras
Trains Across Colorado
Scenic Trains and Canyons
Vintage Rail Car Trips
Glacier Park & Canadian Rockies
The Great Alaska Adventure
Glories of the West
Great Trains of the American West
Yosemite To Denali
Luxury US Rail Tours
Albuquerque to Seattle
Antebellum South
Great Northwestern National Parks
International Rail Journey
Napa to Albuquerque
National Parks of the West
Pacific Coast Favorites
Rockies, Sierras and Napa
Transcontinental Rail Journey
Western and Pacific Coast
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad - Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico
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This railroad is located in southern Colorado close to the New Mexico border. Built in 1880 and little changed since, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the finest and most spectacular example of steam era mountain railroading in North America. Its equipment, structures and vast landscape exist today as if frozen in the first half of the twentieth century. When the season begins, usually in May, trains run seven days a week through mid-October. All trains except the ?Cinder Express? stop for lunch at Osier, Colorado?roughly the mid-point of the railroad?where a hot meal with salad bar and homemade desserts is included in the fare. The ?Cinder Express? includes a box lunch. The railroad hosts some great special events over the season.
The historic mining town of Leadville, Colorado is tucked away in a magnificent alpine valley at the base of the state's highest peak. Time it right and you might be there for a wildflower hike trip or include some rafting. (Not reviewed - Suggested by a reader).
Santa Fe Southern Railway - Lamy and Santa Fe, New Mexico
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Ride a working freight train through high desert scenery on this 4-hour round trip from the historic depot in Santa Fe to Lamy, a sleepy little village 18 miles southeast of Santa Fe and reminiscent of turn-of-the-century Wild West days! Special trips available on many holidays.
Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Guage Railway - Cripple Creek, Colorado
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This unique four mile round trip includes an interesting and educational narration on the rich history only a dynamic gold town could produce. Also stops for special points of interest, impressive photo spots, and Echo valley. All of the Cripple Creek locomotives are narrow gauge coal-fired steam locomotives. Half the fun is watching them take on water and fire up the coal engines. The trips are short, but enjoyable.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway - Durango, Colorado
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The D&SNGRR is located in Durango, Colorado in the beautiful Four Corners region. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad winds through spectacular and breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million acre San Juan National Forest for an unforgettable year-round adventure. Experience the adventure of traveling by a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago. Relive history with the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a truly spectacular railroad journey
Grand Canyon Railway - Williams, Arizona
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A ride on the Grand Canyon Railway is a fun and environmentally friendly way to visit the Grand Canyon ? No wait at the gate, no driving and parking problems and, when you are tired after a long day, you'll ride in style, enjoy live music and savor snacks and drinks as you watch the sun slip down over the western prairie.
Verde Canyon Railroad - Clarkdale, Arizona
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The remote wilderness of the Verde Canyon, located west of Sedona and below Jerome, is renowned for its towering red rock pinnacles and clean, green waters. The train rolls past Indian ruins, through a 680-foot man-made tunnel, over old-fashioned trestles and under clear azure skies. In the winter you may see eagles. Over thirty bald and golden eagles winter in the canyon each year. Passengers enjoy this four-hour scenic train ride in first-class style aboard renovated passenger coaches and open-air viewing cars pulled by vintage locomotives. Look for seasonal specialty trips such as a Christmas trip with Santa and a Fall Colors trip.
Austin Steam Train - Austin, Texas
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Escape from the 21st Century and relax on a ride through American railroading?s romantic past. Let the rivers and ranches of the Texas Hill Country, or the historic neighborhoods and lush parks of the heart of Austin, slip by your window as you, your family and friends share the delights of an adventure on Central Texas? very own vintage passenger train! Choose from a variety of day excursions.
Pike's Peak Cog Railway
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Ever want to know what it feels like to be at 14,000 feet? Well, the Pike's Peak Cog Railway will get you up and back ever so gently. Located just outside Colorado Springs, this is a great trip up the mountain. The round trip lasts three hours and ten minutes. This includes 30 to 40 minutes on the summit. They are closed most of the winter.
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I'll believe corporations are persons when Texas executes one.: LBJ's Ghost
Seattle - Portland - Los Angeles
Please Note: Amtrak's Coast Starlight typically runs 3-9 hours behind schedule. Travelers on this and all Amtrak trains should plan accordingly.
Frequency:
Daily
Length of Trip: (Seattle - Portland - Los Angeles)
35 Hours
Amenities:
Non-Smoking
Sightseer Lounge Car
Dining Car
Checked Baggage
Feature Movies
Kiddie Car
Pacific Parlour Car
Accommodations:
Reserved Coach Seat
Superliner Lower Level Coach Seat
Superliner Roomette
Superliner Accessible Bedroom
Superliner Bedroom
Superliner Bedroom Suite
Superliner Family Bedroom
Note: Not all trains offer all accommodation types.
Considered to be one of the most beautiful of all train routes, the Coast Starlight connects the hottest cities on America's West Coast. En route daily between Seattle and Los Angeles, the Coast Starlight passes through Portland, Eugene, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Barbara.
The scenery along the Coast Starlight route is unparalleled: snow-covered mountains, dense forests, fertile valleys and long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline provide a gorgeous backdrop for your journey.
And there are many places to stop and visit along the route. Get away to Paso Robles, where you can tour one of over 48 wineries or relax in the natural hot springs. Head to San Luis Obispo to climb the enchanted hill to Hearst Castle. Leave your heart in spectacular San Francisco. Or just stop and smell the roses in Portland.
Roomette and Bedroom passengers enjoy access to the Pacific Parlour Car, a private lounge featuring a library and games, afternoon wine tasting, plus a movie theater below. If you're traveling with little ones, they'll love the fun and games available just for them in the Kiddie Car.
All passengers enjoy floor-to-celing windows in the Sightseer Lounge-the perfect spot for taking in the magnificient scenery.
For more information, please download the Coast Starlight Route Guide or Amtrak's National Route Map.
Stations Served on Route
Seattle, WA
Tacoma, WA
Lacey - Olympia, WA
Centralia, WA
Kelso, WA
Vancouver, WA
Portland, OR
Salem, OR
Albany, OR
Eugene, OR
San Jose, CA
Salinas, CA
Paso Robles, CA
San Luis Obispo, CA
Santa Barbara, CA
Oxnard, CA
Simi Valley, CA
Van Nuys, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Chemult, OR
Klamath Falls, OR
Dunsmuir, CA
Redding, CA
Chico, CA
Sacramento, CA
Davis, CA
Martinez, CA
Emeryville, CA
Oakland, CA
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I'll believe corporations are persons when Texas executes one.: LBJ's Ghost
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