GN 410, a 2-6-0, basks in the sun at Skykomish depot.

GN 410, a 2-6-0, basks in the sun at Skykomish depot.

Saturday, April 30th, 2016 is opening day for the GN&C Railway in Skykomish, Washington. This miniature railway offers free rides to the public every weekend, 10am-4pm between now and November 1st.

Steam up! On the raised service tracks.

Steam up! On the raised service tracks.

The Railway is run by a non-profit group of volunteers who bring their own engines and equipment up to Sky to operate on the line. Watch them as they “steam up” their locomotives on the raised servicing tracks, then take a ride along the 2,700 feet of track (plans are for over a mile of track eventually).

GN 1728, a 4-6-2, crosses the trestle at Sky Depot.

GN 1728, a 4-6-2, crosses the trestle at Sky Depot.

The tracks are located right next to the former Great Northern Skykomish depot on the south side of the BNSF tracks. Be sure to tour the GN depot which has been restored and repainted inside and out. The depot’s raised platform is a great place to watch the parade of passing BNSF freight trains as well as Amtrak’s Empire Builder.

BNSF 4142, a GE C44-9W rolls thru scenic Skykomish.

BNSF 4142, a GE C44-9W rolls thru scenic Skykomish.

The line includes scenic landscaping, a wooden trestle and a replica of GN’s Cascade Tunnel (with 1929-era and 1900-era tunnel portals). There are plans for a snowshed to be built alongside the tunnel.

If your travels take you to the Seattle area, be sure to stop by Skykomish for a day of GN-related fun!