Our Incredible Reopening on Labor Day Weekend

Dear Friends of Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad,

I am thrilled to write to you today, full of gratitude and pride, as we reflect on the momentous occasion that unfolded this Labor Day weekend. As the Executive Director of the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad, I find myself profoundly moved to acknowledge the incredible efforts and dedication of our staff and volunteers, who made this reopening weekend an outstanding success.

This weekend marked a significant milestone for our organization, as we welcomed passengers back on board for the first time since 2019. It has been a year filled with relentless hard work and dedication from our nonprofit, WFIM, after acquiring the railroad. Our journey has been filled with challenges, and it is during these times that the true strength of our team shines through.

Mother Nature certainly tested our resolve as we faced unexpectedly heavy rain, which led to numerous trees obstructing our tracks late on Thursday. Despite the adverse conditions, our crews tirelessly worked until 1 a.m. to ensure the safety and smooth operation of our beloved railroad.

In addition to nature's challenges, we encountered unfortunate incidents with vandals stealing plumbing from our concession cars, the only available restrooms for our passengers. Yet, our team rallied together, and repairs were made just in time to ensure the comfort of our passengers.

The response from our community and visitors was overwhelming, as sales exceeded our projections, with over 1,200 passengers joining us for this remarkable journey. The unexpected volume of walkups presented a unique challenge, and I am deeply appreciative of our volunteers who stepped up to assist with ticket and gift shop sales, as well as boarding and parking logistics. Your dedication made all the difference.

I must give special recognition to our Operations Manager, Rowdy Pierce, who, along with our Roadmaster, Brian Wise, and our extraordinary part-time staff and volunteers, performed nothing short of a miracle. Their hard work and unwavering commitment over the past year paved the way for our reopening.

As a leader, I have had the privilege of witnessing the camaraderie and skill of our exceptional team throughout this journey. However, this week, I unexpectedly went on maternity leave early. I found myself in awe of their dedication and professionalism. My twins arrived at the same moment as the first train departed from the Elbe Depot in four years.

The fact that our team accomplished this feat in my absence, with grace, professionalism, and heart, fills me with immense pride. I am profoundly grateful for their unwavering support, dedication, and the tireless efforts they put into making this Labor Day weekend an unforgettable success.

This weekend was nothing short of incredible, and it would not have been possible without the hard work and passion of our team, as well as the enthusiastic participation of everyone who joined us for this historic occasion.

On behalf of the entire Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad I also want to extend my sincere thanks to the passengers that made a trip with us this weekend, and the local businesses who rallied in support. Your collective efforts and unwavering support make our mission possible, and we look forward to many more exciting journeys ahead.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Bethan Maher

Executive Director

TL;DR - Want to ride this fall? Better make some reservations at MtRainierRailroad.com - I'd definitely recommend checking out the Whiskey Tasting Trains. If you're interested in continuing to support these amazing efforts, consider donating at wfim.org/donate