The Issue
Who we are:
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad is a nonprofit, 'heritage' railroad that is based out of Elbe and Mineral, WA.
About our organization:
Western Forest Industries Museum, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and original founder of Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad, assumed ownership of the railroad in August of 2022, after its closure by its out-of state, for-profit owner in 2020. In 2023, WFIM launched RailCycle Mt. Rainier in June of 2023, and railroad operations on September 1st. Since reopening the railroad, the response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive, running over 400 trains at 96.7% capacity on average. The railroad has carried over 100,000 people since reopening, bringing significant economic impact to the rural Pierce and Lewis Counties.
What we want:
A simple change to state liquor regulations, allowing the same laws that apply to trains that travel across state lines, to apply to trains that travel within Washington State.
All the info:
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad has been working diligently to secure a liquor license for our scenic passenger train, enhancing the visitor experience and providing a much-needed revenue stream for our non-profit operation. However, under Washington’s current regulations (RCW 66.24.395), liquor licenses for trains are only available to those crossing state lines. This means that despite our status as a federally recognized passenger railroad and our substantial contributions to local tourism, we are ineligible for a license simply because our train operates exclusively within the state.
The Liquor and Cannabis Board has been unfamiliar with the process and it has taken us months to get to this point. While they are generally supportive of a rule change, we have no idea how long the process could take and what extra steps we may encounter. With over 77,000 visitors to some of the most economically depressed parts of Pierce and Lewis Counties, our organization serves as a significant economic generator, in addition to our work in historic preservation.
We are seeking your support in petitioning the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to amend the existing rule to allow in-state passenger railroads, such as ours, to qualify for a liquor license. Expanding this rule would bring Washington in line with other states that already allow scenic and heritage railroads to serve beverages on board, supporting local businesses, breweries, and wineries while creating a more competitive tourism environment.
How You Can Help
We are asking you to:
-Sign this petition!
-Submit a petition for rulemaking to the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board, requesting that RCW 66.24.395 be expanded to include all passenger trains operating within Washington. A preset petition form is available at wfim.org/servinghistory
-Share this issue with your networks, including other community leaders and organizations that recognize the value of tourism-driven economic development.
-Express your support publicly—whether through letters, resolutions, or advocacy efforts—to help demonstrate broad support for this rule change.
While signing this petition helps, we've attached additional form letters and supporting documentation to our website, wfim.org/servinghistory. If you have any questions or need further details, we are more than happy to provide additional information.
This small regulatory change could have a significant impact, allowing tourism-based railroads like ours to thrive, invest in infrastructure, create jobs, and continue bringing visitors to rural communities around Mt. Rainier.
Thank you for your time and support. We truly appreciate your help in making this change a reality.