Lions Train Rides

As autumn makes its way into Northeastern Washington, nighttime temperatures drop, and trees begin their annual costume change from green to gold and red. Tamaracks that clothe the mountainsides announce the scene change by fading from a lush green to yellows and golds that seem to glow from within. Aspen, birch and other broad-leafed trees on the valley floors follow the tamaracks' lead, changing their colors in an autumnal drama that inspires us and warns us of colder temperatures to come.

It's a great time of year, especially since the days remain warm and Indian summer often stretches out the temperate days from September into October. It's a great time of year to visit the Pend Oreille River valley, to take in the sights, to do a little camping or RVing in a beautiful place -- and to take a ride along the river on a train. The North Pend Oreille Valley Lions Club sponsors a series of train rides every year that start in July and continue through October, the height of the most colorful season of the year. Any time you can fit a train ride into your schedule is the right time to go, but the Autumn Colors rides are among the most popular every year. The Pend Oreille valley is spectacular year 'round, but is especially so in the fall when the broad river reflects the botanical glory.

The Lions Club Excursion Train Rides make a leisurely run twenty miles round trip between Ione and Metaline Falls. The tracks run along the river much of the way, crossing a trestle near Box Canyon Dam and threading a 810-foot tunnel. Every part of the journey is beautiful, with the view from the trestle particularly jaw-dropping. The engineer always stops there briefly to give passengers time to take it all in and so that photographers can snap a few shots of the rocky cliffs dropping into the green, churning water. Your conductor will remind you not to lean too far out, as it's a serious drop to the water from your perch on the trestle.

Besides the scenery, you'll enjoy the train itself. The Lions Club has been working on their train cars since 1981 when they sponsored the first train ride. Passengers that year sat on benches on a flatcar, but the event was a hit and launched a tradition that has been pleasing families ever since. The Lions purchased a coach car, two open cars, and a caboose, which they have lovingly renovated and painted in bright colors. In addition, the Inland Empire Railroad Historical Society leases the club two coaches and one open car to complete the train, while the Pend Oreille Valley Authority provides an engine and engineer to pull it. Except for the engine, all the cars are vintage models of wood and steel, dating from a time when travel by train was common in this country. You'll love the old-fashioned fixtures, the windows that slide up and down to open and close, and the historic photos that decorate the inside.

The Lions staff the rides with volunteers dressed in period costume. They are gracious hosts and offer a wealth of information, some historical, some botanical, and some fantastical to regale you on your travels. It's only fair to warn you, though. A band of desperados is known to board the train and rob the passengers, with all proceeds going to The Cutter Theatre in Metaline Falls, so be prepared to donate your spare change to this fearsome and desperate mob.

Speaking of proceeds, the Lions Club is a service organization, of course, whose members are all dedicated volunteers. They sponsor the train rides for fun and for funds, which go to a variety of good causes. These include The Cutter Theatre, improvements of local parks, support of many youth and school activities, and various grants and scholarships. Their biggest donation -- $30,000 in 2007 -- provided safety and emergency medical equipment and supplies for the local fire district's ambulance.

The Lions Excursion Train Rides are designed for families, seniors, singles, couples, history buffs, train buffs, or anyone looking for good clean fun. It's a unique way to see a bit of the country from a vantage point you can't get any other way, and a reminder of what travel was like for those many generations of North Americans who made their way across the continent in trains very much like this one, on rails as straight and bright as the ones that connect the old train depot in Ione with town center at Metaline Falls.

A Weekend Trip Idea: A suggestion for a fun weekend trip would be to stay at the campground on Sullivan Lake (or at any of the public and private campgrounds along the Pend Oreille river), spend part of the weekend swimming, hiking, fishing and loafing, and then drive into Ione or Metaline Falls to take a ride on the train. The ninety-minute train ride will be part of the trip that you'll never forget.

For More Information: The NPOV Lions Club website is at www.lionstrainrides.com, or call 509-422-5466. Information about camping at Sullivan Lake is available at the Sullivan Lake District. Call 509-446-7500 or check the web at www.fs.fed.us/r6/colville/.

Photos courtesy of the NPO Lions Club.

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