Photo by Gordon Glattenberg

Come to scenic Shasta Country in extreme Northern California for a great family outing on the Mc Cloud Railroad Saturday May 15. It is Springtime in the Cascades of Northern California and the lakes, ponds, waterfalls and creeks are full of water from melting snow coming from the steep slopes of Mt. Shasta. The meadows are green with grass and ablaze with mountain wildflowers. The mountain air is cool and fresh during the day and still cold and crisp at night. The small historic town of Mc Cloud with its boardwalks and turn-of-the century architecture comes alive with the whistle of steam locomotive No. 18, a 2-8-2 built by Baldwin, as passengers arrive and start loading onto our excursion train. Jeff Forbis, President and owner of the railroad greets the passengers with a cheerful "Good Morning".

Soon it is departure time for our charter train to head out of town and into the remote backwoods of Shasta Country. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and grab a roll then step outside on the double deck open viewing car for a breath of fresh mountain air with the strong scent of pine trees. For a birds eye view of all the steam locomotive action, climb up to the second level where you can see over the top of our hard working engine and the sounds of the exhaust are crisp and clear. Enjoy the awe inspiring scenery of pristine, uncrowded Northern California as every curve reveals sweeping vistas, from majectic, snow capped Mt. Shasta rising to 14,162 feet to the spires of Castle Crags and the rugged Trinity Alps.

One hour into our journey we make a photo run-by. This is where our passengers have the option of getting off the train deep in the backwoods and our crew will back-up around the curve and come forward at speed with smoke, steam and whistle for the cameras. After our photo run-by we will take a short walk through the woods to view the remains of a logging camp, complete with an abandoned railcar, now with pine trees growing up through the roof. After reboarding we continue our trek towards the logging community of Burney. At Bartle we make another stop to fill the steam locomotive tender up with water. You are most welcome to detrain and take photos or explore the forest while we take water. We will then make another at speed photo run- by. Soon after departing Bartle our steam locomotive will tackle the steep grades up to the Curtis siding and then down into the Cayton Valley, soon crossing over Lake Britton on the largest bridge on the railroad.

 

We will turn our train at Berry Junction on the wye. Upon arrival passengers may get off to take photos of our train running around the wye. Berry Junction is 3 miles from Burney and 58 miles out of Mc Cloud. On our way back to Mc Cloud we will make another photo stop and run-by on the large Lake Britton bridge. Then we start the long and hard climb back up into the higher country and the summit at Curtis. One more stop will be made to take water for our steam locomotive before arrival back in Mc Cloud late afternoon.

For your information there are several hotels and motels in Mc Cloud and plenty of lodging available in the town of Mt. Shasta which is only 10 miles from Mc Cloud.

 

RUNNING ALONG BEAUTIFUL LAKE BRITTON

Above photo taken by Henry Luna

Above Photo by Gordon Glattenberg

 

THERE IS SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO IN THE MT. SHASTA AREA

   

SHASTA SUNSET DINNER TRAIN

The Mc Cloud Railroad will be operating their popular "Shasta Sunset Dinner Train" on the evening of May 15, 2004 out of Mc Cloud. This train will depart at 6:00PM for a nostalgic evening train ride featuring elegant dining aboard their restored vintage dining cars. Our steam charter will arrive back in McCloud in plenty of time to board the "Shasta Sunset Dinner Train". Reservations are required. You may call the "Shasta Sunset Dinner Train" directly to make your reservations or request more information by calling: 1-800 733-2141 or (530) 964-2142.

PRICES FOR THE McCLOUD STEAM EXCURSION

ADULT FARE....................................$189 CHILDREN AGES 4-12............................$129 DEPOSIT TO HOLD SPACE.........................$100 Note: Ticket includes box lunch and drinks.