12 of the Most Beautiful Winter Train Trips in North America That Few People Know About

2. Empire Builder: Chicago to Portland, Oregon

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

 

This 46-hour Amtrak route runs every day of the year, allowing wintertime riders to see the splendor of the American West under a blanket of snow. Starting in Chicago and finishing in Seattle, via Minneapolis/St. Paul, Spokane, and Portland, the Empire Builder route passes through the majesty of Glacier National Park dressed in its winter best. Other highlights include views of Seattle's Columbia River Gorge and the snowcapped peaks of Washington's Beacon Rock and Oregon's Mount Hood.

3. Cascade Canyon Winter Train: Durango, Colorado

PHOTO: COURTESY OF DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD

 

Cascade Canyon in San Juan National Forest is a popular hiking trail in the summer, but in the winter, you can also enjoy the natural beauty of the area without having to get off the train. Starting in Durango, the Cascade Canyon Winter Train takes you 26 miles around the edge of the gorge during the 5.25-hour round trip. The canyon itself was once mined for silver and gold and although the resource dried up years ago, there are still plenty of precious photo ops to be had when there's snow on the ground. The train runs on select dates from November to May.