Adventure brief
Easter Eggspress
Board the Easter Eggspress in Chehalis for a 75-minute scenic ride followed by an energetic egg hunt, bounce houses, meet-and-greets, and community booths. Perfect for families and rail fans—book online early, seats are first-come, first-served.
The Easter Eggspress in Chehalis, Washington, is a 75-minute scenic train ride and family festival that turns a spring Saturday into a hands-on, sugar-sparked celebration. Departing the Depot, the excursion threads through open farmland, stretches of pasture, and early spring wildflower patches, offering window-frame views of western Washington’s rolling countryside. At the Depot a lively after-ride festival expands the experience: children up to 12 collect candy-filled eggs on the grassy lawn, while bounce houses, putt-putt golf, and meet-and-greets keep energy high.
What sets this outing apart is the blend of vintage rail charm and community programming. Guests meet the Easter Bunny, pose with Mini #15 and Daisy the Donkey from Madison Grove Farms, and explore interactive booths from the Discover Children’s Museum. The Lewis County K9 team attends with friendly dogs and adoption information, and Operation Lifesaver offers practical rail-safety demonstrations that make the event both fun and useful.
Food vendors—Brewnettes Coffee and Becerra’s Kitchen—serve snacks, coffee, and hot handhelds so families can linger on the depot lawn. Logistics are simple and family-oriented. Excursions run 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 4; each ticket covers the train ride and an egg-hunt slot.
Seating is indoor and outdoor on a first-come, first-served basis; arrive at least 30 minutes early to pick up printed tickets at the Ticket Agent and claim seats. Children two and under ride free if seated on a lap. Walk-ups are welcome when space allows, but online reservations are strongly recommended—tickets sell quickly.
Accessibility is limited for wheelchairs under 24 inches; restroom facilities on board are minimal. The event runs rain or shine, with free parking at the Depot. If plans change, the cancellation policy scales with notice: full refund up to 30 days, 50% refund between 30 and 7 days, and no refund within six days of departure.
For families and rail enthusiasts the Easter Eggspress is more than a novelty ride: it’s a compact, well-programmed day that showcases local partners, supports community groups, and makes spring tangible for kids. Book early, bring a basket and a camera, and expect hands-on moments—don’t miss Daisy the Donkey or the K9 meet-and-greet that turn a routine ride into a regional spring ritual. Plan for variable April weather—mornings can be crisp, afternoons mild—so pack layers and waterproof shoes if rain is forecast.
Bring a small blanket for the depot lawn, wipes for sticky fingers, and a reusable bag for collected eggs. If you’re photographing the trip, aim for the platform at departure and the lawn during the egg hunt for candid family frames. Reservations are non-transferable without notice; verify ticket pickup policies before arrival to avoid surprises and to maximize time enjoying the festival.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Arrive earlyessential
Plan to be at the Depot at least 30 minutes before departure to pick up tickets and secure seating, especially for outdoor car spots.
- 02Bring a basketinfo
Kids should bring their own basket for the egg hunt and a small bag for treats and takeaways.
- 03Dress in layerswarning
April weather can shift; bring a waterproof layer and warm mid-layers for outdoor seating or lawn time.
- 04Accessibility checkessential
If wheelchair access is required, confirm dimensions and accessibility options ahead of booking—limited access for wheelchairs under 24 inches.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Easter basket
Needed for kids to collect candy-filled eggs during the hunt.
springEssentialLayered clothing
April can be cool and wet—layers and a light rain jacket keep everyone comfortable.
springEssentialCamera or phone
Capture departure shots on the platform and candid moments during the egg hunt.
EssentialSmall blanket or picnic mat
Use on the depot lawn for seating between activities and for little ones to rest.
springLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Depot grassy picnic area for relaxed post-ride photos and snacks, K9 meet-and-greet and adoption booth—an easy way to interact with local volunteers and animals
Local fauna
songbirds, deer
Historic heritage
Chehalis has a long regional rail history and the Depot plays a role in preserving that local tourist-rail tradition.
Mindful exploration
Guests are encouraged to pack out trash and support local vendors; community partnerships at the event benefit rescue groups and education programs.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Depot platform at departure, windows of the passenger cars for countryside frames, grassy lawn during the festival and egg hunt
- Subjects
- landscapes of open farmland, candid family moments and children hunting eggs, rail artifacts and Mini #15 details
- Best times
- mid-morning, during the egg hunt, golden hour
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
How long is the train ride?
Each excursion is approximately 75 minutes long and includes the round-trip scenic segment.
What times do trains depart?
Departures are scheduled at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. on the event day.
Are tickets required and can I walk up?
Online reservations are required but walk-ups are accepted on a space-available basis; seats are first-come, first-served.
Do children ride free?
Children ages 2 and under ride free if seated on an adult’s lap; otherwise a ticket is required.
What is the refund policy?
Full refund up to 30 days before departure, 50% refund 30–7 days prior, and no refund within 6 days of departure.
Is the event wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility is limited for wheelchairs under 24 inches; contact organizers in advance to confirm accommodations.