(The Arbiter Online posted the following story by Michelle Sells on October 2.)
BOISE, Idaho — Looking for a way to experience the comforts of railway travel, all while enjoying magnificent Idaho scenery? If so, head up to the historic town of Horseshoe Bend and get on board the Thunder Mountain Line.
The Thunder Mountain Line offers three separate trip packages. Known as the “Cascade Limited,” “Horseshoe Bend Express,” and the “Carbarton Flyer,” these packages offer a wide range of sights and experiences.
The Cascade Limited takes the longest of the three, running from Horseshoe Bend to the town of Cascade, a distance of 50 miles. These 50 miles span all the way from sagebrush hills to the mountains of the Boise National Forest. The last opportunity this year to ride the Cascade Limited is 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18. The final trip will include entertainment by the “Buckhorn Boys,” a bluegrass band.
The Horseshoe Bend Express runs from Horseshoe Bend to Banks, a distance of nearly 15 miles. Due to low elevation and good weather this experience is available year round. The “Pumpkinliner” runs all through the month of October. This particular experience runs from Horseshoe Bend to Montour so passengers can pick their own pumpkins from a pumpkin patch. Total trip time is approximately 1 1/2 hours.
The Carbarton Flyer is the shortest trip and runs from Cascade to Smiths Ferry. This trip covers a distance of 12 miles along the Payette River. Unfortunately, you will have to wait until next year’s good weather to try this one.
The activities mentioned above are not the only options available. The rail line also offers a link to Idaho’s history as well as some of its most beautiful scenery.
The Thunder Mountain Line was established in 1897 as the Idaho Northern Line by Colonel W.H. Dewey, a mining magnet from Nampa. The line was built to carry ore from Dewey’s mines at Thunder Mountain and Buffalo Hump.
In 1912 the railroad finally reached Horseshoe Bend and in 1916 a depot was constructed at the current Thunder Mountain Line depot site. In 1986 the original depot was moved a few miles away to the banks of the river in Horseshoe Bend and has found new life as the “Old Riverside Depot Inn,” a bed and breakfast. With the arrival of the railroad, life in Horseshoe Bend changed dramatically. The town site moved to the north bank of the Payette and became a company town and a large shipping point for cattle, sheep and logs.
This rail line remained in service until 1980, at which point the Union Pacific abandoned it. The Thunder Mountain Line had its first run on July 4, 1998. It has remained a popular attraction in the area ever since.
If the history of the area hold no interest for you, the scenery might. All three packages offer an intimate view of the Payette River and the surrounding mountains.
The Payette River valley is abundant in wildlife and plants. Each trip offers a unique variety of flora and fauna. According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, wildlife including moose, elk, black bear and mountain lion can be seen in the Payette River canyon. Bird life such as bald eagles, white pelican, Canada geese and water ouzel can also be seen.
Directions: From BSU go downtown to State Street. Follow State N.E. until it becomes State Highway 44, Just outside Eagle you will find a Junction to State Highway 55 and Horseshoe Bend. Contact Thunder Mountain Line reservations and information at 793-4425. Additional information can also be found at www.thundermountainline.com.