Amtrak Cascades facts for kids
The Amtrak Cascades is a special passenger train. It travels through the beautiful Pacific Northwest region. This train connects cities in the United States and Canada. It goes from Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada, all the way down to Eugene, Oregon in the USA. The train is named after the Cascade Mountains. These mountains are a big part of the scenery along its route.
The Cascades train is run by Amtrak. Amtrak is the main passenger rail company in the U.S. The states of Washington and Oregon help fund the train. This helps keep the service running. The train stops in 18 different cities along its journey.
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What is the Amtrak Cascades?
The Amtrak Cascades is a modern passenger train. It offers a comfortable way to travel. It connects major cities in the Pacific Northwest. The train is known for its unique look. It uses special train cars called Talgo trainsets. These cars are designed to tilt on curves. This helps the train go faster and smoother.
Where Does the Train Go?
The Cascades route is quite long. It starts in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. From there, it travels south. It makes stops in big cities like Seattle in Washington. Then it continues to Portland in Oregon. The journey ends in Eugene, Oregon. This route lets people see amazing views. You can see mountains, forests, and coastlines.
How Did the Cascades Train Start?
Passenger trains have traveled this route for a long time. The name Cascades started being used in 1998. Before that, other trains ran on the same tracks. These older trains had different names. The Cascades name was chosen to reflect the region. It highlights the stunning Cascade Mountains. Over the years, the train service has grown. It now uses modern equipment. This includes new locomotives and train cars.
What's Inside the Train?
The Cascades trains are designed for comfort. They have different types of cars. There are coach cars for regular seating. There are also bistro cars. These cars offer food and drinks. You can buy snacks, meals, and beverages. Some trains might also have business class seating. This offers more space and extra services. The large windows let passengers enjoy the views. You can see the beautiful landscapes outside.
Images for kids
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The Mount Rainier in 1974. This was an older train that ran on the same route.
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A departure board from Seattle's King Street Station in 1981. It lists trains like the Mount Rainier.
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An early Northwest Talgo train at Portland in 1994.
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An Amtrak Cascades train in Portland, Oregon.
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The Amtrak Cascades train traveling near Commercial–Broadway station in Vancouver, British Columbia.
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A Talgo Series 8 trainset leaving Portland Union Station. The engineer controls the train from the front.
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Inside a Talgo Series VI bistro car. You can see a map of the Pacific Northwest on the ceiling.
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A new Siemens Charger locomotive in February 2018. These powerful engines pull the trains.
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Amtrak Cascades train No. 505 in September 2020.
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