There is no sweeter way to travel than by train.  The ability to sit and watch the world go by in comfort is one of the many reasons why I love to travel by train when at all possible.  So when I decided to travel up the US West Coast I knew how I would get from city to city – Amtrak.  Many people asked, “why don’t you rent a car?”  But I knew I wanted convenience, the ability to sit back and enjoy the ride and as a solo traveller. I wanted the chance to meet fellow travellers on their own journey too.  And the number one reason I chose to ride Amtrak was that I wanted a train ride with a view. And boy was I surprised when my USA West Coast train ride blew me away!

When I first stepped on in San Diego and headed for my seat I was shocked by the sheer space each individual seat was given, the seat was comfortable and the leg room was endless. Granted I’m only 5’1″ – but no one seemed uncomfortable.  I settled into my window seat and assumed my window gazing position.  I’m a watch the scenery go by kinda gal but WOW! they weren’t kidding about the amazing views that travelling along California’s coast offers.  My first train ride was from San Diego to Santa Barbara on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner. And even though it had free Wi-Fi I just couldn’t tear myself away from the window for the entire six-hour train ride.  When most of us think of California we think of beaches, sun, and fantastic cities like San Diego and San Francisco. But I was amazed by the varying landscapes along this route.  From beaches to rugged, rocky terrain and rolling green hills to mountains – this was definitely a train ride with a view.

Looking for more amazing train journeys in the world? You’ll find an array, from Europe to Asia, and much more here.

The next three trains I took were on the Coast Starlight. They were just as comfortable but sadly no Wi-Fi, which really sucked considering the long haul. This portion of my USA West Coast train ride was a whopping 10 hours, from Santa Barbara to San Francisco. And the next stretch, from San Francisco to Portland, Oregon was a mind-numbing day and a half. But thank goodness for the views!  All I remember was the endless landscapes of farms, quaint little towns, and breathtaking scenery that you could get lost in as if you were engrossed in an epic movie.  I couldn’t fathom that this was all in one country.

Along the San Francisco to Portland route, through the Cascade Range in Oregon, Amtrak partnered with Klamath County Museum. This portion of the USA West Coast train ride brings two tour guides aboard to talk about the beautiful landscape, the route’s history, and some of the highlights along the way.  Head to the observation car (a section of the train with floor to ceiling windows and comfortable seating looking out at the passing landscape) to experience the guided journey.  It was a great way to learn more and better appreciate the scenery.  From Mount Shasta by Klamath Falls and Upper Klamath Lake, which is the largest lake in Oregon, onwards through Williamson River Gorge and forests full of large Ponderosa pine trees, we were regaled with stories of the landscape and outstanding scenery that left me in awe.

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The Coast Starlight passes over the crest of the Cascade Mountain Range, at almost 5,000 feet. And it continues through a 10 mile stretch known as ‘Tunnel Alley’ where waterfalls are there to greet you after dark tunnel crossings as well as spectacular views as the train manoeuvres horseshoe bends.  From Eugene to Portland, Oregon you travel through the Williamette River Valley with gorgeous lush greenery, pastures full of grazing sheep, and rivers and marshes full of brilliant bird life and endless breathtaking panoramas.

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My USA West Coast train ride, from California to Washington, was one of the most memorable experiences of my West Coast Adventure. And the experience was on par with my many train travels throughout Europe, with a couple big differences. It was very budget-friendly and very comfortable!  If you’re looking for an amazing train ride with a view that will take your breath away, leave you speechless and with hundreds of photos then consider hitching a ride on one or all of Amtrak’s fantastic West Coast trains – it will be a journey of astounding vistas!

Where was your favourite train ride?

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