One way to view the area west of Mt. Rainier is from the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad (49 Mineral Creek Rd., 360/569-2588 or 888/783-2611, www.mrsr.com [1], $20 adults, $18 seniors, $15 ages 4–12). Buy tickets for the vintage steam train at Elbe [2] Station or at Mineral Lake [3] station, where the 90-minute tour has been departing since massive floods in 2006 washed out a few key bridges along the old line.
You’ll still get to run through forests and over impressive bridges while being regaled with folksy live music and impressive views—especially when the mountain is out.
The train runs twice daily in July and August, and on weekends from Memorial Day to early July and in September.
Links:
[1] http://www.mrsr.com
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington/south-cascades/elbe
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington/south-cascades/elbe/sights-and-recreation/mineral-lake