Plumas County is rich in train history and is renowned for its unique railroad engineering along the Feather River. Magnificent bridges and tunnels, a unique railroad “Y” and a section of track that crosses over itself in a one-mile loop to gain elevation are among the features that attract train buffs to the area. For information on trains and railfanning in Plumas County and the Feather River Canyon, download Plumas County’s Seven Wonders of the Railroad World brochure. Learn about the area’s railroad engineering feats. The brochure can also be picked up at the Plumas County Museum.
Big Boy Big 4014 Celebration Portola
On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, the Western Pacific Train Museum in Portola will host a visit by Union Pacific’s famed Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest steam locomotive!
The “Big Boy Westward Bound” tour will stop on July 10 in Portola, California, providing a unique opportunity with the locomotive for viewing from the Western Pacific Railroad Museum.
This will be a rare chance to see this awesome locomotive in person. In addition, the WPRM will be providing several special activities on that day, including:
- Caboose train rides
- Motorcar rides
- Tours of historic equipment
- Model train exhibits
- Food trucks
- and more!
On the event day, the museum will open at 9 AM and close at 6 PM. Parking is limited at the museum.
Access to view the “Big Boy” requires admission to the museum. Admission includes caboose train and motorcar rides. Pre-event tickets can be purchased online at WPLives.org/BigBoyTickets or the museum’s WP Museum Store. On the day of the event, you will present your online receipt or ticket voucher at the entry gate to receive a wristband(s) and car pass or purchase at the entry gate. Admission will require a wristband.
Tickets can be purchased online before the event. They are $20 for general admission and $10 for children 5-18, seniors 65 and over, and active military. Children 4 and under are free.
Prices will be $25 and $15 at the entry gate on event day. Feather River Rail Society members are free with their membership cards *. Members must bring their membership cards to get entry wristbands. Don’t miss this rare chance to see the world’s largest operating steam locomotive.
Keep Safety Top of Mind
- Stand back at least 25 feet from all railroad tracks.
- The Big Boy viewing area does not allow coolers, oversized bags, chairs, step ladders, or any other standing platforms.
- Railroad tracks, trestles, yards, and right of way are private property – do not trespass.
- Never assume tracks are abandoned or inactive – ALWAYS expect a train.
NOTE: Schedules and events are subject to change. The FRRS is not responsible for any changes to the event caused by outside factors, such as mechanical breakdowns or schedule changes.
Current Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 schedule
- Arriving late afternoon/early evening July 9th, 2024
- On Display with paid admission July 10th
- Leaving Portola for Oroville/Roseville on July 11th at 8:00 am
Key points to view the Big Boy in the Feather River Canyon
Clio Trestle: 172 feet high and 1,005 feet long
Spring Garden: 7,344-foot tunnel penetrates the divide under Lee Summit
Williams Loop: A few miles east of the Massack rest area. It is one of North America’s most unique bits of railroad construction. The railroad track makes a continuous one-mile loop in a one percent grade to gain altitude. Crossing over itself, the track gains the necessary elevation required. In many cases, long trains cross over themselves.
East of the Keddie Wye is the Keddie yard, another engineering marvel. Two trains passing each other in opposite directions are actually both moving eastward.
The Keddiw Wye was the scene of Wester Pacific’s “Last Spike” ceremony on November 1, 1909. The wye stands high above the waters of Spanish Creek. There is a small parking area on the west side of the Hwy.
Several additional points are along Hwy 70 south of the Greenville “Y” to view the train traveling south to Oroville.
Please be careful pulling over or entering the Hwy. Traffic is expected to be busy with railfans.
The world-renowned Western Pacific Railroad Museum is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in trains or railroads. The last spike of the Western Pacific Railroad was driven into a trestle at Keddie in 1909, becoming the last transcontinental railroad to be built across the Sierra, connecting California to the rest of the nation.
For those who have never had the experience of riding on a train, you can change that. Ride around the museum grounds in a vintage caboose. Trains run weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
For the true railfan, take part in the World Famous “Run-A-Locomotive program, rent a vintage diesel locomotive and operate it on the museum grounds with your private instructor.
Blog Post on Bartell’s Backroads
Check out John Bartell’s blog on the Seven Railroad Wonders and the map of points mentioned in the video. Plumas County and the Feather River Canyon are must-sees for railroad fans.
