Sumpter Valley Railroad In Winter

Published May 10, 2016 By Robert Blue

Mikado 2-8-2 #19 pulls the stump dodger train through magnificent scenery!

The Sumpter Valley Railroad in eastern Oregon was originally nicknamed the “stump dodger line”. The reason for the nickname is that the Sumpter Valley Railroad had so many twists and curves, it seemed to the builders they were always dodging tree stumps!

Built back in 1890 to serve the logging industry, the 3 foot narrow gauge line is now a heritage operation with an original Heisler-type wood burning steam locomotive #3 and the #19 Alco built Mikado 2-8-2 built in 1920.

The line currently is about 5 miles long and provides some of the best scenery between Sumpter and McEwen, Oregon.

The 292,000 pound ALCO Mikado #19 was fully restored in beginning in 1971 and is now a mainstay of the Sumpter Valley Railroad.

Let us know if you have ever had the chance to take a ride on this magnificent heritage railroad! We would love to hear about your experience!