Portland Zoo Railway 1964
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This charming photograph captures a moment aboard the Portland Zoo Railway in 1964, a beloved attraction nestled in the scenic forest setting of Washington Park, Portland, Oregon. With its vintage steam locomotive, open-air coaches, and families waiting eagerly on the platform, the scene reflects the golden era of family road trips and simple outdoor adventures.
The Portland Zoo Railway (known today as the Washington Park & Zoo Railway) first opened in 1958. It was built to celebrate the zoo’s move from its original location in downtown Portland to the larger and more natural Washington Park site. The miniature line was an instant success, offering visitors a leisurely journey through wooded surroundings, across bridges, and past zoo exhibits—making the railway as much a highlight as the animals themselves.
The locomotive seen here is the line’s 5/8-scale steam engine No.1 Oregon , built to resemble 19th-century American narrow-gauge locomotives with bright colours, polished brass, and classic cowcatchers. This was modeled specifically to give a sense of railroad history while remaining fun and approachable for young riders.
By the 1960s—when this photograph was taken—the Portland Zoo Railway expanded to connect to the Portland Children’s Museum, cementing itself as a charming link between education, recreation, and nostalgia.
Today, the railway continues operating, remaining one of Portland’s longest-running family attractions. For many visitors—past and present—the rhythmic chuff of the steam locomotive and the scent of fir trees in the air are unforgettable pieces of Northwest childhood.
