Dedicated to the citizens of Mason County, Washington since 1886
Dedicated to the citizens of Mason County, Washington since 1886
Pedaling the rails along historic Simpson route
Railway and outdoor enthusiasts pedal the 13-mile round trip from the former Simpson Lumber Camp 1 to Shelton West of U.S. Highway 101and back. Vance Creek Railriders operate the ride beginning Saturday and continuing through Sept. 29.
Starting Saturday, nature and train buffs can pedal on railroad tracks on the 13-mile roundtrip from the former Simpson Lumber Camp 1 to Shelton West of U.S. Highway 101 and back, past Dayton farmlands and into the woods along the Goldsborough Creek.
Vance Creek Railriders offer trips on the four-seat railriders at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. on Thursdays through Mondays, with no service on Tuesday or Wednesday. Patrons are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to check in at the office. The ticket office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The trip begins at former Simpson Lumber Camp 1 at 421 W. Hanks Lake Road, 8 miles west of U.S. Highway 101 off the Shelton Matlock/City Center exit.
The cost is $24 for adult and guest up to age 11, $36 for adult and guest 12 or older. Pets are not allowed. For reservations, go to the company's website, or call 541-519-4200 if you want to make a booking that day. For more information, email [email protected].
The route is the last remaining Simpson Logging Co. line that operated for 120 years. It used to be part of a network of 80 miles of track used to haul timber out of the mountains and to the mills on downtown Shelton.
Vance Creek Railriders takes its name from the bridge that is part of Mason County's logging and lumber history.
Doug and Cynthia Newman have operated the excursion since 2018. Patrons come from as far away as Great Britain and Canada, Texas, Minnesota and New York, and locals and tourists from the Seattle area, Cynthia told the Journal in an interview.
Pedalers might see otters, grouse and old growth trees, but the noise they create will drive away any cougars or bears, Newman said. On the return trip, passengers can get a "pedal assist," a push from one of the guide's railriders. That will also allow the people who want to go a little faster to go ahead at their own pace, Newman said.
Each seat has two cup holders for water bottles, and riders are advised to bring water and such weather gear as sunscreen, umbrellas, hats, jackets and ponchos. The maximum weight for a rider is 280 pounds.
IF YOU GO
WHO: Vance Creek Railriders
WHAT: Pedal the rails former Simpson Camp 1 to Shelton and back
WHEN: May 18 through Sept. 29
COST: $24 for adult and guest up to age 11, $36 for adult and guest 12 or older
RESERVATIONS: 541-519-4200
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