Western Forest Industries Museum

On April 30th, 2025, a catastrophic fire destroyed Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad’s largest wooden trestle—a 28-span bridge between Mineral and Morton that had been fully rebuilt just 20 years ago and was still structurally sound.

This wasn’t just a bridge. It was the backbone of our future: the critical connection that would allow both freight and passenger service to return to Morton. After years of work, planning, and progress, we were finally on the brink of a new era—ready to restore service, revitalize the communities we serve, and build long-term financial sustainability for the railroad.

Just hours before the fire, we received confirmation that our long-fought purchase of the railroad was complete. After years of sweat and sacrifice, the dream was within reach.

And then… it burned.

We arrived on site and stood there, the air thick with the stench of burning creosote. We were too late.

Bridges do not spontaneously combust. This was not an accident of weather or wear. It was an act—whether careless or intentional—and it has destroyed a vital piece of regional infrastructure and derailed millions in future economic impact.

We are heartbroken. We are angry. And we are not giving up.

We’ve spent the last two and a half years rebuilding this railroad mile by mile, carrying more passengers than ever, opening access, clearing track, and setting the stage for full recovery. That future is now in jeopardy.

We’re launching this fundraiser to help reopen the railroad. Donations will go toward whatever that now requires—including insurance deductibles, legal costs, and eventually, bridge replacement and recovery planning. We are still assessing the full scope of the damage, but we know this: we cannot do this alone.

If you’ve ever believed in the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad—if you’ve ridden our trains, supported our mission, or care about the future of small towns like Morton and Mineral—we need you now.

Our Little Railroad's Revival:

Western Forest Industries Museum reformed in 2022 to bring Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad back to operation

after it had been shutdown in 2020 by its previous for-profit owner. In 2023, we launched RailCycle, our new rail bike operation, and began railroad operations on September 1st. Since reopening, our small staff and team of over 100 volunteers have restored steam locomotive Polson #70, along with five passenger cars back to service. Since our reopening, we have operated 148 trains and carried 22,138 passengers, operating at 95.87% capacity. Efforts to increase capacity and restore more railroad track to operational service are in constant motion.

About the Project:

As part of our these efforts, our team conducted a comprehensive survey, which identified Porter No. 5 as the next steam engine to undergo a total refurbishment. The work to restore the engine will be comprehensive, including a complete boiler restoration, new tires, and a significant rebuild of the running gear. Both the railroad's in-house staff machinists and mechanics, as well as volunteer master machinists and laborers, will collaborate on the undertaking.

Porter No. 5's Significance:

Constructed by the H.K. Porter Company in February 1924, the Porter 2-8-2 #5 locomotive, with construction number 6860, was one of the largest Porter locomotives ever built. Originally commissioned by the Flora Logging Co. for the Carlton & Coast subsidiary, it was vital for the expanding logging operations of the era. Surviving the scrap drives of World War II, it found new life as a switcher at the Port of Grays Harbor before being acquired by the Schafer Brothers for display near Montesano, WA. Later, it underwent restoration by the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad, becoming a symbol of grassroots preservation efforts in the 1980s. Serving both in logging and tourist operations, its restoration marked a milestone in heritage railway preservation, inspiring similar endeavors nationwide. As this project commences, volunteers are documenting its rich history, highlighting the contributions of early logging railroads as well as later contributions of preservationists, railroad enthusiasts and workers.

Our Ask:

We have applied for a number of grants to conduct the restoration work to Porter No. 5 and will fully fund labor with our own income earned from railroad operations; but are actively working to raise funds for the remainder of the restoration work and putting the engine back into active service.

Our Back-of-the-Envelope Budget:

Driving Gear: $24,500

Running Gear & New Tires: $75,000

Boiler Work: $300,000

Cosmetic/Firebox/Cab: $150,000

Total Project Budget: $549,500

Learn more about the locomotive at https://wfim.org/porter5 or book tickets for our steam train or RailCycle excursions at https://mtrainierrailroad.com