Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the railroad ‘right-of-way’ and how far from the tracks does it extend?
The right-of-way is the strip of land 50 feet on either side of a railroad, measured from the center of the tracks. This right-of-way is maintained by the railroad and regulated by the federal government. Even if your property borders it, this 50 feet is private property and belongs to the railroad. Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad is required by law to this right of way for to operate its trains as well as maintenance and safety work.
Railroads must abide by Federal regulations which include the requirement that non-railroad persons and vehicles are not allowed to enter the right of way without explicit permission from the Railroad Superintendent or Road master. Email info@wfim.org for more information on requesting permission.
The tracks bordering my property have been inactive for years. Can the railroad restart service and what would that mean for my property?
Yes. Given that our track was never formally abandoned by the Surface Transportation Board, the railroad can restart service when it choses.
The right-of-way (ROW) next to you is private railroad property and must stay clear for trains, inspections, and safety. Do not use the right of way (fences, sheds, fill, landscaping, parking, utilities, livestock grazing) without written railroad permission; permits may be required and can take time, so start early.
Since the tracks haven’t been used for decades, can I use or farm the land in the corridor?
No, The right-of-way next to you is private railroad property and must stay clear for trains, inspections, and safety. (The right-of-way is the strip of land 50 feet on either side of a railroad, measured from the center of the tracks.) Do not use the right-of-way (fences, sheds, fill, landscaping, parking, utilities, livestock grazing) without written railroad permission; permits may be required and can take time, so start early.
I graze cattle near the old line – who is responsible for fencing or keeping livestock off the tracks if the railroad reactivates?
The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad will take the lead on all things fencing. Here’s what you can expect:
• If trains are active next to your pasture, we will coordinate, install, and maintain livestock fencing along the railroad side of the right of way where cattle are present.
• We’ll work with you on gate locations, cattle guards at authorized private crossings, and sightlines so equipment and animals can move safely.
• There’s no cost to you for standard boundary fencing on our side of the line. Custom requests or new private crossings may require a simple agreement.
• Please don’t place new fence posts or gates on railroad property without written permission. We’ll mark the right of way and handle the build.
If I want to repair or build a fence nearer to the corridor now, am I allowed to? Or do I need railroad permission?
If the fence work is on your property and outside the railroad right of way, you can proceed, but still consider calling 811 before you dig and keep clear of the right-of-way.
• If any part of the fence would sit on or within the railroad right of way, you will need written permission from the railroad
• If you are not sure where the right of way line is, we will help mark it so you do not set posts on railroad property
• Gates or cattle guards that connect to an authorized private crossing require coordination so sightlines and clearances stay safe
• Permit reviews can take time, so start early
Will the railroad maintain or mow the corridor, remove overgrowth even if trains aren’t currently running?
Not everywhere yet. On corridors where trains are running or crews are working, we actively manage vegetation and drainage to meet safety standards. On sections not yet active, there will not be routine maintenance. However, as we reopen more of the 32 miles of track we own, we will phase in regularly right-of-way maintenance on those sections as well.
If I need to cross the tracks with farm equipment or vehicles, what rules would apply?
You can only cross the tracks on approved crossings. Please use public road crossings that are open to traffic, or an authorized private crossing that is covered by a written agreement. Do not cross the tracks anywhere else. Driving over the rails at unapproved spots or along the right of way is against the law and subject to fines.
What protections or compensation do I have if the railroad reactivates the line bordering my property?
Even if trains haven’t run for awhile, the railroads right-of-way is still protected under federal law. This means the railroad has the legal right to restart train service, maintain the corridor or add infrastructure when needed. That right stays in place until the line is formally abandoned through a formal process.
Will the railroad ever expand or build new facilities along the right-of-way corridor?
As the railroad continues to open new track and expand our operations that may include installation of new equipment or facilities along the right of way. You can learn about new projects as they are announced here on our website.
Can the railroad employ local residents in maintenance, operations of future facilities?
The majority of railroad employees are local residents. You can find information on available employment opportunities at mtrainierrailroad.com/employment/
How will trains, whistles, vibrations and noise affect my land and daily life?
Trains are required by federal safety regulations to sound at public road crossing. The frequency of these crossing depend on the time of year and when the train is holding public excursions. You can expect the occasional vibration or rattle when a train passes by depending on how close your property is to the right of way. Additionally, there may be periodic maintenance activity inside the railroad right of way. .
Who do I call when I need to access the right-of-way?
Non-emergency access requests (inspections, fence work, utilities, mowing, photography) you can email admin@wfim.org or call 253-900-RAIL.
I want to hike the Litte Mashel Falls, can I access the trail through the railroad?
No, while it seems convenient to walk along or across the tracks on your hike, the rail corridor and the right of way (The right-of-way is the strip of land 50 feet on either side of a railroad, measured from the center of the tracks.) are private property and for your safety it is not open to public access. Access to the river is through the Bud Blachard Trail.