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The Redwood Valley Steam Train is in danger of closing, the owner warns, unless a multi-year lease is secured to make capital improvements.
The Redwood Valley Steam Train, a historical gem, has been chugging through Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley for over fifty years. This fully functional miniature Railway, with 1.25 miles of track, showcases replicas of old steam engines. The railway track, carefully laid on a scenic ridge in the over 2,000-acre Tilden Regional Park, offers marvelous views of the surrounding area as you travel along the one-mile loop around the park.
The Redwood Valley Railway, a historical gem in Tilden Regional Park, was established by Erich Thomsen, a former employee of Western Pacific Railroad. Each replica of an original steam engine is built on-site at the railway, scaled to 5 to 12 inches. Originally known as the Tilden South Gate and Pacific Railway, the railroad, now operated by volunteers and employees, is a living testament to the golden age of steam locomotives.
Train Rides at Tilden Regional Park
The Redwood Valley Railway operates year-round from 11 am to 6 pm on weekends, with extended hours during the summer. The train ride, which lasts 12 minutes, offers a budget-friendly experience, with free admission for children under 2. The rolling stock includes four 15-inch scale steam locomotives, uniquely designed by Thomsen and built at the Railway’s Redwood Valley Shops. These are not replicas of any specific full-size locomotives but share design elements with engines from the late 19th to early 20th century. There’s also a diesel-hydraulic locomotive used for maintenance.
Steam Train Museum & Merry-Go-Round
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the museum is open for visitors to view the track layouts, but no trains are running. Admission on those days is free. If you prefer, after you ride the Redwood Valley Railway, you can take in some of the other adventures waiting in Tilden Regional Park, including the antique carousel and the Herschell-Spillman Merry-Go-Round, complete with carved wooden animals, spectacular paintings, and piped music from a calliope.
Tilden Park Nature Area and Botanical Gardens
The Tilden Botanical Gardens contain the most extensive collection of native California plants anywhere in the world. The garden features distinct sections, each representing a distinct California ecosystem. The gardens offer guided tours on Saturdays at 2 pm and Sundays at 11 am and 2 pm. Both the parks and the tours are free to enter. Next to Tilden Regional Park is the Tilden Nature Area, which includes the Little Farm. The farm features various animals, including heritage breeds such as sheep, rabbits, goats, and cows, as well as fowl. Visitors are welcome to bring celery or lettuce to feed the animals. The Little Farm is open daily from 8:30 am to 4 pm, and admission.
Golden State Model Railroad Museum
If you are interested in a railroad-themed day, once you have ridden the Redwood Valley Railway to your heart’s content, travel to the nearby community of Point Richmond, a short 20-minute drive, to visit the Golden State Model Railroad Museum. At the Railroad Museum, you will see elaborate model train displays spanning the history of railroads, from the steam engine to the modern diesel locomotive. Each set runs through detailed replicas of California scenery, mock-ups of towns, and wilderness. The model trains run on Sundays from 12 to 5, from April to December. https://www.gsmrm.org/
Where is the Redwood Valley Steam Train
While the Redwood Valley Steam Train does not have a snack bar or a gift shop, the Merry-Go-Round at Tilden Regional Park has a snack stand. At Lake Anza, also part of the park, full food service is available at the beach.
Tilden Regional Park
2501 Grizzly Peak Blvd
Orinda, California
https://www.ebparks.org/parks/venues/steam-train