Upcoming Events.
Portland Sunday Parkways June 28, 2026
The Oregon in Washington Park
Join Us at East Portland Sunday Parkways on June 28!
The Friends of the Washington Park & Zoo Railway are excited to participate in our first-ever Portland Sunday Parkways event on Sunday, June 28!
We'll be sharing the story of the historic Zoo Railway, talking with community members about plans to restore the beloved Rose Garden Loop, and inviting people to get involved in this exciting community effort.
We're Looking for Volunteers
We need enthusiastic volunteers to help staff our booth throughout the day. No experience is necessary—we'll provide everything you need.
Volunteers can help by:
Greeting visitors
Sharing information about the railway
Answering basic questions
Collecting email signups & Donations
Helping build excitement for the restoration effort
It's a fun way to meet fellow supporters, connect with the community, and hear people's favorite Zoo Train memories. We'll pair new volunteers with experienced team members, so you'll never be on your own.
Interested in Volunteering?
Sign up here: Signup Genius
Whether you can help for a few hours or the entire event, we'd love to have you join us.
We look forward to seeing you on June 28 and sharing the vision of bringing the historic Rose Garden Loop back to life!
Date: Sunday, June 28
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: East Portland Sunday Parkways (Booth location coming soon)
Restoring History. Reconnecting Community. Building Momentum.
Train Day 2027
Come See Us at Train Day!
Visiting Train Day this weekend at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center Stop by our booth and say hello.
This effort is being powered by community support, and every conversation helps build momentum. We’d love to share what’s ahead.
ORHC The Portland Zoo Railway: The Biggest Little Railway in the Country
Join our Melissa Darby at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center to learn more about the history of our Zoo Train.
Zoo Track Cleanup: Volunteers Needed!
🗓 Cleanup Schedule
Friday, January 16 | 1:30–3:30 PM
Saturday, January 17 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Sunday, January 18 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍 Meeting Location
Big Meadow, Hoyt Arboretum
(SW Kingston Drive)
Cleanup crews will be working in both directions from the crossing area, helping clear invasive plants and debris along the tracks.
🧤 What to Expect & How to Prepare
Winter conditions mean it may be cold and a bit slippery, so please come dressed appropriately:
Sturdy shoes
Safety glasses
Heavy gloves
🧰 Tools (Optional but Helpful)
If you have them, feel free to bring:
Pruning shears or loppers
Brush hooks
Rakes or clippers
Weed cutters or a weed wrench
Zoo Train Outreach at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Join the Friends at our booth at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center Holiday Express. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508084EABAB22A7FF2-60821356-zootrain#/
Goose Hollow Days
Join the Friends of the Washington Park & Zoo Railway at Goose Hollow Inn.
We’ll be sharing updates on the beloved Zoo Train and how you can help bring it back to life.
🐾 And don’t miss our special guest, Gill the therapy dog & professional model, who will be with us from 2–4pm to spread smiles and pose for photos!
Grand Lodge Theater - The Portland Zoo Railroad: The Biggest Little Railway in the Country - McMenamins
Come hear Melissa Darby speak at McMenamin’s History Pub - The Portland Zoo Railroad: The Biggest Little Railway in the Country.
Grand Opening of the Washington Park Reservoir
Volunteer for FWPZR at the Grand Opening of the Washington Park Reservoir!
Volunteer at National Train Day at ORHC
Join Us at National Train Day, May 10th, 2025, at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center! Help staff our FWPZR Information Booth.
Pacific Northwest Railroading History
Take A Journey Through Unforgettable History
ORHF is thrilled to invite you to an exclusive presentation by Bill Burgel, former Regional Chief Dispatcher for Union Pacific. Embark on a captivating journey through the transformative 35 year period (1882 - 1917) when the Pacific Northwest rail network was built, sparking unprecedented growth and prosperity in the region.
Saturday Train Rides Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Take a ride through the Springwater Corridor on the east bank of the scenic Willamette River. ORHC passenger cars offer comfortable seating and great views of the city, river, wildlife, and a glimpse of the rides at Oaks Park.
Celebrate the 65th Birthday of the Steamer Oregon and Washington Park Station
We are excited to invite you to a special event celebrating the 65th birthday of the Steamer Oregon and the Washington Park Station
ORHC Father's Day Train Ride
June 15, 2024 - 1:00pm, 2:30pm, and 4:00pm
Come down to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center and celebrate Father’s Day with us! Enjoy our 45-minute train ride, pulled by a diesel locomotive, departing from the Enginehouse at 2250 SE Water Avenue. Hang out either before or after and see all our vintage steam locomotives up close and personal!
Riders will enjoy the countryside and may even catch a glimpse of wildlife in their natural habitat while traveling along the scenic Willamette River in the heart of Portland.
Tickets $20 for adults and $15 for kiddos 3-12. Children 2 and under ride free on lap. Snacks and beverages (including plenty of cold beer!) will be available for purchase onboard.
Powerland 1st Annual Train and Trolley Fest
Celebrate Oregon and Willamette Valley Rail History with trolley rides, miniature train rides, and various rail-related museums. Visit our booth on June 15th to learn more about our efforts to restore the Rose Garden Loop.
OMSI Reel Science: Train Time with Bill Burgel
Watch and learn at The Empirical Theater as OMSI brings the science of your favorite movies and documentaries to life on the big screen. Perfect for science and film lovers alike, this monthly series combines the best Science Pub with the fun of movie night, bringing in experts to amplify your movie-watching experience.
ABOUT THE FILM
Join the crew of a giant freight train for an eye-popping, music-infused journey across America. Giant diesels, spectacular terrain, tens of thousands of miles of track—and millions of pounds of freight that can’t wait.