Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Washington Park and Zoo Railway?
The Washington Park and Zoo Railway is a historic narrow-gauge railway that has operated in Portland since 1958. At its full length, it ran approximately 2.5 miles through the Oregon Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum, and Washington Park, connecting the zoo to the International Rose Test Garden. The railway is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Why is it significant?
The railway was built through a remarkable civic effort. Schoolchildren across Oregon sold dollar shares, bartenders passed the hat, and seven regional railroads and the Oregon National Guard, who laid track and built a trestle, donated expertise. More than 25,000 people and 100+ companies contributed something before the first train moved, and 200,000 people rode it in its first summer alone. It has carried over seven million passengers in its lifetime and was, for decades, the most traveled and most profitable recreational railroad in the United States. It was also an important revenue generator for the zoo, helping fund animal care and infrastructure year after year. Senator Robert Kennedy rode it while campaigning for president. Walt Disney was an honorary board member when it was built.
What is the Rose Garden Loop?
The Rose Garden Loop is the portion of the railway that ran from the Oregon Zoo through Washington Park's forest to the Washington Park Station near the International Rose Test Garden, a 25-minute ride through Douglas fir, western red cedar, and trilliums in bloom, with views of Mt. Hood and the city at the end. It closed in 2013 during zoo construction and has not reopened. The loop is approximately one and a quarter miles of track and remains physically intact.
Is the railway protected?
Yes. In 2020 the Washington Park and Zoo Railway was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its national importance as an outstanding example of a small excursion railroad. This designation helps protect the railway from being removed or replaced, including from proposals, like one considered in 2017, to replace the Rose Garden Loop with a bike and walking path.
What is Friends of Washington Park & Zoo Railway trying to do?
We are working to restore the full historic route, bringing the Rose Garden Loop back into operation for the first time since 2013. The goal is a fully operational railway connecting the Oregon Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum, and the International Rose Test Garden, serving families, visitors, and the community for generations to come.
Is restoration actually feasible?
Yes. A geotechnical study completed by Shannon & Wilson, a premier engineering firm, found that the rail line is in good condition. The study identified targeted repairs that are needed and readily achievable. The rails themselves are sound. The infrastructure is there. What's needed is updated planning assessments that establish the full scope and cost.
Who is involved in the restoration effort?
Friends of Washington Park & Zoo Railway is an independent nonprofit working in collaboration with several key institutional stakeholders: Metro (the Portland area's regional government), the Oregon Zoo (part of Metro), and the City of Portland (which governs Washington Park). In February 2026, the Metro Council unanimously expressed support for moving forward with restoration planning, a significant milestone that reflects years of sustained community effort and marks the first time all parties have been formally aligned.
What's driving the momentum right now?
For the first time in more than a decade, this project has real momentum and a credible path forward, the result of years of community advocacy, volunteer track work, expert assessments, and tens of thousands of petition signatures. Metro has committed $50,000 toward a Phase 1 restoration study, contingent on the community raising the remaining $200,000. As a further sign of support, Portland City Council Vice President Olivia Clark has backed the effort with a $15,000 sponsorship.
What has Friends of Washington Park & Zoo Railway accomplished so far?
- Commissioned and funded a geotechnical engineering study confirming the Rose Garden Loop can be made sound
- Organized track-clearing efforts with 100+ volunteers over several years
- Developed accessibility plans for the Washington Park Station with Lango Hansen Landscape Architects and Sundeleaf MacKenzie Architecture Inc.
- Secured the railway's listing on the National Register of Historic Places
- Gathered more than 45,000 petition signatures
- Earned the endorsement of Portland's mayor and Metro Council's unanimous expression of support for moving forward with restoration planning.
What is Phase 1?
Phase 1 is the work that makes full restoration possible. It consists of a pre-development assessment: updated engineering and geotechnical studies, capital cost estimates, and recommendations for next steps, developed in formal collaboration with Metro, the Oregon Zoo, and the City of Portland. The result is a complete, credible, publicly shareable roadmap that defines what restoration requires and what it will cost.
Why is Phase 1 necessary before restoration can begin?
Restoration is a complex, multi-jurisdictional project involving public infrastructure, historic preservation requirements, and significant capital investment. Updated planning and engineering studies are the foundation that everything else rests on. Without this work, restoration remains an idea. With it, restoration becomes a project that institutions can fund, elected officials can champion, and donors can invest in with confidence.
How much does Phase 1 cost?
Phase 1 is estimated to cost $250,000 total. Metro has committed $50,000, contingent on Friends of Washington Park & Zoo Railway raising the remaining $200,000 from the community. Friends of Washington Park & Zoo Railway's current fundraising campaign is focused on reaching that $200,000 goal.
Why give now rather than later?
Metro's $50,000 commitment is contingent on the community raising the remaining $200,000. Every gift brings that match closer to being activated. Reaching the goal keeps the project moving on the momentum it has right now, with Metro and the City of Portland formally aligned for the first time.
What happens after Phase 1?
Phase 1 produces the roadmap for full restoration. The phases that follow will address track and infrastructure restoration, rolling stock refurbishment, station improvements and accessibility upgrades, and the long-term operational and maintenance structure that sustains the railway. Phase 1 is the step that opens the door to the larger public, private, philanthropic, and institutional investment required for full restoration.
Does the railway have a history of financial sustainability?
Yes, a strong one. The train they built in Washington Park ran for more than 50 years, generating more revenue than it cost to operate, helping fund the zoo's growth and animal care year after year, including $1.9 million in net operating revenue in its final four years alone. A study found it to be, by a considerable margin, the most traveled and most profitable recreational railroad in the United States. Restoration is a sound investment, not a sentimental expense.
How do I make a gift?
Donations can be made online at fwpzr.org or by scanning the QR code on our print materials.
To give by check, make it payable to Friends of Washington Park & Zoo Railway and mail it to:
PO Box 6822, Portland, OR 97228
To discuss a major gift or giving options, contact Kathy Goeddel at president@fwpzr.org or 971.405.9797.
Can I make a recurring monthly gift?
Yes. Recurring monthly giving will be available as an option alongside one-time gifts through our online giving platform. Visit fwpzr.org for details.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Friends of the Washington Park & Zoo Railway is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
EIN: 83-1219028
Is Friends of Washington Park & Zoo Railway affiliated with the Oregon Zoo, Metro or the City of Portland?
No. Friends of Washington Park & Zoo Railway is an independent nonprofit organization. We are not affiliated with Metro, the Oregon Zoo, or the City of Portland. We collaborate with these organizations as key stakeholders in the restoration effort, but we operate independently.
Can I volunteer instead of or in addition to giving?
Absolutely. FWPZR was built on volunteer effort and we welcome support in many forms: track clearing, tabling and community outreach, donor outreach, and more. Visit fwpzr.org to get involved.
Who is Friends of Washington Park & Zoo Railway?
We were founded in 2018 by neighbors, historians, engineers, and rail experts who believe Portland's most beloved little railroad deserves to run again. The organization is run entirely by volunteers. We have no paid staff. Everything Friends of Washington Park & Zoo Railway has accomplished has been built on volunteer effort and community support.
Who endorses our work?
Friends of Washington Park & Zoo Railway is endorsed by Oregon Rail Heritage Center, BNSF Railway, LiUNA Local 483, Arlington Heights Neighborhood Association, Sylvan Highlands Neighborhood Association, Pacific Northwest Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, Renaissance Charitable, Rick Franklin Corporation, Sundeleaf MacKenzie Architecture Inc., Shiels Obletz Johnsen, Vintage Trolley Inc. and others.
How can I stay informed?
Sign up for updates at fwpzr.org. You can follow Friends of Washington Park & Zoo Railway on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on the restoration effort.