Join historian Melissa Darby at the Architectural Heritage Center on March 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM as she explores the fascinating history of the Portland Zoo Railway—from the debut of the iconic Zooliner to the steam-powered Oregon Locomotive No. 1—and its role in shaping Portland’s beloved zoo.

Dozens of dedicated volunteers came together to take on invasive species covering the Washington Park & Zoo Railway—dense blackberry thickets and ivy that had completely overtaken sections of the historic tracks.

Our Valentine’s Day Crew! Bill “Choo Choo” Burgel, leader of the crew on the far left.

Jan. 31 was a beautiful day to be out on the tracks!

We’re working on the the railroad!

The Friends will be at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center Dec. 19th - 21st, 2025. Join us for this wonderful event .

After a morning rian, the sun came out and we all had a great time.

Melissa Darby speaking at McMenamin’s Grand Lodge History Pub on “The Biggest Little Railway in the Country”.

Allan Classen provided an update on our zoo train restoration efforts on August 11, 2025.

The Zooliner hasn’t clacked along the Washington Park loop to the Rose Garden since 2013. Maddie Khaw, staff

Learn about the timeline of the Oregon Zoo train.

Washington Park Reservoir Reopening – June 14, 10am–4pm
Join us in celebrating the reopening of the historic Washington Park Reservoir! The restoration project has revived a Portland icon, and this special event is open to the public with family-friendly activities, walking tours, and community booths.

The Friends of Washington Park & Zoo Railway had a fantastic time celebrating National Train Day at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center on May 10th! With the steam engines fired up, the impressive Abraham Lincoln locomotive on display, and sunshine to top it off, it was a perfect day for train lovers of all ages. Check out our mascot, Titus!

We’re looking forward to National Train Day on May 10th, 10am-6pm at the Oregon Rain History Center

The Metro Zoo Train Task Force has started!

We had a successful track clean-up by the Washington Park Station on March 22. Score: Zoo Train 1, Ivy Zero! There were several past, present and future train engineers on hand to supervise and pitch in on the effort.

We’ve been working on the railroad….

PDX Today featured us in the September 12, 2024 issue. https://pdxtoday.6amcity.com/city/efforts-to-restore-the-historic-washington-park-and-zoo-railway-are-back-on-track

Jeff Honeyman has retired from the Oregon Zoo after 30 years of running and maintaining the WP&ZRy.