Our Work

Geotechnical Railway Study

Shannon & Wilson (S&W), a premiere geotechnical engineering firm, updated a 2013 study commissioned by the zoo. The 2023 S&W report supports replacing just one of the rail line’s nine retaining walls and repairing a small slide near the Washington Park Rose Garden Station. S&W inspected the line and found the rails to be in good condition. This study was paid for with money raised by the Arlington Heights Neighborhood.

A group of four people wearing safety gear inspecting a narrow-gauge railway track in a forest area, with lush green plants and trees in the background. Two individuals are examining documents, while another is using a device, and the fourth is observing the surroundings.

Photos courtesy of Kathy Goeddel and Gretta Wuttig

Narrow-gauge railway tracks in a forest with fallen leaves and dense tree coverage.

Track Clearing

Over 64 enthusiastic volunteers spent more than 20 days clearing vegetation from the Rose Garden Loop trackway in 2022 and 2023.  Volunteer organizations included the Golden Dragon Paddling Club, Wasabi Paddling Group, the Arlington Heights Neighborhood Association, Post 58 of the Mountaineers, Unitarian Universalist Men's Group and the Rose Garden Loop Restoration Team.

Group of people wearing masks and outdoor clothing, standing on a railroad track in a wooded area.

Photos courtesy of Kathy Goeddel

Group of people clearing a fallen tree from railway tracks in a forested area.

Washington Park Station

Lango Hansen Landscape Architects and Sundeleaf Mackenzie Architects have drawn up plans to make the Washington Park station accessible for people using wheelchairs.

The station building needs cosmetic updating—a great volunteer opportunity!

Rose Garden Station

Photo courtesy of Melissa Darby

Rolling Stock

The trains have been deemed safe to operate by railroad experts.

While immediate action is not required, significant refurbishment or replacement will be needed even if the train only runs inside the Oregon Zoo.

Steam locomotive emitting smoke in a forest setting

Renovation and Operating Costs

We are developing an updated estimate of costs to restore the trackway and trains.

A financial analysis completed by the Oregon Zoo shows revenues from the restored line would more than cover operating costs. 

Futuristic train passing through open railway barriers in a forested area.

Photo courtesy of Pat Fitzgerald

Historic Status

In 2020 the railway was listed as an historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. This status protects the railroad from being replaced with a walking path, as contemplated in the Washington Park Master Plan adopted by Portland City Council in 2018.

As owners and operators of the railroad, Metro and the City of Portland as owners are responsible for its preservation.

Metal plaque with text "Designed and Built by Northwest Marine Iron Works and H. Hirschberger Co., Portland, Oregon."
Metal plaque with embossed text "Oregon Locomotive Wks. No. 1 June 1939"

Photos courtesy of Pat Fitzgerald

Get On Board!

Here’s how you can help…

  • Be counted among the thousands of supporters of the Rose Garden Loop Restoration on this Change.org petition.

    Sign The Petition Here

  • Every dollar helps! Your donation will aid in our mission of restoring the historic route including volunteer efforts, advocacy campaigns, and necessary professional services.

    Donate Here

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