Thunder Mountain Line

Specialties

Horseshoe Bend Route

Open March-​December

The Thunder Mountain Line’s Horseshoe Bend Route begins in historic Horseshoe Bend and travels along the scenic Payette River through the Boise National Forest. The railroad provides views of the white water activities of the South Fork of the Payette River that has become popular with kayakers and rafters.

Executive class

Riding in our Luxury Parlor Car allows our guests to enjoy an unforgettable experience on the rails. This car will feature lounge style booths including a private bar and access to a private open air car. Additional services include complimentary drink and snacks during the trip. (Adults 21+)

First Class

Ride in First Class style in comfortable padded booths while taking in the scenic journey. This car features a private bar, booth style seating.

Standard class

Standard class tickets have open access seating in our air conditioned table car, bar car, coach car, open air car and covered open air car.

History

Established in 2000.

The history of the Thunder Mountain Line dates back to more than a century ago. The prospects for the railroad were originally to serve the Thunder Mountain Mining District, which was full of gold and ore. The current roads

could not handle the incoming freight for these areas. Prospectors were filling the Long Valley area as mining districts and camps were forming. Gold fever soon spread and an entrepreneur named Colonel W. Dewey formed a railroad syndicate due to the suspected wealth in the areas.

Railroad tycoons were at war for a route to the Pacific Northwest and West Coast to gain control of the region for their railroads. The three tycoons at war were James Jerome Hill (who just completed the Great Northern, had control of the Northern Pacific, the Chicago and Northwestern, and the Burlington), Edward Harriman (who controlled the Union Pacific), and Jay Gould (who had control of the Rio Grande and Missouri). The Idaho Northern was incorporated on December 18, 1897.

Meet the Manager

Debbie D.

Manager

Howdy Folks!

All aboard the Thunder Mountain Line! Come and visit our beautiful Payette river valley and enjoy some down home hospitallity! My Crew will will welcome you with some outstanding service, and the scenery is awesome too! No matter what time of year there is always fun to be had on the Thunder Mountain Line.