Exploring the Most Scenic Mountain Towns in the Western United States via Amtrak Train Travel
- USA Rail Guides
- Feb 3
- 9 min read
Updated: Feb 6
The Western United States is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, and its mountain towns offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and charming communities. Traveling by Amtrak provides an opportunity to explore these hidden gems while enjoying a scenic journey through the mountains.
Here we will highlight some of the most picturesque mountain towns that are easily accessible by Amtrak, showcasing their unique attractions, outdoor activities, and the stunning vistas that await you at each destination.
Truckee, California
Amtrak Route: California Zephyr
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Truckee is a historic railroad town offering easy access to Lake Tahoe, world-class skiing, and a charming downtown filled with shops and restaurants. The town was originally a major hub during the transcontinental railroad’s construction in the 1860s, and its historic downtown still carries that old-west charm. Today, it has become a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from hiking and biking to some of the best ski resorts in the country. The California Zephyr provides one of the most scenic train rides in the U.S., passing through towering mountains, lush pine forests, and beautiful alpine lakes before arriving in Truckee.
What to Do in Truckee
Ski or snowboard at Palisades Tahoe or Northstar California Resort
Explore Donner Memorial State Park, where you can learn about the legendary Donner Party and explore stunning trails around the alpine lake
Enjoy Lake Tahoe, just a short drive or bus ride away
Walk historic downtown Truckee, known for its art galleries, breweries, and restaurants
Where to Stay in Truckee
Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe at Northstar Ski Resort (15-min taxi/ridehshare) – Five-star mountain luxury with a spa, ski-in/ski-out, and fine dining at one of the premier American ski resorts
Midrange: The River Street Inn (<5-min walk) – 1882 Alpine-style bed-and-breakfast in Old Town Truckee on the Truckee River. The outdoor deck is right along the water and the indoor bar and restaurant has a cozy mountain vibe - Recommended
Budget: The West River House (5-min walk) – Clean, affordable, and simple lodging in Old Town Truckee with self-check. Good family room options as well
Dunsmuir, California
Amtrak Route: Coast Starlight
Tucked in Northern California’s Cascade Range, Dunsmuir is a paradise for nature lovers, offering some of the best waterfalls, fly fishing, and hiking in the state. This tiny mountain town is famous for having “the best water on Earth”, thanks to its pure and naturally filtered mountain springs. Once a major railroad stop along the Southern Pacific line, Dunsmuir still retains its historic train-town vibe while providing access to pristine rivers and lush forests. Whether you're seeking a tranquil fishing retreat or an exhilarating hiking adventure, this hidden gem has something special to offer. Note that the southbound Coast Starlight Train 11 stops here at 12:45am and the northbound train 14 stops here at 5:45am. While the timings are not ideal, it is still doable.
What to Do in Dunsmuir
Hike to Mossbrae Falls, a breathtaking waterfall framed by lush green cliffs
Explore Hedge Creek Falls, a short but beautiful waterfall hike with a hidden cave behind the falls
Go fly fishing on the Upper Sacramento River, one of the best trout fishing spots in the West
Visit the historic Dunsmuir Railroad Depot Museum
Get a beer and a bite to eat at Dunsmuir Brewery Works
Where to Stay in Dunsmuir
Midrange: Mossbrae Hotel (<5-min walk from the train station) - Boutique Hotel in the heart of downtown Dunsmuir, right next to the station
Midrange: Railroad Park Resort (5-min taxi /rideshare) – Sleep in a restored caboose and have dinner in an old fashioned dining car. One of the most unique train themed accommodations in America. Transport to the Amtrak station is available if requested. - Recommended
Budget: The Angler Lodge (10-min walk from the station) – Basic, clean, and affordable and walking distance. Just steps from the Sacramento River
Leavenworth, Washington
Amtrak Route: Empire Builder
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-inspired village in the Cascade Mountains, where German beer halls, bratwurst, and mountain adventure go hand in hand. Originally a logging and railroad town, Leavenworth was struggling economically in the mid-20th century when locals decided to transform it into a Bavarian-style village. Today, it’s one of the most unique and picturesque mountain towns in the country, with architecture, food, and culture straight out of Germany’s alpine regions. Whether you're visiting for its famous Christmas festival, hiking trails, or Oktoberfest celebrations, Leavenworth is a must-visit destination year-round.
What to Do in Leavenworth
Attend Oktoberfest, where you can drink authentic German beer in a festive setting
Go hiking in Icicle Creek Canyon, which features alpine lakes and rugged mountain scenery
Visit during the Christmas Lighting Festival, when the town transforms into a magical winter wonderland
Enjoy wine tasting at local vineyards
The Leavenworth Shuttle provides access to/from the Amtrak station, call (877) 868-7720 or (509) 548-7433
Where to Stay in Leavenworth
Luxury: Posthotel Leavenworth (<5-min shuttle from the station) – An adults-only spa resort with river views
Midrange: Hotel Pension Anna (<5-min shuttle from the station) – Bavarian-inspired alpine lodge - Recommended
Midrange: Bavarian Lodge (<5-min shuttle from the station) – Cozy, European-style lodge with modern comforts
Budget: Obertal Inn (<5-min shuttle from the station) – Affordable and charming family-run B&B
Sandpoint, Idaho
Amtrak Route: Empire Builder
Set on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille and surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains, Sandpoint is one of the most beautiful and underrated mountain towns in the U.S. This North Idaho town has been called the "Next Great Mountain Town" by Outside Magazine, thanks to its combination of stunning scenery and a thriving arts and food scene. Whether you’re into skiing, hiking, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the lake, Sandpoint offers something for every kind of traveler.
Note: Westbound Train No. 27 arrives/departs at 12:55am. Eastbound Train No. 28 arrives/departs at 2:20am. Another stop with less than ideal timing, but the local hotels are used to travelers arriving by train and are happy to help you as long as you give them advanced notice of your late-night arrival and departure.
What to Do in Sandpoint
Ski or snowboard at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, one of the best ski destinations in the Pacific Northwest
Go boating or kayaking on the pristine Lake Pend Oreille
Hike in the Selkirk Mountains, where you can find breathtaking alpine lakes and wildlife
Explore the local art scene, with galleries and live music in downtown Sandpoint
Where to Stay in Sandpoint
Luxury: The Lodge at Sandpoint (5-min taxi/riderhsare) – Beautiful lakefront wood-beamed lodge
Midrange: Best Western Edgewater Resort (<5-min walk) – Comfortable and familiar with excellent lakefront views. Walking distance to downtown, the train station, and the beach - Recommended
Midrange Cedar Street Hotel (15 min walk or 5-min taxi/riderhsare) – Simple, affordable, and centrally located
Budget: K2 Motel (15 min walk or 5-min taxi/riderhsare) – Unpretentious motel in the center of Sandpoint
East Glacier, Montana (Seasonal)
Amtrak Route: Empire Builder
Open April-October, East Glacier is a gateway to Glacier National Park, offering rugged scenery, historic lodges, and some of the best hiking in the country. Unlike the more tourist-heavy West Glacier entrance, East Glacier provides a quieter and more authentic experience. The town itself is home to Glacier Park Lodge, a beautiful historic hotel built by the Great Northern Railway in 1913, which still welcomes guests today. East Glacier also serves as a starting point for some of the park’s most scenic and less crowded hiking trails. Take advantage of the East Side Shuttle and National Park Services shuttles to get around car-free.
What to Do in East Glacier
Hike in the Two Medicine area, where you’ll find Scenic Point Trail and Running Eagle Falls. You can get there using the Glacier Park East Side Shuttle
Visit Glacier Park Lodge, a historic Great Northern Railway hotel
Take a Red Bus Tour, a vintage open-top tour vehicle that showcases the best of Glacier National Park
Where to Stay in East Glacier
Luxury: Glacier Park Lodge (1-min walk) – Iconic and historic hotel was the first hotel built by the Great Northern Railway - Recommended
Midrange: Mountain Pine Motel (15 min walk or 5-min taxi/riderhsare) – Low-key, family-run hotel in a wooded area near the train station
Budget: Whistling Swan Motel (5-min walk) – Simple, budget-friendly alpine motel
West Glacier, Montana
Amtrak Route: Empire Builder
West Glacier is the main entrance to Glacier National Park, offering access to the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road and a variety of outdoor adventures. Unlike East Glacier, this entrance gives you immediate access to the park’s main attractions, including Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, and Avalanche Lake. The small town itself has a fun frontier-style charm, with rustic lodges, general stores, and outdoor outfitters to get you ready for an adventure in one of the most beautiful national parks in the world.
What to Do in West Glacier
Drive or bike the Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most scenic routes in the U.S.
Go whitewater rafting on the Flathead River
Take a boat tour on Lake McDonald, surrounded by glacier-carved peaks
Where to Stay in West Glacier
Luxury: Belton Chalet (walking distance from the station) – Historic lodge with mountain views
Midrange: Glacier Guides Lodge (5-min taxi ride) – Small eco-lodge near the park entrance
Budget: West Glacier Motel (walking distance) – Basic and affordable
Essex, Montana
Amtrak Route: Empire Builder
Essex is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path stop near Glacier National Park, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. It’s best known for LOGE Glacier (formerly the Isaak Walton Inn), a historic railroad lodge where you can stay in a converted train caboose, mini cabins, or alpine lodge rooms. Unlike East and West Glacier, Essex offers a more remote and tranquil escape, making it ideal for backcountry skiing, wildlife viewing, and photography. It’s also a dream destination for railroad enthusiasts, as freight trains and Amtrak's Empire Builder pass through daily.
What to Do in Essex
Stay in a train caboose at LOGE Glacier
Take a leisurely ride through the snowy forest on a Ski Groomer
Go cross-country skiing in winter or hiking in summer
Watch passing trains from the historic lodge, a favorite for rail enthusiasts
Where to Stay in Essex
Midrange: LOGE Glacier (5-min walk) – Historic railroad-themed alpine lodge and cabins. A one of a kind alpine experience - Recommended
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Amtrak Route: California Zephyr
Glenwood Springs is famous for its hot springs, making it the perfect place to relax after an adventure in the Rocky Mountains. The town is home to Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, which features one of the largest natural mineral pools in the world. The healing waters have been drawing visitors for over a century, and the surrounding mountains make the experience even more magical. But Glenwood Springs isn’t just about relaxation—adrenaline seekers will love exploring the caves, whitewater rapids, and stunning canyon hikes that make this town one of Colorado’s most exciting destinations. The California Zephyr train stops right in town, offering a breathtaking journey through the Rockies before arriving in Glenwood Springs.
What to Do in Glenwood Springs
Soak in Glenwood Hot Springs, one of the largest mineral pools in the world
Hike to Hanging Lake, an incredible turquoise lake perched high in the mountains
Visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, featuring cave tours and mountaintop roller coasters
Raft down the Colorado River, with thrilling whitewater rapids
Fish the Roaring Fork River, with a guide or on your own
Explore the quaint shops, restaurants, breweries, and riverfront parks near downtown.
Catch a concert or movie night under the Grand Avenue overpass
Where to Stay in Glenwood Springs
Luxury: Hotel Colorado (5-min walk) – Historic and elegant high-end hotel situated in a grand building dating from 1893
Luxury: Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge (5-min walk) – Resort hotel and hot springs complex dating back to 1888
Midrange: Hotel Maxwell Anderson (formerly Hotel Denver) (1-min walk) – Classic Western hotel with unique suites and rooms, dates back to 1915 - Recommended
Budget: Starlight Lodge (5-min walk) – Casual family-run Alpine-style motel
Winter Park/Fraser, Colorado
Amtrak Route: Winter Park Express and California Zephyr
Winter Park is a ski and mountain biking paradise, and it’s one of the easiest ski towns to reach by train. The Winter Park Express runs from Denver directly to the resort, making it the only Amtrak train in the U.S. with a stop at a ski resort. With over 3,000 acres of ski terrain, amazing mountain biking trails, and a charming alpine village, Winter Park is a perfect year-round destination. Whether you’re carving through fresh powder in the winter or hiking through wildflower-covered meadows in the summer, Winter Park offers adventure at every turn.
Note: Winter Park can only be accessed directly via train on the Winter Park Express. However the California Zephyr does stop daily at the nearby town of Fraser, CO. From there you can access Winter Park and other nearby towns and attractions for free on the Winter Park Shuttle.
What to Do in Winter Park
Ski or snowboard at Winter Park Resort, one of Colorado’s top ski areas
Mountain bike in the summer, with some of the best lift-served trails in the country
Take a scenic gondola ride for breathtaking views of the Rockies
Go tubing or snowshoeing in the winter for a fun alternative to skiing
Where to Stay in Winter Park
Luxury: Zephyr Mountain Lodge (1-min walk) – Ski-in/ski-out luxury condos at the base of the resort - Recommended
Midrange: The Vintage Hotel (15 min walk or 5-min shuttle ride) – Classic alpine-style lodging with great amenities
Budget: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fraser (10 min walk)- Comfortable and familiar lodging in Fraser near the Amtrak station, free shuttles are available to Winter Park
Traveling to these mountain towns by Amtrak provides a relaxing and scenic journey, allowing you to appreciate the diverse landscapes of the United States while accessing some of the country's most picturesque destinations.