In June we will be taking the Empire Builder to Chicago from either Portland or Seattle. Which one is the most interesting from a scenery, service, and railfan point of view?
We have taken both routes west and so are familiar with the route, but things do look different going in the other direction! We know the Portland section has only a SSL, but that would be nice for river views. We were OK with the continental breakfast served westbound. The diner on the Seattle section would be nice, but not so great for viewing. Both origin stations are interesting as are the cities. I don't care for walking through the coaches on the Portland section, but having the rear window access on its sleeper is a real plus. So maybe we should just flip a coin?
We have taken both routes west and so are familiar with the route, but things do look different going in the other direction! We know the Portland section has only a SSL, but that would be nice for river views. We were OK with the continental breakfast served westbound. The diner on the Seattle section would be nice, but not so great for viewing. Both origin stations are interesting as are the cities. I don't care for walking through the coaches on the Portland section, but having the rear window access on its sleeper is a real plus. So maybe we should just flip a coin?