Northwestern Pacific Railroad
Encyclopedia
The Northwestern Pacific Railroad is a regional railroad
serving California's North Coast. The railroad currently runs on 62 miles of the 462 mile main line, stretching from Schellville
, California
to Eureka
, California
. The operating stretch is located between the California Northern Railroad interchange at Schellville and southern Windsor.
The NWP mainline is owned by Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit
, or "SMART", a planned commuter railroad, from the Ignacio
wye in Marin County, to the Healdsburg
depot. The line between Schellville and Ignacio, and from north Healdsburg to Eureka is owned by the North Coast Railroad Authority.
The NWP's current locomotive roster includes an ex-Burlington Northern GP9
, numbered 1922, and a Tier-3 hybrid "Genset" locomotive, numbered 2009 and leased from RJ Coreman Railpower.
The NWP was started in the late 1800s as a combined enterprise between the Santa Fe
and Southern Pacific railroads, who both realized only one railroad would be profitable in the Eel River
canyon. They two railroads bought and combined around 43 railroads and combined them all to create the Northwestern Pacific. Gauges range from 3 foot to standard, and included a early wooden monorail. In 1936, the Santa Fe sold its interests to the SP
, which assumed full control.
Beginning in 1990, public interests began snatching up bits and pieces of the "Southern End," or from Willits to Schellville. The North Coast Railroad Authority was born by government action to save the NWP from abandonment. The NWP was finally sold from the SP in 1995, and the NWP was reborn in 1996, under new control, but was closed by the Federal Railroad Authority in early 2001 when storm damage and money problems led the NWP to become unsafe.
In July 2011, the Federal Railroad Administration
emergency order was lifted, allowing freight trains to resume service.
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and the Santa Fe Railroad had great interests in building lines north from San Francisco to Humboldt County to tap into the rich logging industry up there. Both railroads planned on building a line north, the Santa Fe
starting with a boat connection in present-day Larkspur, California
, and the Southern Pacific, starting at its interchange in American Canyon, up north through Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino and Humboldt counties to finally terminate in Eureka, California
. It soon became clear though as plans went forward that only one railroad would make money in the Eel River
Caynon, and so the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe entered into a joint agreement, and in 1906 merged a total of 42 railroad companies between Marin and Humboldt Bay, to make one railroad line stretching from Schellville, California
, to Eureka, California
. The SP
controlled the southern end of the line, from Willits down south to Marin and Schellville, while the AT&SF controlled the northern end, from Willits to Eureka. There were also dozens of miles of narrow gauge trackage in Marin, controlled by SP.
The railroad service became popular; a 1911 NWP time-table shows 10 passenger trains each way, plus dozens of freights.
In 1929, the AT&ST sold its half-interest to the Southern Pacific, making the NWP a full SP
subsidiary.
Passenger service boomed until the 1930s, when improved roads and highways made traveling and shipping by motor vehicle more accessible, and by 1935, both freight and passenger service slowed to crawl because of the Great Depression. It did not pick up again until World War II
, when great demand for freight movement was needed. Freight service on the NWP picked up heavily again in the 1950s as a large increase in the demand for lumber came about due to the Housing Boom of the '50s.
During March 1958, all mainline passenger service was discontinued. Freight traffic remained high until the 1970s, when depletion of lumber and strong truck competition competed with the railroad, leading to less carloads.
By 1980, freight was still running in the Eel River
Canyon, between Willits and Eureka, at that time the most expensive stretch of rail line to be operational and maintained in the United States
. The NWP's parent company Southern Pacific began looking at cutting back its unprofitable branches and subsidiary lines, and the NWP was one of them. In September 1983, the SP announced that it was shutting down the maintenance-intensive NWP line north of Willits. This led to a contentious court battle due to the fact that the SP did not properly notify the Interstate Commerce Commission
of their intent to abandon the line. The line was ordered reopened by the U.S. Circuit Court in March 1984.
In 1984, the SP
sold the North End, from Willits to Eureka, to Brian Whipple, who ran it as the Eureka Southern Railroad
. Although Whipple tried his best, the line was bankrupt within several years. In 1989, the North Coast Railroad Authority was founded by the California Legislature under the North Coast Railroad Authority Act, to save the NWP from total abandonment.
In 1992, what was left of the Eureka Southern was sold to the NCRA, who ran it under the "North Coast Railroad" until 1995, when severe flooding of the Eel River led to a almost total washout. The North End of the NWP has not been open since.
During that time, the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District began to purchase sections of the NWP's south end. The SP began to lease the line to the California Northern Railroad in 1993, until the entire south end was purchased by a combination of the GGBHTD and Marin and Sonoma Counties, which merged to together with the NCRA on April 30, 1996, forming complete transformation from the SP.
Using "Black Widow" GP9s and SD9s locomotives, the new NWP ran from 1996 until 1998, when money problems and management issues caused the line to nosedive. The line was shut down due to numerous washouts and unsafe portions of track. The NWP resumed survice in 2001, between Schellville and Cotati, but was shut down approximately one month later, under the first and only Emergency Order put into place by the Federal Railroad Authority.
Beginning as early as 2009, the NCRA began to rebuild and fix up the NWP between Schellville and Windsor, and in July of 2011 it resumed light freight service between those two points after many legal hurdles. Plans for the future include trains reaching Healdsburg by summer 2012, and Willits by 2014. The Eel River Canyon segment is still on the drawing board while awaiting a decision whether or not to rebuild the segment, due to extreme costs and a lack of possible business.
convention of distance from San Francisco, California
:
On May 31, 2006, NCRA announced that it had selected a new operator for the line. The winning bidder was NWP, Inc., led by CEO John H. Williams who had been instrumental in setting up Caltrain
service on the San Francisco
Peninsula. NCRA announced approval of a 5-year contract with NWP Co. in September 2006. The new NWP currently operates the line from Eureka to Schellville over the length of the original route of the NWP.
By late 2007, the NCRA was granted 500 million dollars to restore the original line from Napa to Willits. With Marin and Sonoma counties' Measure Q passing in 2008, the new SMART Rail
is being planned between Larkspur and Cloverdale. Operation is expected to commence in 2014.
The NCRA and Northwestern Pacific Railroad originally planned to start regular freight service on the line in late fall 2009,but a lawsuit filed by the City of Novato pushed the date back to early 2010. Work forces began tie and ballast reconstruction from Schellville to Windsor in 2009, and electric crews have replaced and worked on many of the railroad crossings. When the freight service comes back, the North Coast Rail Authority will run trains of eight cars or fewer, and carry no hazardous materials. Reballasting and replacement of bad ties between Schellville and Windsor was completed by October 2009, with Federal Railroad Authority (FRA) inspections due to be finished in early 2011. An earlier target date in 2010 was delayed when the Federal Railroad Administration ruled NCRA's petition to reopen the line was dependent upon approval from Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART), with whom the NWP will share some trackage. This ruling was reversed in November 2010, but the two authorities still must complete a joint-operating agreement before freight service can begin. NCRA hopes to have freight service resume all the way up to Willits by the year 2020.
In June 2011, the Northwestern Pacific reopened the line and began operations over the section of track between Napa and Windsor, California. Service consists of about three trips weekly over the line. The railroad has hauled grain for dairy and poultry farms in Sonoma County
, and lumber products. At Napa, the railroad has been exchanging freight with the California Northern Railroad in American Canyon
.
in 1873 from a San Francisco
ferry connection at Sausalito
to the Russian River
at Monte Rio
. Rails were extended downriver to Duncans Mills
in 1876, and up Austin Creek to Cazadero
in 1886. This narrow-gauge line became the Shore Division of the NWP formed by Santa Fe and Southern Pacific
in 1907. The standard-gauge NWP Guerneville
branch was extended to Monte Rio in 1907 and the line from Monte Rio to Duncans Mills was dual-gauged in 1909. Summer tourists from San Francisco visited Russian River vacation spots via joint narrow-gauge/standard-gauge NWP "triangle" excursions until automobile travel became more popular. The southern end of the line was standard-gauged from San Francisco Bay
to Point Reyes Station
at the head of Tomales Bay
in 1920. The line up Austin Creek to Cazadero was standard-gauged in 1926. The remaining line from Monte Rio to Point Reyes Station was dismantled in 1930.
convention of distance from San Francisco
Regional railroad
In the United States, a regional railroad is a railroad company that is not Class I, but still has a substantial amount of traffic or trackage . The Association of American Railroads has defined the lower bound as of track or $40 million in annual operating revenue...
serving California's North Coast. The railroad currently runs on 62 miles of the 462 mile main line, stretching from Schellville
Schellville, California
Schellville is an unincorporated community in Sonoma County, California, United States. Schellville is located at the junction of California State Route 12 and California State Route 121 south of Sonoma...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
to Eureka
Eureka, California
Eureka is the principal city and the county seat of Humboldt County, California, United States. Its population was 27,191 at the 2010 census, up from 26,128 at the 2000 census....
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. The operating stretch is located between the California Northern Railroad interchange at Schellville and southern Windsor.
The NWP mainline is owned by Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit
Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit
The SMART or Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit project is a future passenger rail service and high density housing project in Northern California, USA, to serve Sonoma and Marin counties. The project was approved with passage of Measure "Q" by the voters in 2008 by the required 2/3 vote...
, or "SMART", a planned commuter railroad, from the Ignacio
Ignacio, California
Ignacio is an unincorporated community in Marin County, California. It is located southeast of downtown Novato, at an elevation of 30 feet ....
wye in Marin County, to the Healdsburg
Healdsburg, California
Healdsburg is a city located in Sonoma County, California, in the United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a population of 11,254...
depot. The line between Schellville and Ignacio, and from north Healdsburg to Eureka is owned by the North Coast Railroad Authority.
The NWP's current locomotive roster includes an ex-Burlington Northern GP9
EMD GP9
An EMD GP9 is a four-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division in the United States, and General Motors Diesel in Canada between January, 1954, and August, 1963. US production ended in December, 1959, while an additional thirteen units were built in Canada, including...
, numbered 1922, and a Tier-3 hybrid "Genset" locomotive, numbered 2009 and leased from RJ Coreman Railpower.
The NWP was started in the late 1800s as a combined enterprise between the Santa Fe
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway , often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859...
and Southern Pacific railroads, who both realized only one railroad would be profitable in the Eel River
Eel River (California)
The Eel River is a major river system of the northern Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California. Approximately 200 miles long, it drains a rugged area in the California Coast Ranges between the Sacramento Valley and the ocean. For most of its course, the river flows northwest, parallel to the...
canyon. They two railroads bought and combined around 43 railroads and combined them all to create the Northwestern Pacific. Gauges range from 3 foot to standard, and included a early wooden monorail. In 1936, the Santa Fe sold its interests to the SP
SP
-Business and commerce:* SaskPower, a company in Canada* IATA airline designator for SATA Air Acores* SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden* Schering-Plough, a pharmaceutical company now merged with Merck & Co.* Southern Pacific Railroad reporting marks...
, which assumed full control.
Beginning in 1990, public interests began snatching up bits and pieces of the "Southern End," or from Willits to Schellville. The North Coast Railroad Authority was born by government action to save the NWP from abandonment. The NWP was finally sold from the SP in 1995, and the NWP was reborn in 1996, under new control, but was closed by the Federal Railroad Authority in early 2001 when storm damage and money problems led the NWP to become unsafe.
In July 2011, the Federal Railroad Administration
Federal Railroad Administration
The Federal Railroad Administration is an agency in the United States Department of Transportation. The agency was created by the Department of Transportation Act of 1966...
emergency order was lifted, allowing freight trains to resume service.
Predecessor Lines
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- California Midland Railroad extended the Eel River and Eureka RailroadEel River and Eureka RailroadThe Eel River and Eureka Railroad company was organized on November 14, 1882 by a group of Eureka businessmen led by John M. Vance .-History:...
up the Van Duzen RiverVan Duzen RiverThe Van Duzen River is a river on the north coast of California. It is a major tributary of the Eel River and drains , mostly in Humboldt County, with a small portion in Trinity County. The river travels from its headwaters on the west side of the North Coast Range to its confluence with the Eel...
to CarlottaCarlotta, CaliforniaCarlotta is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California. It is located southeast of Fortuna, at an elevation of 131 feet ....
, and was merged into SF&NW in 1903.
- California Northwestern Railway formed in 1898 for Southern Pacific RailroadSouthern Pacific RailroadThe Southern Pacific Transportation Company , earlier Southern Pacific Railroad and Southern Pacific Company, and usually simply called the Southern Pacific or Espee, was an American railroad....
to assume control of the SF&NP and extend the line from UkiahUkiah, CaliforniaThe average high temperature is 73.5 °F . Average low temperature is 46.1 °F . Temperatures reach 90 °F on an average of 65.6 days annually and 100 °F on an average of 14.4 days annually. Due to frequent low humidity, summer temperatures normally drop into the fifties at night. Freezing...
to WillitsWillits, CaliforniaWillits is a city in Mendocino County, California, United States. Willits is located north-northwest of Ukiah, at an elevation of 1391 feet . The population was 4,888 at the 2010 census, down from 5,073 at the 2000 census. Willits is at the center of Mendocino County and its redwood forests...
in 1902. An extension was built from WillitsWillits, CaliforniaWillits is a city in Mendocino County, California, United States. Willits is located north-northwest of Ukiah, at an elevation of 1391 feet . The population was 4,888 at the 2010 census, down from 5,073 at the 2000 census. Willits is at the center of Mendocino County and its redwood forests...
to Sherwood in 1904. Merged into NWP in 1907.
- California and Northern Railway was formed by Santa Fe Railroad to build north from EurekaEureka, CaliforniaEureka is the principal city and the county seat of Humboldt County, California, United States. Its population was 27,191 at the 2010 census, up from 26,128 at the 2000 census....
to ArcataArcata, California-Demographics:-2010 Census data:The 2010 United States Census reported that Arcata had a population of 17,231. The population density was 1,567.4 people per square mile...
in 1901, and was merged into SF&NW in 1904.
- Cloverdale and Ukiah Railroad extended the SF&NP from CloverdaleCloverdale, CaliforniaCloverdale is a city in Sonoma County, California, United States. The San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad reached Cloverdale in 1872. The Cloverdale Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California is headquartered here...
to UkiahUkiah, CaliforniaThe average high temperature is 73.5 °F . Average low temperature is 46.1 °F . Temperatures reach 90 °F on an average of 65.6 days annually and 100 °F on an average of 14.4 days annually. Due to frequent low humidity, summer temperatures normally drop into the fifties at night. Freezing...
in 1889.
- Eel River and Eureka RailroadEel River and Eureka RailroadThe Eel River and Eureka Railroad company was organized on November 14, 1882 by a group of Eureka businessmen led by John M. Vance .-History:...
connected Humboldt Bay with the Eel RiverEel River (California)The Eel River is a major river system of the northern Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California. Approximately 200 miles long, it drains a rugged area in the California Coast Ranges between the Sacramento Valley and the ocean. For most of its course, the river flows northwest, parallel to the...
town of FortunaFortuna, CaliforniaFortuna is a city in western-central Humboldt County, California, United States. The population was 11,926 at the 2010 census, up from 10,497 at the 2000 census. The city lies on the northeast shore of the Eel River , and is on U.S...
in 1884, and was merged into SF&NW in 1903.
- Fort Bragg and Southeastern RailroadFort Bragg and Southeastern RailroadThe Fort Bragg and Southeastern Railroad was formed by Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway as a consolidation of logging company railways on the coast of Mendocino County, California. The line was merged into the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad in 1907; but planned physical connection was...
formed in 1905 for Santa Fe Railroad to assume control of the isolated 24 miles (38.6 km) Albion River Railroad built in 1891. Merged into NWP in 1907, but never connected to the remainder of the NWP system.
- Fulton and Guerneville Railroad constructed the 15 miles (24.1 km) SF&NP branch from Fulton to GuernevilleGuerneville, CaliforniaGuerneville is a town in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, California, USA. A popular vacation destination for couples and families as well as corporate retreats and family and friend reunions, Guerneville is well-known for its natural beauty, laid-back attitude, friendly population, good...
in 1877.
- Marin and Napa Railroad extended the Sonoma Valley narrow-gauge 8 miles (12.9 km) from Sears Point to connect with the SF&NP at Ignacio in 1888.
- North Pacific Coast RailroadNorth Pacific Coast RailroadThe North Pacific Coast Railroad was a common carrier narrow gauge steam railroad begun in 1874 and sold in 1902 to new owners who renamed it the North Shore Railroad and which rebuilt the southern section into a standard gauge electric railroad.The NPC operated in the northern California...
built a -gauge line from SausalitoSausalito, CaliforniaSausalito is a San Francisco Bay Area city, in Marin County, California, United States. Sausalito is south-southeast of San Rafael, at an elevation of 13 feet . The population was 7,061 as of the 2010 census. The community is situated near the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, and prior to...
via the Tomales BayTomales BayTomales Bay is a long narrow inlet of the Pacific Ocean in Marin County in northern California in the United States. It is approximately 15 miles long and averages nearly 1.0 miles wide, effectively separating the Point Reyes Peninsula from the mainland of Marin County. It is located...
coast to the Russian RiverRussian River (California)The Russian River, a southward-flowing river, drains of Sonoma and Mendocino counties in Northern California. With an annual average discharge of approximately , it is the second largest river flowing through the nine county Greater San Francisco Bay Area with a mainstem 110 miles ...
in 1876. Became North Shore Railroad in 1902.
- North Shore Railroad formed to assume control of the North Pacific Coast narrow-gauge in 1902. Merged into NWP in 1907.
- Oregon and Eureka RailroadOregon and Eureka RailroadSouthern Pacific Transportation Company formed the Oregon and Eureka Railroad in 1903 in an agreement to use logging railroads as part of a line connecting Humboldt County sawmills with the national rail network. Northwestern Pacific Railroad offered service over the route from 1911 through 1933...
was formed in 1903 for Southern Pacific RailroadSouthern Pacific RailroadThe Southern Pacific Transportation Company , earlier Southern Pacific Railroad and Southern Pacific Company, and usually simply called the Southern Pacific or Espee, was an American railroad....
to assume control of logging lines around ArcataArcata, California-Demographics:-2010 Census data:The 2010 United States Census reported that Arcata had a population of 17,231. The population density was 1,567.4 people per square mile...
at the north end of Humboldt BayHumboldt BayHumboldt Bay is a natural bay and a multi-basin, bar-built coastal lagoon located on the rugged North Coast of California, United States entirely within Humboldt County. The regional center and county seat of Eureka and the college town of Arcata adjoin the bay, which is the second largest enclosed...
. Selected lines to TrinidadTrinidad, CaliforniaTrinidad is a seaside city in Humboldt County, located on the Pacific Ocean north of the Arcata-Eureka Airport and north of the college town of Arcata...
were merged into Northwestern Pacific in 1911. The Trinidad extension reverted to Hammond Lumber Company control in 1933 and operated as logging branches of the Humboldt Northern Railway until 1948.
- Pacific Lumber CompanyPacific Lumber CompanyThe Pacific Lumber Company, officially abbreviated PALCO, was one of California's major logging and sawmill operations, located south of Eureka and north of San Francisco. The once storied company and its historically positive relationship with conservationists begun in the 1920s was altered...
built 7 miles (11.3 km) of track in 1885 to connect their mill at ScotiaScotia, CaliforniaScotia is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located south-southeast of Fortuna, at an elevation of 194 feet . The ZIP Code is 95565. The population was 850 at the 2010 census....
with the Eel River and Eureka RailroadEel River and Eureka RailroadThe Eel River and Eureka Railroad company was organized on November 14, 1882 by a group of Eureka businessmen led by John M. Vance .-History:...
at Alton. Branch lines were subsequently built up the Eel RiverEel River (California)The Eel River is a major river system of the northern Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California. Approximately 200 miles long, it drains a rugged area in the California Coast Ranges between the Sacramento Valley and the ocean. For most of its course, the river flows northwest, parallel to the...
; and these lines merged into SF&NW in 1903.
- Petaluma and Haystack Railroad built from PetalumaPetaluma, CaliforniaPetaluma is a city in Sonoma County, California, in the United States. In the 2010 Census the population was 57,941.Located in Petaluma is the Rancho Petaluma Adobe, a National Historic Landmark. It was built beginning in 1836 by General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, then Commandant of the San...
to Haystack landing on the Petaluma RiverPetaluma RiverThe Petaluma River is a river in the California counties of Sonoma and Marin that becomes a tidal slough near its mouth. It springs from farmlands southwest of Cotati and flows generally southward through Petaluma's old town and of tidal marshes to end in northwest San Pablo Bay.-History:The word...
in 1864. Purchased by SF&NP in 1876.
- San Francisco and Eureka Railway formed by Southern Pacific RailroadSouthern Pacific RailroadThe Southern Pacific Transportation Company , earlier Southern Pacific Railroad and Southern Pacific Company, and usually simply called the Southern Pacific or Espee, was an American railroad....
in 1903 to build a connection from WillitsWillits, CaliforniaWillits is a city in Mendocino County, California, United States. Willits is located north-northwest of Ukiah, at an elevation of 1391 feet . The population was 4,888 at the 2010 census, down from 5,073 at the 2000 census. Willits is at the center of Mendocino County and its redwood forests...
to EurekaEureka, CaliforniaEureka is the principal city and the county seat of Humboldt County, California, United States. Its population was 27,191 at the 2010 census, up from 26,128 at the 2000 census....
. Merged into NWP in 1907.
- San Francisco and North Pacific RailroadSan Francisco and North Pacific RailroadSan Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad...
(SF&NP) built from Donahue landing on the Petaluma RiverPetaluma RiverThe Petaluma River is a river in the California counties of Sonoma and Marin that becomes a tidal slough near its mouth. It springs from farmlands southwest of Cotati and flows generally southward through Petaluma's old town and of tidal marshes to end in northwest San Pablo Bay.-History:The word...
to Santa RosaSanta Rosa, CaliforniaSanta Rosa is the county seat of Sonoma County, California, United States. The 2010 census reported a population of 167,815. Santa Rosa is the largest city in California's Wine Country and fifth largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area, after San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, and Fremont and 26th...
in 1870 and extended to Cloverdale in 1872. Extended from PetalumaPetaluma, CaliforniaPetaluma is a city in Sonoma County, California, in the United States. In the 2010 Census the population was 57,941.Located in Petaluma is the Rancho Petaluma Adobe, a National Historic Landmark. It was built beginning in 1836 by General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, then Commandant of the San...
to San RafaelSan Rafael, CaliforniaSan Rafael is a city and the county seat of Marin County, California, United States. The city is located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area...
in 1879. Extended from San RafaelSan Rafael, CaliforniaSan Rafael is a city and the county seat of Marin County, California, United States. The city is located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area...
to TiburonTiburon, CaliforniaTiburon is an incorporated town in Marin County, California. It occupies most of the Tiburon Peninsula, which reaches south into the San Francisco Bay. The smaller city of Belvedere occupies the south-east part of the peninsula and is contiguous with Tiburon...
by the San Francisco & San Rafael in 1884. Extended from CloverdaleCloverdale, CaliforniaCloverdale is a city in Sonoma County, California, United States. The San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad reached Cloverdale in 1872. The Cloverdale Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California is headquartered here...
to UkiahUkiah, CaliforniaThe average high temperature is 73.5 °F . Average low temperature is 46.1 °F . Temperatures reach 90 °F on an average of 65.6 days annually and 100 °F on an average of 14.4 days annually. Due to frequent low humidity, summer temperatures normally drop into the fifties at night. Freezing...
by the Cloverdale & Ukiah in 1889. Merged in NWP in 1907.
- San Francisco and Northwestern RailwaySan Francisco and Northwestern RailwaySan Francisco and Northwestern Railway was a Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway subsidiary formed in 1903 to connect Humboldt Bay to the Santa Fe rail system....
(SF&NW) formed by Santa Fe Railroad in 1903 to consolidate the California and Northern Railway from ArcataArcata, California-Demographics:-2010 Census data:The 2010 United States Census reported that Arcata had a population of 17,231. The population density was 1,567.4 people per square mile...
to EurekaEureka, CaliforniaEureka is the principal city and the county seat of Humboldt County, California, United States. Its population was 27,191 at the 2010 census, up from 26,128 at the 2000 census....
, the Eel River and Eureka RailroadEel River and Eureka RailroadThe Eel River and Eureka Railroad company was organized on November 14, 1882 by a group of Eureka businessmen led by John M. Vance .-History:...
from EurekaEureka, CaliforniaEureka is the principal city and the county seat of Humboldt County, California, United States. Its population was 27,191 at the 2010 census, up from 26,128 at the 2000 census....
to Alton, The California Midland from Alton to CarlottaCarlotta, CaliforniaCarlotta is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California. It is located southeast of Fortuna, at an elevation of 131 feet ....
, and the Pacific Lumber CompanyPacific Lumber CompanyThe Pacific Lumber Company, officially abbreviated PALCO, was one of California's major logging and sawmill operations, located south of Eureka and north of San Francisco. The once storied company and its historically positive relationship with conservationists begun in the 1920s was altered...
lines from Alton up the Eel RiverEel River (California)The Eel River is a major river system of the northern Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California. Approximately 200 miles long, it drains a rugged area in the California Coast Ranges between the Sacramento Valley and the ocean. For most of its course, the river flows northwest, parallel to the...
. Merged into NWP in 1907.
- San Francisco and San Rafael Railroad extended the SF&NP from San RafaelSan Rafael, CaliforniaSan Rafael is a city and the county seat of Marin County, California, United States. The city is located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area...
to TiburonTiburon, CaliforniaTiburon is an incorporated town in Marin County, California. It occupies most of the Tiburon Peninsula, which reaches south into the San Francisco Bay. The smaller city of Belvedere occupies the south-east part of the peninsula and is contiguous with Tiburon...
in 1884.
- San Rafael and San Quentin Railroad narrow gauge in operation in 1879.
- Santa Rosa, Sebastopol and Green Valley Railroad built the 6 miles (9.7 km) SF&NP branch from Santa RosaSanta Rosa, CaliforniaSanta Rosa is the county seat of Sonoma County, California, United States. The 2010 census reported a population of 167,815. Santa Rosa is the largest city in California's Wine Country and fifth largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area, after San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, and Fremont and 26th...
to SebastopolSebastopol, CaliforniaSebastopol is a city in Sonoma County, California, United States, approximately north of San Francisco. The population was 7,379 at the 2010 census, but its businesses also serve surrounding rural portions of Sonoma County, totaling about 50,000 people...
in 1890.
- Sonoma and Santa Rosa Railroad extended the Sonoma Valley narrow-gauge from SonomaSonoma, CaliforniaSonoma is a historically significant city in Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA, surrounding its historic town plaza, a remnant of the town's Mexican colonial past. It was the capital of the short-lived California Republic...
to Glen EllenGlen Ellen, CaliforniaGlen Ellen is a census-designated place in Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA. The population was 784 at the 2010 census, down from 992 at the 2000 census. Glen Ellen is the location of Jack London State Historic Park , Sonoma Valley Regional Park, and a former home of Hunter S....
in 1882.
- Sonoma Valley Prismoidal Railway was a early wooden monorail built from Petaluma RiverPetaluma RiverThe Petaluma River is a river in the California counties of Sonoma and Marin that becomes a tidal slough near its mouth. It springs from farmlands southwest of Cotati and flows generally southward through Petaluma's old town and of tidal marshes to end in northwest San Pablo Bay.-History:The word...
landing 5 miles (8 km) to Schellville in 1877 and converted to the narrow-gauge Sonoma Valley Railroad a year later.
- Sonoma Valley Railroad purchased Sonoma Valley Prismoidal Railway in 1878, converted it to a conventional gauge, and extended it into SonomaSonoma, CaliforniaSonoma is a historically significant city in Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA, surrounding its historic town plaza, a remnant of the town's Mexican colonial past. It was the capital of the short-lived California Republic...
in 1879. Extended from SonomaSonoma, CaliforniaSonoma is a historically significant city in Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA, surrounding its historic town plaza, a remnant of the town's Mexican colonial past. It was the capital of the short-lived California Republic...
to Glen EllenGlen Ellen, CaliforniaGlen Ellen is a census-designated place in Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA. The population was 784 at the 2010 census, down from 992 at the 2000 census. Glen Ellen is the location of Jack London State Historic Park , Sonoma Valley Regional Park, and a former home of Hunter S....
by the Sonoma & Glen Ellen in 1882. Extended from Sears Point landing to rail connection at Ignacio by Marin & Napa in 1888.
History
In the late 1800s both the Southern Pacific RailroadSouthern Pacific Railroad
The Southern Pacific Transportation Company , earlier Southern Pacific Railroad and Southern Pacific Company, and usually simply called the Southern Pacific or Espee, was an American railroad....
and the Santa Fe Railroad had great interests in building lines north from San Francisco to Humboldt County to tap into the rich logging industry up there. Both railroads planned on building a line north, the Santa Fe
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway , often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859...
starting with a boat connection in present-day Larkspur, California
Larkspur, California
Larkspur is a city in Marin County, California, United States. Larkspur is located south of San Rafael, at an elevation of . As of the 2010 Census, the city's population was 11,926. Larkspur is located north of San Francisco near Mount Tamalpais. Larkspur's Police Department is shared with that...
, and the Southern Pacific, starting at its interchange in American Canyon, up north through Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino and Humboldt counties to finally terminate in Eureka, California
Eureka, California
Eureka is the principal city and the county seat of Humboldt County, California, United States. Its population was 27,191 at the 2010 census, up from 26,128 at the 2000 census....
. It soon became clear though as plans went forward that only one railroad would make money in the Eel River
Eel River (California)
The Eel River is a major river system of the northern Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California. Approximately 200 miles long, it drains a rugged area in the California Coast Ranges between the Sacramento Valley and the ocean. For most of its course, the river flows northwest, parallel to the...
Caynon, and so the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe entered into a joint agreement, and in 1906 merged a total of 42 railroad companies between Marin and Humboldt Bay, to make one railroad line stretching from Schellville, California
Schellville, California
Schellville is an unincorporated community in Sonoma County, California, United States. Schellville is located at the junction of California State Route 12 and California State Route 121 south of Sonoma...
, to Eureka, California
Eureka, California
Eureka is the principal city and the county seat of Humboldt County, California, United States. Its population was 27,191 at the 2010 census, up from 26,128 at the 2000 census....
. The SP
SP
-Business and commerce:* SaskPower, a company in Canada* IATA airline designator for SATA Air Acores* SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden* Schering-Plough, a pharmaceutical company now merged with Merck & Co.* Southern Pacific Railroad reporting marks...
controlled the southern end of the line, from Willits down south to Marin and Schellville, while the AT&SF controlled the northern end, from Willits to Eureka. There were also dozens of miles of narrow gauge trackage in Marin, controlled by SP.
The railroad service became popular; a 1911 NWP time-table shows 10 passenger trains each way, plus dozens of freights.
In 1929, the AT&ST sold its half-interest to the Southern Pacific, making the NWP a full SP
SP
-Business and commerce:* SaskPower, a company in Canada* IATA airline designator for SATA Air Acores* SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden* Schering-Plough, a pharmaceutical company now merged with Merck & Co.* Southern Pacific Railroad reporting marks...
subsidiary.
Passenger service boomed until the 1930s, when improved roads and highways made traveling and shipping by motor vehicle more accessible, and by 1935, both freight and passenger service slowed to crawl because of the Great Depression. It did not pick up again until World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, when great demand for freight movement was needed. Freight service on the NWP picked up heavily again in the 1950s as a large increase in the demand for lumber came about due to the Housing Boom of the '50s.
During March 1958, all mainline passenger service was discontinued. Freight traffic remained high until the 1970s, when depletion of lumber and strong truck competition competed with the railroad, leading to less carloads.
By 1980, freight was still running in the Eel River
Eel River (California)
The Eel River is a major river system of the northern Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California. Approximately 200 miles long, it drains a rugged area in the California Coast Ranges between the Sacramento Valley and the ocean. For most of its course, the river flows northwest, parallel to the...
Canyon, between Willits and Eureka, at that time the most expensive stretch of rail line to be operational and maintained in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The NWP's parent company Southern Pacific began looking at cutting back its unprofitable branches and subsidiary lines, and the NWP was one of them. In September 1983, the SP announced that it was shutting down the maintenance-intensive NWP line north of Willits. This led to a contentious court battle due to the fact that the SP did not properly notify the Interstate Commerce Commission
Interstate Commerce Commission
The Interstate Commerce Commission was a regulatory body in the United States created by the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887. The agency's original purpose was to regulate railroads to ensure fair rates, to eliminate rate discrimination, and to regulate other aspects of common carriers, including...
of their intent to abandon the line. The line was ordered reopened by the U.S. Circuit Court in March 1984.
In 1984, the SP
SP
-Business and commerce:* SaskPower, a company in Canada* IATA airline designator for SATA Air Acores* SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden* Schering-Plough, a pharmaceutical company now merged with Merck & Co.* Southern Pacific Railroad reporting marks...
sold the North End, from Willits to Eureka, to Brian Whipple, who ran it as the Eureka Southern Railroad
Eureka Southern Railroad
The Eureka Southern Railroad was a shortline formed from the northern end of the Northwestern Pacific from Willits, California to Eureka, California.-Origin:...
. Although Whipple tried his best, the line was bankrupt within several years. In 1989, the North Coast Railroad Authority was founded by the California Legislature under the North Coast Railroad Authority Act, to save the NWP from total abandonment.
In 1992, what was left of the Eureka Southern was sold to the NCRA, who ran it under the "North Coast Railroad" until 1995, when severe flooding of the Eel River led to a almost total washout. The North End of the NWP has not been open since.
During that time, the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District began to purchase sections of the NWP's south end. The SP began to lease the line to the California Northern Railroad in 1993, until the entire south end was purchased by a combination of the GGBHTD and Marin and Sonoma Counties, which merged to together with the NCRA on April 30, 1996, forming complete transformation from the SP.
Using "Black Widow" GP9s and SD9s locomotives, the new NWP ran from 1996 until 1998, when money problems and management issues caused the line to nosedive. The line was shut down due to numerous washouts and unsafe portions of track. The NWP resumed survice in 2001, between Schellville and Cotati, but was shut down approximately one month later, under the first and only Emergency Order put into place by the Federal Railroad Authority.
Beginning as early as 2009, the NCRA began to rebuild and fix up the NWP between Schellville and Windsor, and in July of 2011 it resumed light freight service between those two points after many legal hurdles. Plans for the future include trains reaching Healdsburg by summer 2012, and Willits by 2014. The Eel River Canyon segment is still on the drawing board while awaiting a decision whether or not to rebuild the segment, due to extreme costs and a lack of possible business.
Route
NWP mileposts conform to Southern Pacific RailroadSouthern Pacific Railroad
The Southern Pacific Transportation Company , earlier Southern Pacific Railroad and Southern Pacific Company, and usually simply called the Southern Pacific or Espee, was an American railroad....
convention of distance from San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California
San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
:
- Milepost 40.4 - Schellville (formerly junction with SonomaSonoma, CaliforniaSonoma is a historically significant city in Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA, surrounding its historic town plaza, a remnant of the town's Mexican colonial past. It was the capital of the short-lived California Republic...
Branch)
- Milepost 28.7 - Black Point bridge over Petaluma RiverPetaluma RiverThe Petaluma River is a river in the California counties of Sonoma and Marin that becomes a tidal slough near its mouth. It springs from farmlands southwest of Cotati and flows generally southward through Petaluma's old town and of tidal marshes to end in northwest San Pablo Bay.-History:The word...
- Milepost 25.8 - Ignacio junction with San RafaelSan Rafael, CaliforniaSan Rafael is a city and the county seat of Marin County, California, United States. The city is located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area...
branch
- Milepost 27.8 - NovatoNovato, CaliforniaNovato is a city located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, in northern Marin County. Novato is located about north-northwest of San Rafael, at an elevation of 30 feet above sea level . The 2010 U.S. Census estimated the city population to be about 51,904. Novato is about ...
- Milepost 37.2 - bridge over Petaluma RiverPetaluma RiverThe Petaluma River is a river in the California counties of Sonoma and Marin that becomes a tidal slough near its mouth. It springs from farmlands southwest of Cotati and flows generally southward through Petaluma's old town and of tidal marshes to end in northwest San Pablo Bay.-History:The word...
- Milepost 38.5 - PetalumaPetaluma, CaliforniaPetaluma is a city in Sonoma County, California, in the United States. In the 2010 Census the population was 57,941.Located in Petaluma is the Rancho Petaluma Adobe, a National Historic Landmark. It was built beginning in 1836 by General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, then Commandant of the San...
- Milepost 46.1 - CotatiCotati, CaliforniaCotati is an incorporated city in Sonoma County, California, U.S.A., located about north of San Francisco in the 101 corridor between Rohnert Park and Petaluma....
- Milepost 53.8 - Santa RosaSanta Rosa, CaliforniaSanta Rosa is the county seat of Sonoma County, California, United States. The 2010 census reported a population of 167,815. Santa Rosa is the largest city in California's Wine Country and fifth largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area, after San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, and Fremont and 26th...
- Milepost 58.5 - Fulton (formerly junction with GuernevilleGuerneville, CaliforniaGuerneville is a town in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, California, USA. A popular vacation destination for couples and families as well as corporate retreats and family and friend reunions, Guerneville is well-known for its natural beauty, laid-back attitude, friendly population, good...
branch)
- Milepost 62.9 - WindsorWindsor, CaliforniaWindsor is an incorporated town in Sonoma County, California, United States. The population was 26,801 as of the 2010 census.-Geography:Windsor is located on U.S. Route 101 in the Russian River valley, about southeast of Healdsburg, California....
(Northern-most operationable and open point on NWP Today)
- Milepost 67.6 - bridge over Russian RiverRussian River (California)The Russian River, a southward-flowing river, drains of Sonoma and Mendocino counties in Northern California. With an annual average discharge of approximately , it is the second largest river flowing through the nine county Greater San Francisco Bay Area with a mainstem 110 miles ...
- Milepost 68 - HealdsburgHealdsburg, CaliforniaHealdsburg is a city located in Sonoma County, California, in the United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a population of 11,254...
- Milepost 75.8 - GeyservilleGeyserville, CaliforniaGeyserville is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Sonoma County, California, USA. Located in the Wine Country, it is noted by tourists for its restaurants, bed and breakfast inns, and wineries...
- Milepost 85.2 - CloverdaleCloverdale, CaliforniaCloverdale is a city in Sonoma County, California, United States. The San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad reached Cloverdale in 1872. The Cloverdale Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California is headquartered here...
- Milepost 100.1 - HoplandHopland, CaliforniaHopland is a census-designated place in Mendocino County, California. It is located on the west bank of the Russian River south-southeast of Ukiah, at an elevation of 502 feet . The population was 756 at the 2010 census....
- Milepost 114 - UkiahUkiah, CaliforniaThe average high temperature is 73.5 °F . Average low temperature is 46.1 °F . Temperatures reach 90 °F on an average of 65.6 days annually and 100 °F on an average of 14.4 days annually. Due to frequent low humidity, summer temperatures normally drop into the fifties at night. Freezing...
- Milepost 120 - CalpellaCalpella, CaliforniaCalpella is a census-designated place in Mendocino County, California. It is located on the Russian River north of Ukiah, at an elevation of 682 feet . It is within the Ukiah Valley where U.S. Route 101 and State Route 20 intersect. The population was 679 at the 2010 census...
- Milepost 122.1 - Redwood ValleyRedwood Valley, CaliforniaRedwood Valley is a census-designated place in Mendocino County, California. It is located southwest of Potter Valley, at an elevation of 722 feet . It comprises the northern portion of the Ukiah Valley. It is about 8 mi north of Ukiah and 12 mi south of Willits. Potter Valley is to...
- Milepost 131.4 - Ridge summit between Russian RiverRussian River (California)The Russian River, a southward-flowing river, drains of Sonoma and Mendocino counties in Northern California. With an annual average discharge of approximately , it is the second largest river flowing through the nine county Greater San Francisco Bay Area with a mainstem 110 miles ...
and Eel RiverEel River (California)The Eel River is a major river system of the northern Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California. Approximately 200 miles long, it drains a rugged area in the California Coast Ranges between the Sacramento Valley and the ocean. For most of its course, the river flows northwest, parallel to the...
drainages is highest point on line
- Milepost 139.5 - WillitsWillits, CaliforniaWillits is a city in Mendocino County, California, United States. Willits is located north-northwest of Ukiah, at an elevation of 1391 feet . The population was 4,888 at the 2010 census, down from 5,073 at the 2000 census. Willits is at the center of Mendocino County and its redwood forests...
interchange with (formerly Union Lumber Company) California Western RailroadCalifornia Western RailroadThe California Western Railroad , popularly called the Skunk Train, is a heritage railroad in Mendocino County, California, running from the railroad's headquarters in the coastal town of Fort Bragg, and the interchange with the Northwestern Pacific Railroad at Willits.The CWR runs steam and...
, which is still operational as a tourist line. Reconnection planned: 2014
- Milepost 166.5 - line enters Eel River CanyonEel River (California)The Eel River is a major river system of the northern Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California. Approximately 200 miles long, it drains a rugged area in the California Coast Ranges between the Sacramento Valley and the ocean. For most of its course, the river flows northwest, parallel to the...
at Dos Rios
- Milpost 194.8 - bridge over Eel RiverEel River (California)The Eel River is a major river system of the northern Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California. Approximately 200 miles long, it drains a rugged area in the California Coast Ranges between the Sacramento Valley and the ocean. For most of its course, the river flows northwest, parallel to the...
at south entrance of Island MountainIsland MountainIsland Mountain is a resistant formation of volcanic and metavolcanic rock in the Franciscan Assemblage of southwestern Trinity County. The Eel River makes an abrupt "S" curve around the mountain in its otherwise north-northwesterly flow between the California Coast Ranges.-History:Island Mountain...
tunnel
- Milepost 206.5 - bridge over Eel RiverEel River (California)The Eel River is a major river system of the northern Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California. Approximately 200 miles long, it drains a rugged area in the California Coast Ranges between the Sacramento Valley and the ocean. For most of its course, the river flows northwest, parallel to the...
- Milepost 209 - AlderpointAlderpoint, CaliforniaAlderpoint is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located east-northeast of Garberville. It lies at an elevation of 472 feet . The ZIP Code is 95511. The community is inside area code 707...
- Milepost 237.7 - South Fork bridge over Eel RiverEel River (California)The Eel River is a major river system of the northern Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California. Approximately 200 miles long, it drains a rugged area in the California Coast Ranges between the Sacramento Valley and the ocean. For most of its course, the river flows northwest, parallel to the...
- Milepost 255.6 - ScotiaScotia, CaliforniaScotia is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located south-southeast of Fortuna, at an elevation of 194 feet . The ZIP Code is 95565. The population was 850 at the 2010 census....
(formerly interchange with Pacific Lumber CompanyPacific Lumber CompanyThe Pacific Lumber Company, officially abbreviated PALCO, was one of California's major logging and sawmill operations, located south of Eureka and north of San Francisco. The once storied company and its historically positive relationship with conservationists begun in the 1920s was altered...
)
- Milepost 261.8 - bridge over Van Duzen RiverVan Duzen RiverThe Van Duzen River is a river on the north coast of California. It is a major tributary of the Eel River and drains , mostly in Humboldt County, with a small portion in Trinity County. The river travels from its headwaters on the west side of the North Coast Range to its confluence with the Eel...
- Milepost 262.7 - Alton junction with CarlottaCarlotta, CaliforniaCarlotta is an unincorporated community in Humboldt County, California. It is located southeast of Fortuna, at an elevation of 131 feet ....
Branch
- Milepost 266.1 - FortunaFortuna, CaliforniaFortuna is a city in western-central Humboldt County, California, United States. The population was 11,926 at the 2010 census, up from 10,497 at the 2000 census. The city lies on the northeast shore of the Eel River , and is on U.S...
- Milepost 271 - LoletaLoleta, CaliforniaLoleta is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located south of Fields Landing, at an elevation of 46 feet . The population was 783 at the 2010 census....
- Milepost 284.1 - EurekaEureka, CaliforniaEureka is the principal city and the county seat of Humboldt County, California, United States. Its population was 27,191 at the 2010 census, up from 26,128 at the 2000 census....
- Milepost 292.5 - ArcataArcata, California-Demographics:-2010 Census data:The 2010 United States Census reported that Arcata had a population of 17,231. The population density was 1,567.4 people per square mile...
- Milepost 295.2 - KorblexKorblex, CaliforniaKorblex is a locality in Humboldt County, California. It is located on the Arcata and Mad River Railroad north-northeast of Arcata, at an elevation of ....
(formerly interchange with Northern Redwood Company Arcata and Mad River RailroadArcata and Mad River RailroadThe Arcata and Mad River Railroad was affectionately known as the "Annie and Mary". AMR's predecessor, the Union Plank Walk, Rail Track, and Wharf Company, was incorporated on December 15, 1854, to provide access over the mud flats near the town of Union to ocean going shipping for a distance of...
)
- Milepost 300.5 - SamoaSamoa, CaliforniaSamoa is a census-designated place in Humboldt County, California. It is located northwest of Eureka, at an elevation of 23 feet . Samoa is located in the northern peninsula of Humboldt Bay and is the site of the Samoa Cookhouse, one of the last remaining original, lumber style cookhouses...
(formerly interchange with Hammond Lumber Company Humboldt Northern Railway)
North Coast Railroad Authority
In 1992, the North Coast Railroad Authority (NCRA) purchased the Eureka Southern and leased the line to the newly-formed North Coast Railroad. The NCRA was created by state law in 1989 to preserve the Northwestern Pacific line from future abandonment. In 1996, the North Coast RR and the former "south end", owned by the Southern Pacific RR, became the "new" Northwestern Pacific Railroad under public ownership. The goals of the new Northwestern Pacific Railroad include handling more freight by rail along the Highway 101 corridor, establishing passenger excursion trains, and eventually providing regular passenger commuter service. In 1998 the railroad, which had more than 208 damaged sites along 216 mi (347.6 km), became the first and only railroad in the United States to be officially closed by the Federal Railroad Administration. In January 2001, the NWP was reopened between Willits and Novato, but service was temporarily discontinued in September 2001 because the operator lacked capital to continue operations. The track from Lombard to Healdsburg is owned by the SMART District; the California Northern Railroad (CFNR) has trackage rights granted from Schellville to Willits.On May 31, 2006, NCRA announced that it had selected a new operator for the line. The winning bidder was NWP, Inc., led by CEO John H. Williams who had been instrumental in setting up Caltrain
Caltrain
Caltrain is a California commuter rail line on the San Francisco Peninsula and in the Santa Clara Valley in the United States. The northern terminus of the rail line is in San Francisco, at 4th and King streets; its southern terminus is in Gilroy...
service on the San Francisco
San Francisco, California
San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
Peninsula. NCRA announced approval of a 5-year contract with NWP Co. in September 2006. The new NWP currently operates the line from Eureka to Schellville over the length of the original route of the NWP.
By late 2007, the NCRA was granted 500 million dollars to restore the original line from Napa to Willits. With Marin and Sonoma counties' Measure Q passing in 2008, the new SMART Rail
Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit
The SMART or Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit project is a future passenger rail service and high density housing project in Northern California, USA, to serve Sonoma and Marin counties. The project was approved with passage of Measure "Q" by the voters in 2008 by the required 2/3 vote...
is being planned between Larkspur and Cloverdale. Operation is expected to commence in 2014.
The NCRA and Northwestern Pacific Railroad originally planned to start regular freight service on the line in late fall 2009,but a lawsuit filed by the City of Novato pushed the date back to early 2010. Work forces began tie and ballast reconstruction from Schellville to Windsor in 2009, and electric crews have replaced and worked on many of the railroad crossings. When the freight service comes back, the North Coast Rail Authority will run trains of eight cars or fewer, and carry no hazardous materials. Reballasting and replacement of bad ties between Schellville and Windsor was completed by October 2009, with Federal Railroad Authority (FRA) inspections due to be finished in early 2011. An earlier target date in 2010 was delayed when the Federal Railroad Administration ruled NCRA's petition to reopen the line was dependent upon approval from Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART), with whom the NWP will share some trackage. This ruling was reversed in November 2010, but the two authorities still must complete a joint-operating agreement before freight service can begin. NCRA hopes to have freight service resume all the way up to Willits by the year 2020.
In June 2011, the Northwestern Pacific reopened the line and began operations over the section of track between Napa and Windsor, California. Service consists of about three trips weekly over the line. The railroad has hauled grain for dairy and poultry farms in Sonoma County
Sonoma County, California
Sonoma County, located on the northern coast of the U.S. state of California, is the largest and northernmost of the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties. Its population at the 2010 census was 483,878. Its largest city and county seat is Santa Rosa....
, and lumber products. At Napa, the railroad has been exchanging freight with the California Northern Railroad in American Canyon
American Canyon, California
American Canyon is a city located in southern Napa County, California, northeast of San Francisco. It is part of the San Francisco Bay Area. The 2010 census reported the city's population at 19,454. Its zip code is 94503, and its area code is 707...
.
Steam Locomotives
| Number | Builder | Type | Date | Works number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-4-0 | 1884 | 7400 | ex-Eel River and Eureka Railroad Eel River and Eureka Railroad The Eel River and Eureka Railroad company was organized on November 14, 1882 by a group of Eureka businessmen led by John M. Vance .-History:... #2 then San Francisco and Northwestern Railway San Francisco and Northwestern Railway San Francisco and Northwestern Railway was a Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway subsidiary formed in 1903 to connect Humboldt Bay to the Santa Fe rail system.... #2 retired in 1916 |
| 2 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-4-0 | 1883 | 7013 | ex-Eel River and Eureka Railroad Eel River and Eureka Railroad The Eel River and Eureka Railroad company was organized on November 14, 1882 by a group of Eureka businessmen led by John M. Vance .-History:... #1 then San Francisco and Northwestern Railway San Francisco and Northwestern Railway San Francisco and Northwestern Railway was a Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway subsidiary formed in 1903 to connect Humboldt Bay to the Santa Fe rail system.... #1 retired in 1920 |
| 3 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-4-0 | 1887 | 8947 | ex-Los Angeles County Railroad #3 then Eureka and Klamath River Railroad #6 then Oregon and Eureka Railroad Oregon and Eureka Railroad Southern Pacific Transportation Company formed the Oregon and Eureka Railroad in 1903 in an agreement to use logging railroads as part of a line connecting Humboldt County sawmills with the national rail network. Northwestern Pacific Railroad offered service over the route from 1911 through 1933... #6 retired in 1923 |
| 4 | Norris Locomotive Works Norris Locomotive Works The Norris Locomotive Works was a steam locomotive manufacturing company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that produced about a thousand railroad engines between 1832 and 1866. It was the dominant American locomotive producer during most of that period, and even sold its popular 4-2-0 engines... |
4-4-0 | 1862 | 1009 | ex-San Francisco and San Jose Railroad #2 then San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #1 retired 1920 |
| 5 | Booth | 4-4-0 | 1873 | 17 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #5 scrapped 1911 |
| 6 | Booth | 4-4-0 | 1870 | 14 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #2 destroyed by boiler explosion 1915 |
| 7 | Booth | 4-4-0 | 1870 | 15 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #3 retired 1920 |
| 8 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-4-0 | 1881 | 5485 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #8 retired 1925 |
| 9 | Grant Locomotive Works Grant Locomotive Works Grant Locomotive Works was a manufacturer of steam railway locomotives from 1867 to 1895, first in Paterson, New Jersey and then in Chicago. The company built approximately 1,888 locomotives.-Predecessors:... |
4-4-0 | 1883 | 1664 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #9 reboilered 1917 retired 1938 |
| 10 | Grant Locomotive Works Grant Locomotive Works Grant Locomotive Works was a manufacturer of steam railway locomotives from 1867 to 1895, first in Paterson, New Jersey and then in Chicago. The company built approximately 1,888 locomotives.-Predecessors:... |
4-4-0 | 1883 | 1665 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #10 reboilered 1917 scrapped 1937 |
| 11 | Grant Locomotive Works Grant Locomotive Works Grant Locomotive Works was a manufacturer of steam railway locomotives from 1867 to 1895, first in Paterson, New Jersey and then in Chicago. The company built approximately 1,888 locomotives.-Predecessors:... |
4-4-0 | 1878 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #6 scrapped 1912 |
|
| 12 | Grant Locomotive Works Grant Locomotive Works Grant Locomotive Works was a manufacturer of steam railway locomotives from 1867 to 1895, first in Paterson, New Jersey and then in Chicago. The company built approximately 1,888 locomotives.-Predecessors:... |
4-4-0 | 1878 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #7 retired 1926 |
|
| 13 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-4-0 | 1875 | 3831 | ex-Santa Fe Railroad #07 then San Francisco and Northwestern Railway San Francisco and Northwestern Railway San Francisco and Northwestern Railway was a Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway subsidiary formed in 1903 to connect Humboldt Bay to the Santa Fe rail system.... retired 1929 |
| 14 | Grant Locomotive Works Grant Locomotive Works Grant Locomotive Works was a manufacturer of steam railway locomotives from 1867 to 1895, first in Paterson, New Jersey and then in Chicago. The company built approximately 1,888 locomotives.-Predecessors:... |
4-4-0 | 1888 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #14 reboilered 1915 retired 1926 |
|
| 15 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-4-0 | 1878 | 4416 | ex-New Mexico and Southern Pacific Railroad #203>#503 then Santa Fe Railroad #103>#049 then San Francisco and Northwestern Railway San Francisco and Northwestern Railway San Francisco and Northwestern Railway was a Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway subsidiary formed in 1903 to connect Humboldt Bay to the Santa Fe rail system.... #7 scrapped 1930 |
| 16 | Pennsylvania Railroad Pennsylvania Railroad The Pennsylvania Railroad was an American Class I railroad, founded in 1846. Commonly referred to as the "Pennsy", the PRR was headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.... |
4-4-0 | 1886 | 1031 | ex-Pennsylvania Railroad Pennsylvania Railroad The Pennsylvania Railroad was an American Class I railroad, founded in 1846. Commonly referred to as the "Pennsy", the PRR was headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.... #452 then Chicago, St. Louis and Pittsburgh Railroad #452 then Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad The Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad, commonly called the Pan Handle Route , was a railroad forming part of the Pennsylvania Railroad system. Its common name came from its main line west from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania across the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia... #8298>#298>#343 then Pacific Lumber Company Pacific Lumber Company The Pacific Lumber Company, officially abbreviated PALCO, was one of California's major logging and sawmill operations, located south of Eureka and north of San Francisco. The once storied company and its historically positive relationship with conservationists begun in the 1920s was altered... #3 then Eel River and Eureka Railroad Eel River and Eureka Railroad The Eel River and Eureka Railroad company was organized on November 14, 1882 by a group of Eureka businessmen led by John M. Vance .-History:... #4 then San Francisco and Northwestern Railway San Francisco and Northwestern Railway San Francisco and Northwestern Railway was a Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway subsidiary formed in 1903 to connect Humboldt Bay to the Santa Fe rail system.... #4 retired 1930 |
| 17 | Rogers Locomotive Works | 4-4-0 | 1889 | 4155 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #17 scrapped 1935 |
| 18 | Rogers Locomotive Works | 4-4-0 | 1889 | 4154 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #16 wrecked 1910 |
| 19 | Rogers Locomotive Works | 4-4-0 | 1884 | 3305 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #12 reboilered 1917 scrapped 1937 |
| 20 | Rogers Locomotive Works | 4-4-0 | 1884 | 3306 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #13 reboilered ~1916 retired ~1932 |
| 21 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-4-0 | 1904 | 24035 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #24 scrapped 1937 |
| 22-23 | American Locomotive Company American Locomotive Company The American Locomotive Company, often shortened to ALCO or Alco , was a builder of railroad locomotives in the United States.-Early history:... |
4-4-0 | 1908 | 44959-44960 | scrapped 1938 and 1949 |
| 51-54 | American Locomotive Company American Locomotive Company The American Locomotive Company, often shortened to ALCO or Alco , was a builder of railroad locomotives in the United States.-Early history:... |
4-4-0 | 1914 | 54580-54583 | scrapped 1938 |
| 99 | E. Jardine | 0-4-0T | 1887 | purchased by San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... 1898 sold 1910 North Bend Lumber Company |
|
| 101 | Rogers Locomotive Works | 4-6-0 | 1889 | 4212 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #18 scrapped 1928 |
| 102 | Grant Locomotive Works Grant Locomotive Works Grant Locomotive Works was a manufacturer of steam railway locomotives from 1867 to 1895, first in Paterson, New Jersey and then in Chicago. The company built approximately 1,888 locomotives.-Predecessors:... |
4-6-0 | 1888 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #15 retired 1929 |
|
| 103 | Richmond Locomotive Works Richmond Locomotive Works Richmond Locomotive Works was a steam locomotive manufacturing firm located in Richmond, Virginia. It began operation in 1887 and produced approximately 4,500 engines during its 40 years of operation... |
4-6-0 | 1901 | 3304 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #20 scrapped 1935 |
| 104 | Richmond Locomotive Works Richmond Locomotive Works Richmond Locomotive Works was a steam locomotive manufacturing firm located in Richmond, Virginia. It began operation in 1887 and produced approximately 4,500 engines during its 40 years of operation... |
4-6-0 | 1901 | 3303 | ex-California Northwestern Railway #31 scrapped 1936 |
| 105 | American Locomotive Company American Locomotive Company The American Locomotive Company, often shortened to ALCO or Alco , was a builder of railroad locomotives in the United States.-Early history:... |
4-6-0 | 1902 | 25620 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #21 scrapped 1934 |
| 106 | American Locomotive Company American Locomotive Company The American Locomotive Company, often shortened to ALCO or Alco , was a builder of railroad locomotives in the United States.-Early history:... |
4-6-0 | 1902 | 25621 | ex-California Northwestern Railway #32 then San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #25 scrapped 1934 |
| 107-108 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-6-0 | 1904 | 23933 & 23951 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #22-23 scrapped 1937 & 1948 |
| 109 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-6-0 | 1900 | 18179 | ex-California Northwestern Railroad #30 scrapped 1948 |
| 110 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-6-0 | 1900 | 17759 | ex-San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad provided the first extensive standard gauge rail service to Sonoma County and became the southern end of the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad... #19 scrapped 1937 |
| 111-114 | American Locomotive Company American Locomotive Company The American Locomotive Company, often shortened to ALCO or Alco , was a builder of railroad locomotives in the United States.-Early history:... |
4-6-0 | 1908 | 44955-44958 | #112 preserved California State Railroad Museum California State Railroad Museum The California State Railroad Museum is a museum in the state park system of California, USA, interpreting the role of the "iron horse" in connecting California to the rest of the nation. It is located in Old Sacramento at 111 I Street.... #114 wrecked 1946 #111 & 113 scrapped 1949 and 1947 |
| 130-133 | American Locomotive Company American Locomotive Company The American Locomotive Company, often shortened to ALCO or Alco , was a builder of railroad locomotives in the United States.-Early history:... |
4-6-0 | 1910 | 49089-49092 | scrapped 1938 |
| 134-135 | American Locomotive Company American Locomotive Company The American Locomotive Company, often shortened to ALCO or Alco , was a builder of railroad locomotives in the United States.-Early history:... |
4-6-0 | 1912 | 51536-51537 | scrapped 1940 |
| 136-141 | American Locomotive Company American Locomotive Company The American Locomotive Company, often shortened to ALCO or Alco , was a builder of railroad locomotives in the United States.-Early history:... |
4-6-0 | 1914 | 54578-54579 & 54975-54978 | scrapped 1940-57 |
| 142-143 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-6-0 | 1922 | 55356 & 55473 | scrapped 1953 |
| 170-172 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-6-0 | 1907 | 30105-30106 & 31094 | ex-Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad The Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad was a 197.9 mile railroad built by William A. Clark that ran northwest from a connection with the mainline of the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad at Las Vegas, Nevada to the gold mines at Goldfield... # 4, # 5 & # 8 purchased 1918 scrapped 1946-1950 |
| 178 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-6-0 | 1906 | 29726 | ex-Bullfrog Goldfield #13>#11 purchased 1917 scrapped 1954 |
| 179 | American Locomotive Company American Locomotive Company The American Locomotive Company, often shortened to ALCO or Alco , was a builder of railroad locomotives in the United States.-Early history:... |
4-6-0 | 1907 | 44753 | ex-Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad The Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad was a 197.9 mile railroad built by William A. Clark that ran northwest from a connection with the mainline of the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad at Las Vegas, Nevada to the gold mines at Goldfield... #12 purchased 1917 scrapped 1952 |
| 180-181 | American Locomotive Company American Locomotive Company The American Locomotive Company, often shortened to ALCO or Alco , was a builder of railroad locomotives in the United States.-Early history:... |
4-6-0 | 1914 | 54979-54980 | renumbered from #160-161 1918 scrapped 1952-1955 |
| 182-184 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-6-0 | 1922 | 55351 & 55470-55471 | # 184 destroyed in Scotia Bluffs slide 1953 - others scrapped 1955 |
| 201-202 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
2-6-2T | 1903 | 22446 & 22474 | ex-California Northwestern Railway #33-34 tenders added 1910 scrapped 1930-1937 |
| 225 | H. K. Porter, Inc H. K. Porter, Inc H. K. Porter, Inc. manufactured light-duty railroad locomotives in the USA, starting in 1866. The company became the largest producer of industrial locomotives, and built almost eight thousand of them... |
2-4-2T | 1887 | 905 | ex-National City and Otay Railroad #5 then Fort Bragg and Southeastern Railroad Fort Bragg and Southeastern Railroad The Fort Bragg and Southeastern Railroad was formed by Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway as a consolidation of logging company railways on the coast of Mendocino County, California. The line was merged into the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad in 1907; but planned physical connection was... #1 scrapped 1937 |
| 226 | Hinkley Locomotive Works Hinkley Locomotive Works Hinkley Locomotive Works was one of a number of railroad steam locomotive manufacturers of the United States in the 19th century.-History:The company that was to become known as Hinkley Locomotive Works got its start in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1831. Holmes Hinkley and his partner Daniel F... |
0-6-0 | 1880 | ex-Santa Fe Railroad #122>#2232 then Fort Bragg and Southeastern Railroad Fort Bragg and Southeastern Railroad The Fort Bragg and Southeastern Railroad was formed by Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway as a consolidation of logging company railways on the coast of Mendocino County, California. The line was merged into the regional Northwestern Pacific Railroad in 1907; but planned physical connection was... #2 scrapped 1910 |
|
| 227-228 | American Locomotive Company American Locomotive Company The American Locomotive Company, often shortened to ALCO or Alco , was a builder of railroad locomotives in the United States.-Early history:... |
0-6-0 | 1910 | 48037-48038 | scrapped 1948-1949 |
| 229-231 | American Locomotive Company American Locomotive Company The American Locomotive Company, often shortened to ALCO or Alco , was a builder of railroad locomotives in the United States.-Early history:... |
0-6-0 | 1914 | 54981-54983 | scrapped 1948-1950 |
| 251 | Lima Locomotive Works Lima Locomotive Works Lima Locomotive Works was an American firm that manufactured railroad locomotives from the 1870s through the 1950s. The company took the most distinctive part of its name from its main shops location in Lima, Ohio. The shops were located between the Baltimore & Ohio's Cincinnati-Toledo main line... |
Shay locomotive Shay locomotive The Shay locomotive was the most widely used geared steam locomotive. The locomotives were built to the patents of Ephraim Shay, who has been credited with the popularization of the concept of a geared steam locomotive... |
21 September 1904 | 909 | ex-Northwestern Redwood Company #1 then California Northwestern Railway 2nd #32; leased to Northwestern Redwood Company of Willits, California Willits, California Willits is a city in Mendocino County, California, United States. Willits is located north-northwest of Ukiah, at an elevation of 1391 feet . The population was 4,888 at the 2010 census, down from 5,073 at the 2000 census. Willits is at the center of Mendocino County and its redwood forests... ; leased to Portland, Eugene and Eastern Railroad; sold 1935 to Washington construction firm |
| 255 | Heisler | Heisler | 1912 | 1254 | ex-Jordan River Lumber Company #7 then Horseshoe Lumber Company #7 purchased 1922 sold Shaw Bertram Lumber Company 1924 |
| 300 | Cooke Locomotive Works | 2-6-0 | 1901 | 2624 | ex-Southern Pacific Railroad Southern Pacific Railroad The Southern Pacific Transportation Company , earlier Southern Pacific Railroad and Southern Pacific Company, and usually simply called the Southern Pacific or Espee, was an American railroad.... #2140>#1714 leased 1929 retired 1934 |
| 301 | Cooke Locomotive Works | 2-6-0 | 1901 | 2626 | ex-Southern Pacific Railroad Southern Pacific Railroad The Southern Pacific Transportation Company , earlier Southern Pacific Railroad and Southern Pacific Company, and usually simply called the Southern Pacific or Espee, was an American railroad.... #2142>#1716 leased 1929 retired 1934 |
| 351 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
2-6-0 | 1887 | 8776 | ex-Eel River and Eureka Railroad Eel River and Eureka Railroad The Eel River and Eureka Railroad company was organized on November 14, 1882 by a group of Eureka businessmen led by John M. Vance .-History:... #3 then San Francisco and Northwestern Railway San Francisco and Northwestern Railway San Francisco and Northwestern Railway was a Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway subsidiary formed in 1903 to connect Humboldt Bay to the Santa Fe rail system.... #3 renumbered from #151 1914 scrapped 1916 |
| 352 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
2-6-0 | 1886 | 8092 | ex-Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad #65>#314 then Santa Fe Railroad #0179 then San Francisco and Northwestern Railway San Francisco and Northwestern Railway San Francisco and Northwestern Railway was a Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway subsidiary formed in 1903 to connect Humboldt Bay to the Santa Fe rail system.... #5 renumbered from #152 1914 scrapped 1929 |
| 353-354 | American Locomotive Company American Locomotive Company The American Locomotive Company, often shortened to ALCO or Alco , was a builder of railroad locomotives in the United States.-Early history:... |
2-6-0 | 1908 | 45284-45285 | renumbered from #153-154 1914 scrapped 1935 |
Diesel Locomotives
| Number | Builder | Type | Date | Works number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1922 | EMD | GP9 EMD GP9 An EMD GP9 is a four-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division in the United States, and General Motors Diesel in Canada between January, 1954, and August, 1963. US production ended in December, 1959, while an additional thirteen units were built in Canada, including... |
195? | Unknown | Ex-Burlington Northern, to NWP 2011. In Service o/o Schellville. |
| 2009 | Railpower | Genset | Unknown | Unknown | Leased RJ Coreman; In Service out of Schellville. |
| 70 | Electro-Motive Diesel | GP7 EMD GP7 The EMD GP7 is a four-axle diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division and General Motors Diesel between October, 1949 and May, 1954. Power was provided by an EMD 567B 16-cylinder engine which generated . The GP7 was offered both with and without control cabs, and... |
5/1953 | 18418 5250-10 | ex-NCRR 70; ex-EUKA 70; ex-CCT 70; nee RDG 618 1996 1998 stored out of service (Eureka, CA) |
| 2872 | Electro-Motive Diesel | GP9E EMD GP9 An EMD GP9 is a four-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division in the United States, and General Motors Diesel in Canada between January, 1954, and August, 1963. US production ended in December, 1959, while an additional thirteen units were built in Canada, including... |
1956 | 22897 ? | ex-NCRR 2872; ex-SP 2872 1996 1998 stored out of service (Eureka, CA) |
| 3190 | Electro-Motive Diesel | GP9E EMD GP9 An EMD GP9 is a four-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division in the United States, and General Motors Diesel in Canada between January, 1954, and August, 1963. US production ended in December, 1959, while an additional thirteen units were built in Canada, including... |
1955 | 19980 ? | ex-NCRR 3190; ex-SP 3190 1996 1998 stored out of service (Eureka, CA) |
| 3779 | Electro-Motive Diesel | GP9E EMD GP9 An EMD GP9 is a four-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division in the United States, and General Motors Diesel in Canada between January, 1954, and August, 1963. US production ended in December, 1959, while an additional thirteen units were built in Canada, including... |
1957 | 22922 ? | ex-NCRR 3779; ex-SP 3779 1996 1998 stored out of service (Eureka, CA) |
| 3786 | Electro-Motive Diesel | GP9E EMD GP9 An EMD GP9 is a four-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division in the United States, and General Motors Diesel in Canada between January, 1954, and August, 1963. US production ended in December, 1959, while an additional thirteen units were built in Canada, including... |
1957 | 22945 ? | ex-NCRR 3786; ex-SP 3786 1996 c.1998 disposition unknown |
| 3804 | Electro-Motive Diesel | GP9E EMD GP9 An EMD GP9 is a four-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division in the United States, and General Motors Diesel in Canada between January, 1954, and August, 1963. US production ended in December, 1959, while an additional thirteen units were built in Canada, including... |
1957 | 22943 ? | ex-NCRR 3804; ex-SP 3804 1996 c.1998 disposition unknown |
| 3825 | Electro-Motive Diesel | GP9 EMD GP9 An EMD GP9 is a four-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division in the United States, and General Motors Diesel in Canada between January, 1954, and August, 1963. US production ended in December, 1959, while an additional thirteen units were built in Canada, including... |
4/1959 | 25133 5595-34 | ex-SP 3825; ex-SP 3696; nee SP 5833 1996 ? to OMLX 3825; out of service (Loveland, CO) |
| 3840 | Electro-Motive Diesel | GP9E EMD GP9 An EMD GP9 is a four-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division in the United States, and General Motors Diesel in Canada between January, 1954, and August, 1963. US production ended in December, 1959, while an additional thirteen units were built in Canada, including... |
2/1959 | 25146 5596-2 | ex-SP 3840; ex-SP 3654; nee TNO 450 1996 199x to OMLX 3840; to RailServe (Prentiss, AB) 3840, 2000 |
| 3844 | Electro-Motive Diesel | GP9 EMD GP9 An EMD GP9 is a four-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division in the United States, and General Motors Diesel in Canada between January, 1954, and August, 1963. US production ended in December, 1959, while an additional thirteen units were built in Canada, including... |
1959 | 25137 ? | ex-SP 3844; ex-SP 3700; nee SP 5837 1996 1997 wrecked, 1997; Stored out of service (Willits, California) |
| 3850 | Electro-Motive Diesel | GP9 EMD GP9 An EMD GP9 is a four-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division in the United States, and General Motors Diesel in Canada between January, 1954, and August, 1963. US production ended in December, 1959, while an additional thirteen units were built in Canada, including... |
1959 | 25116 ? | ex-SP 3850; ex-SP 3679; nee SP 5816 1996 1997 wrecked, 1997; Stored Out of Service (Willits California |
| 3857 | Electro-Motive Diesel | GP9E EMD GP9 An EMD GP9 is a four-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division in the United States, and General Motors Diesel in Canada between January, 1954, and August, 1963. US production ended in December, 1959, while an additional thirteen units were built in Canada, including... |
1959 | 25139 ? | ex-NCRR 3857; ex-SP 3857 1996 1998 stored out of service (Eureka, CA) |
| 4323 | Electro-Motive Diesel | SD9 EMD SD9 An EMD SD9 is a 6-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between January 1954 and June 1959. Power was provided by an EMD 567C 16-cylinder engine which generated . This model is, externally, similar to its predecessor, the SD7. The principal spotting feature are the... |
1954 | 19440 ? | ex-SP 4323; ex-SP 3812; nee SP 5351 ? c.1998 disposition unknown |
| 4324 | Electro-Motive Diesel | SD9 EMD SD9 An EMD SD9 is a 6-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between January 1954 and June 1959. Power was provided by an EMD 567C 16-cylinder engine which generated . This model is, externally, similar to its predecessor, the SD7. The principal spotting feature are the... |
1954 | 19441 5322-13 | ex-SP 4324; ex-SP 3813; nee SP 5352 1996 ? to OMLX 4324 |
| 4327 | Electro-Motive Diesel | SD9 EMD SD9 An EMD SD9 is a 6-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between January 1954 and June 1959. Power was provided by an EMD 567C 16-cylinder engine which generated . This model is, externally, similar to its predecessor, the SD7. The principal spotting feature are the... |
1955 | 20229 ? | ex-SP 4327; ex-SP 3856; nee SP 5378 1996 ? to OMLX 4327 |
| 4423 | Electro-Motive Diesel | SD9 EMD SD9 An EMD SD9 is a 6-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between January 1954 and June 1959. Power was provided by an EMD 567C 16-cylinder engine which generated . This model is, externally, similar to its predecessor, the SD7. The principal spotting feature are the... |
1956 | 21297 5435-9 | ex-SP 4423; ex-SP 3946; nee SP 5472 1996 ? to OMLX 4423 |
| 5305 | Electro-Motive Diesel | SD9 EMD SD9 An EMD SD9 is a 6-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between January 1954 and June 1959. Power was provided by an EMD 567C 16-cylinder engine which generated . This model is, externally, similar to its predecessor, the SD7. The principal spotting feature are the... |
1957 | 22808 ? | nee DRGW 5305 1996 ? to OMLX 5305 |
| 6595 | Electro-Motive Diesel | GP35 EMD GP35 An EMD GP35 is a 4-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between July 1963 and December 1965 and by General Motors Diesel between May 1964 and January 1966. Power was provided by an EMD 567D3A 16-cylinder engine which generated .Many railroads traded in Alco and... |
1964 | 29569 ? | OMLX 6595; ex-SP 6595; nee SP 7483:1 1996 1996 to OMLX 6595, 1996; to HBRY 2502, 1997 |
| 6600 | Electro-Motive Diesel | GP35 EMD GP35 An EMD GP35 is a 4-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between July 1963 and December 1965 and by General Motors Diesel between May 1964 and January 1966. Power was provided by an EMD 567D3A 16-cylinder engine which generated .Many railroads traded in Alco and... |
1964 | 29705 ? | OMLX 6600; ex-SP 6600; nee SP 7703 1996 1996 to OMLX 6600, 1996; to HBRY 2503, 1997 |
Narrow-Gauge Line
The NWP -gauge line was built as the North Pacific Coast RailroadNorth Pacific Coast Railroad
The North Pacific Coast Railroad was a common carrier narrow gauge steam railroad begun in 1874 and sold in 1902 to new owners who renamed it the North Shore Railroad and which rebuilt the southern section into a standard gauge electric railroad.The NPC operated in the northern California...
in 1873 from a San Francisco
San Francisco, California
San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
ferry connection at Sausalito
Sausalito, California
Sausalito is a San Francisco Bay Area city, in Marin County, California, United States. Sausalito is south-southeast of San Rafael, at an elevation of 13 feet . The population was 7,061 as of the 2010 census. The community is situated near the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, and prior to...
to the Russian River
Russian River (California)
The Russian River, a southward-flowing river, drains of Sonoma and Mendocino counties in Northern California. With an annual average discharge of approximately , it is the second largest river flowing through the nine county Greater San Francisco Bay Area with a mainstem 110 miles ...
at Monte Rio
Monte Rio, California
Monte Rio is a census-designated place in Sonoma County, California along the Russian River near the Pacific Ocean. The town of Guerneville lies east of Monte Rio, and Jenner is slightly north-west. The population was 1,152 at the 2010 census, up from 1,104 at the 2000 census...
. Rails were extended downriver to Duncans Mills
Duncans Mills, California
Duncans Mills is an unincorporated town located in Sonoma County, California.-Geography:Duncans Mills is located at on the Russian River about from the Pacific Ocean...
in 1876, and up Austin Creek to Cazadero
Cazadero, California
Cazadero is an unincorporated town and census-designated place in western Sonoma County, California, United States with a population of 354 as of the 2010 Census. Nearby towns include Jenner, Annapolis, Stewart's Point, Duncans Mills, Villa Grande, Rio Nido, Guerneville, Monte Rio, and The Sea Ranch...
in 1886. This narrow-gauge line became the Shore Division of the NWP formed by Santa Fe and Southern Pacific
Southern Pacific Railroad
The Southern Pacific Transportation Company , earlier Southern Pacific Railroad and Southern Pacific Company, and usually simply called the Southern Pacific or Espee, was an American railroad....
in 1907. The standard-gauge NWP Guerneville
Guerneville, California
Guerneville is a town in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, California, USA. A popular vacation destination for couples and families as well as corporate retreats and family and friend reunions, Guerneville is well-known for its natural beauty, laid-back attitude, friendly population, good...
branch was extended to Monte Rio in 1907 and the line from Monte Rio to Duncans Mills was dual-gauged in 1909. Summer tourists from San Francisco visited Russian River vacation spots via joint narrow-gauge/standard-gauge NWP "triangle" excursions until automobile travel became more popular. The southern end of the line was standard-gauged from San Francisco Bay
San Francisco Bay
San Francisco Bay is a shallow, productive estuary through which water draining from approximately forty percent of California, flowing in the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers from the Sierra Nevada mountains, enters the Pacific Ocean...
to Point Reyes Station
Point Reyes Station, California
Point Reyes Station is small unincorporated town located in western Marin County, California. Point Reyes Station is located south-southeast of Tomales, at an elevation of . Point Reyes Station is located along State Route 1 and is a gateway to the Point Reyes National Seashore, an extremely...
at the head of Tomales Bay
Tomales Bay
Tomales Bay is a long narrow inlet of the Pacific Ocean in Marin County in northern California in the United States. It is approximately 15 miles long and averages nearly 1.0 miles wide, effectively separating the Point Reyes Peninsula from the mainland of Marin County. It is located...
in 1920. The line up Austin Creek to Cazadero was standard-gauged in 1926. The remaining line from Monte Rio to Point Reyes Station was dismantled in 1930.
Route
Mileposts conform to Southern Pacific RailroadSouthern Pacific Railroad
The Southern Pacific Transportation Company , earlier Southern Pacific Railroad and Southern Pacific Company, and usually simply called the Southern Pacific or Espee, was an American railroad....
convention of distance from San Francisco
- Milepost 6.5 - SausalitoSausalito, CaliforniaSausalito is a San Francisco Bay Area city, in Marin County, California, United States. Sausalito is south-southeast of San Rafael, at an elevation of 13 feet . The population was 7,061 as of the 2010 census. The community is situated near the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, and prior to...
- Milepost 11.7 - tunnel 1
- Milepost 12.6 - Corte MaderaCorte Madera, CaliforniaCorte Madera is an incorporated town in Marin County, California, United States. Corte Madera is located south of San Rafael, at an elevation of 39 feet . The population was 9,253 at the 2010 census...
- Milepost 13.4 - LarkspurLarkspur, CaliforniaLarkspur is a city in Marin County, California, United States. Larkspur is located south of San Rafael, at an elevation of . As of the 2010 Census, the city's population was 11,926. Larkspur is located north of San Francisco near Mount Tamalpais. Larkspur's Police Department is shared with that...
- Milepost 14.7 - KentfieldKentfield, CaliforniaKentfield is a census-designated place in Marin County, California, United States, just north of San Francisco. Kentfield is located on the Northwestern Pacific Railroad southwest of downtown San Rafael, at an elevation of 115 feet . The population was 6,485 at the 2010 census...
- Milepost 16.5 - Junction later known as San AnselmoSan Anselmo, CaliforniaSan Anselmo is an incorporated town in Marin County, California, in the western United States. San Anselmo is located west of San Rafael, at an elevation of 46 feet . It is located about north of San Francisco. Neighboring towns include San Rafael to the east, Fairfax to the west, and Ross to the...
- Milepost 18.3 - FairfaxFairfax, CaliforniaFairfax is an incorporated town in Marin County, California, United States. Fairfax is located west-northwest of San Rafael, at an elevation of 115 feet...
- Milepost 20.7 - tunnel 2
- Milepost 23.1 - NicasioNicasio, CaliforniaNicasio is a census-designated place in Marin County, California. It is located west-southwest of Novato, at an elevation of 194 feet . The population was 96 at the 2010 census....
- Milepost 27 - bridge over Paper Mill Creek and highway
- Milepost 35.6 - Arroyo San Geronimo trestle
- Milepost 36.4 - Point Reyes StationPoint Reyes Station, CaliforniaPoint Reyes Station is small unincorporated town located in western Marin County, California. Point Reyes Station is located south-southeast of Tomales, at an elevation of . Point Reyes Station is located along State Route 1 and is a gateway to the Point Reyes National Seashore, an extremely...
- Milepost 45.4 - MarshallMarshall, CaliforniaMarshall is an unincorporated community in Marin County, California. It is located on the northeast shore of Tomales Bay south of Tomales, at an elevation of 23 feet .Marshall is located on the east shore of Tomales Bay...
- Milepost 50.5 - bridge over Keyes Creek
- Milepost 51.9 - tunnel 3
- Milepost 53.1 - TomalesTomales, CaliforniaTomales is a census-designated place on State Route 1 in Marin County, California, United States. The population was 204 at the 2010 census. The largest employer in Tomales is Tomales High School, which has a student body of approximately 250.-Geography:Tomales is located above Keys Creek,...
- Milepost 53.7 - tunnel 4
- Milepost 54.9 - Stemple CreekStemple CreekStemple Creek is a long, westward-flowing stream in the California counties of Sonoma and Marin, which feeds into the Estero de San Antonio. Its waters ultimately reach Bodega Bay, part of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary on the Pacific Ocean.-Course:Stemple Creek springs from...
trestle
- Milepost 58.8 - Estero Americano Creek trestle
- Milepost 59.5 - Valley FordValley Ford, CaliforniaValley Ford is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in western Sonoma County, California, United States. It is located on State Route 1 in an area of rolling hills about 75 minutes north of San Francisco by automobile...
- Milepost 61.9 - Ebabias Creek trestle
- Milepost 62.2 - Bodega Road crossing
- Milepost 62.7 - Salmon CreekSalmon Creek (Sonoma County, California)Salmon Creek is an stream in western Sonoma County, California that springs from coastal hills west of the town of Occidental and empties into the Pacific Ocean north of Bodega Head.-Course:...
trestle
- Milepost 63.7 - FreestoneFreestone, CaliforniaFreestone is a small, unincorporated community in Sonoma County, California, USA located at the intersection of Bohemian Highway and Bodega Highway. It's west of Sebastopol along Salmon Creek on the U.S...
- Milepost 65.2 - Salmon CreekSalmon Creek (Sonoma County, California)Salmon Creek is an stream in western Sonoma County, California that springs from coastal hills west of the town of Occidental and empties into the Pacific Ocean north of Bodega Head.-Course:...
trestle
- Milepost 66.9 - Brown Creek trestle (this 142 feet (43.3 m) high trestle was reputedly the highest of its kind in the United States when built in 1876)
- Milepost 67.6 - OccidentalOccidental, CaliforniaOccidental is a census-designated place in Sonoma County, California, United States. The population was 1,115 at the 2010 census, down from 1,272 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Occidental is located at...
- Milepost 68.7 - Maquire Creek trestle
- Milepost 69.0 - Camp MeekerCamp Meeker, CaliforniaCamp Meeker, California is an unincorporated village located on the Bohemian Highway, between Occidental and Monte Rio. It has approximately 350 homes on properties ranging from a couple thousand square feet to many acres, some flat and sunny, some on steep narrow gauge railroad type one-way streets...
- Milepost 70.5 - Larry Creek trestle
- Milepost 70.8 - bridge over Dutch Bill Creek
- Milepost 71 - tunnel 5
- Milepost 71.6 - bridge over Dutch Bill Creek
- Milepost 71.7 - bridge over highway
- Milepost 73.8 - Monte RioMonte Rio, CaliforniaMonte Rio is a census-designated place in Sonoma County, California along the Russian River near the Pacific Ocean. The town of Guerneville lies east of Monte Rio, and Jenner is slightly north-west. The population was 1,152 at the 2010 census, up from 1,104 at the 2000 census...
- Milepost 77 - bridge over Russian RiverRussian River (California)The Russian River, a southward-flowing river, drains of Sonoma and Mendocino counties in Northern California. With an annual average discharge of approximately , it is the second largest river flowing through the nine county Greater San Francisco Bay Area with a mainstem 110 miles ...
- Milepost 77.1 - Duncans MillsDuncans Mills, CaliforniaDuncans Mills is an unincorporated town located in Sonoma County, California.-Geography:Duncans Mills is located at on the Russian River about from the Pacific Ocean...
- Milepost 82.1 - bridge over Austin CreekAustin CreekAustin Creek is a southward-flowing stream in the mountains of western Sonoma County, California which empties into the Russian River about from the Pacific Ocean.-Course:...
- Milepost 84.3 - CazaderoCazadero, CaliforniaCazadero is an unincorporated town and census-designated place in western Sonoma County, California, United States with a population of 354 as of the 2010 Census. Nearby towns include Jenner, Annapolis, Stewart's Point, Duncans Mills, Villa Grande, Rio Nido, Guerneville, Monte Rio, and The Sea Ranch...
(D.H.McEwen Lumber Company operated narrow-gauge 2-cylinder Shay locomotiveShay locomotiveThe Shay locomotive was the most widely used geared steam locomotive. The locomotives were built to the patents of Ephraim Shay, who has been credited with the popularization of the concept of a geared steam locomotive...
C/N 1823 at Cazadero briefly beginning in 1906)
Locomotives
| Number | Builder | Type | Date | Works number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-4-0 | 1876 | 3842 | ex-NPC/NS/NWP #11 scrapped 1911 |
| 83 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-4-0 | 1875 | 3722 | ex-NPC/NS/NWP #3 scrapped 1913 |
| 84 | NPC Sausalito Shop | 4-4-0 | 1900 | 1 | ex-NPC/NS/NWP #20 retired 1920 scrapped 1924 |
| 85 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-4-0 | 1884 | 7249 | ex-South Pacific Coast Railroad South Pacific Coast Railroad The South Pacific Coast Railroad was a narrow gauge steam railroad running between Santa Cruz, California and Alameda, with a ferry connection in Alameda to San Francisco. The railroad was created as the Santa Clara Valley Railroad, founded by local strawberry growers as a way to get their crops... #14 wrecked |
| 86 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-4-0 | 1884 | 7236 | ex-South Pacific Coast Railroad South Pacific Coast Railroad The South Pacific Coast Railroad was a narrow gauge steam railroad running between Santa Cruz, California and Alameda, with a ferry connection in Alameda to San Francisco. The railroad was created as the Santa Clara Valley Railroad, founded by local strawberry growers as a way to get their crops... #15 then NWP #19>#86 sold Duncan Mills Land & Lumber Company 1920 scrapped 1926 |
| 87 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-4-0 | 1880 | 4960 | ex-South Pacific Coast Railroad South Pacific Coast Railroad The South Pacific Coast Railroad was a narrow gauge steam railroad running between Santa Cruz, California and Alameda, with a ferry connection in Alameda to San Francisco. The railroad was created as the Santa Clara Valley Railroad, founded by local strawberry growers as a way to get their crops... #10 then NWP #10>#87 scrapped 1917 |
| 90 | Brooks Locomotive Works Brooks Locomotive Works The Brooks Locomotive Works manufactured steam railroad locomotives and freight cars from 1869 through its merger into the American Locomotive Company until 1934.-History:... |
4-4-0 | 1891 | 1886 | ex-NPC/NS/NWP #15 operated last narrow-gauge NWP train in 1930 scrapped 1935 |
| 91 | Brooks Locomotive Works Brooks Locomotive Works The Brooks Locomotive Works manufactured steam railroad locomotives and freight cars from 1869 through its merger into the American Locomotive Company until 1934.-History:... |
4-4-0 | 1894 | 2421 | ex-NPC/NS/NWP #16 scrapped 1935 |
| 92 | Brooks Locomotive Works Brooks Locomotive Works The Brooks Locomotive Works manufactured steam railroad locomotives and freight cars from 1869 through its merger into the American Locomotive Company until 1934.-History:... |
4-4-0 | 1891 | 1885 | ex-NPC/NS/NWP #14 retired 1926 scrapped 1935 |
| 93 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-4-0 | 1884 | 7249 | 1924 rebuild of wrecked #85 scrapped 1935 |
| 94 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
4-6-0 | 1887 | 8486 | ex-South Pacific Coast Railroad South Pacific Coast Railroad The South Pacific Coast Railroad was a narrow gauge steam railroad running between Santa Cruz, California and Alameda, with a ferry connection in Alameda to San Francisco. The railroad was created as the Santa Clara Valley Railroad, founded by local strawberry growers as a way to get their crops... #20 then NWP #21>#144>#94 scrapped 1935 |
| 95 | Brooks Locomotive Works Brooks Locomotive Works The Brooks Locomotive Works manufactured steam railroad locomotives and freight cars from 1869 through its merger into the American Locomotive Company until 1934.-History:... |
4-6-0 | 1899 | 3418 | ex-NPC/NS/NWP #18 then NWP #145>#95 retired 1929 scrapped 1935 |
| 195 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
2-6-0 | 1883 | 6611 | ex-NPC/NS/NWP #13 scrapped 1912 |
| 321 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
2-8-0 | 1880 | 4974 | ex-Denver and Rio Grande Railroad #44 then NS/NWP #40 scrapped 1912 |
| 322 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
2-8-0 | 1885 | 7676 | ex-Hancock and Calumet Railroad #2 then Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railroad #33 then NS/NWP #33 scrapped 1914 |
| 323 | Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
2-8-0 | 1885 | 7677 | ex-Hancock and Calumet Railroad #3 then Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railroad #31 then NS/NWP #31 scrapped 1912 |
External links
- North Coast Railroad Authority Current owner of the "new" Northwestern Pacific
- Northwestern Pacific Railroad Historical Society A non-profit California corporation dedicated to preserving the heritage of Redwood Empire railroading
- Railroads and the Redwood Empire Lots of NWP Pictures
- Northwestern Pacific Today A record of the rehabilitation and operation of the NWP starting in 2009
- Northwestern Pacific Railroad Network A social network dedicated to sharing the heritage of Redwood Empire railroading
- Northwestern Pacific Railroad Company The official website of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad