Coastal Starlight
Journey time: around 35 hours from LA to Seattle by train.
Amtrak’s ‘Coast Starlight’ service runs up the west coast of America between LA and Seattle lays claim to being one of the most scenic rail trips in the USA. From California, through Oregon into Washington, you’ll see forests, valleys, snow-covered peaks and spectacular sections of the Pacific Coastline from the comfort of a luxury seat or sleeper cabin.
The route runs from LA, through Santa Barbara, on to Oakland, Sacramento, Redding, Eugene and then into Oregon. Salem and Portland are next before you reach Seattle, from where you could take a ferry up to Vancouver. You can book a seat, a room or a family room and there is a dining car to keep you well fed. Helen drove this route and explains much of the scenery you can experience from the comfort of the train.