The Empire Builder is easily one of America's most iconic trains. It runs between Portland, Oregon or Seattle, Washington and Chicago, Illinois. A total of 2200 miles across the northernmost territories of the United States, crossed in 45 hours.
As part of Amtrak's Buy One Bring One Sale this past spring, Thom and Bear were able to score a coach ticket for just $70 each. This is a great deal, and it was an amazing experience.
In part 1, we board the train in Portland, and head towards Spokane, WA. On the first day of the trip, passengers are treated to otherworldly views of the Columbia River. Added bonus: the Portland segment gets the Observation Car! We end the night in Spokane, where both sections combine to form one long train to Chicago.
You won't want to miss this amazing trip report. Parts 2 and 3 will be released over the next two weeks.

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Chapters
0:00 Introduction
1:06 Portland Union Station
2:31 Our Route Today
3:17 Boarding the Empire Builder
3:56 Seat Review
5:04 Departure from Portland & Cascades Talgo Train
6:13 The Lounge Car, Best Seats in the House
8:16 Crossing the Columbia River into Washington
8:55 Afternoon Columbia Views
10:42 Tunnel Time
11:00 Gifford Pinchot National Forest
11:20 Evening Columbia Views
11:55 Leaving the Columbia River Behind Us
12:15 Pasco, WA Fresh Air Stop
12:55 Toilet Review
14:12 Taking a Nap in my Comfy Seat
14:40 Arrival at Spokane, WA
15:02 Before the Seattle Section Arrives
15:42 Leaving the Station
16:13 The Locomotive Detaches
17:47 Seattle Section Arrives
19:02 The Train Halves Combine
21:00 NEXT WEEK...