About SideTracked Caches
This cache belongs to the SideTracked series. It is not designed to take you to a magical place with a breathtaking view. It's a distraction for the weary traveler, but anyone else can go and find it, too. More Information can be found at the SideTracked Website
This cache also qualifies for the Disappearing RR Blues bonus cache. This series highlights the railways of NW Oregon
About McMinnville Train Station
Welcome to McMinnville. Downtown McMinnville orients itself to the Railroad station located across the street. The railroad first came to McMinnville in 1880. The fine brick building dates to 1914, when the Southern Pacific converted the steam rail line to electric interurban service. You would board a clean electric interurban train from McMinnville to head to Portland via Newberg, Sherwood & Lake Oswego, or via Carlton, Forest Grove, and Beaverton heading north. Heading south, electric trains went to Amity, Independence, and Corvallis. Sadly, the electric train service ended in 1929 due to automobile competition.
Although the depot no longer hosts passengers, it is still used as offices for the Portland & Western Railroad. Freight trains still head south from here to Corvallis. The line to Carlton & Forest Grove was ripped up sometime in the 1980s. There has been talk about restoring the line for wine train service and freight, but I doubt that will ever happen. The line towards Lake Oswego over REx Hill has been embargoed for many years, with no trains running between Newberg and Sherwood. However, the track remains in place.