PORTOLA NEWS | COMMUNITY EVENTS | OCTOBER 18, 2026. One of Portola’s seasonal railroad events is back at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum. The museum’s official 2026 Pumpkin Patch Express announcement confirms four event dates: October 17, 18, 24 and 25.
The event is a special seasonal opening: the museum’s regular visitor season ended October 4, and its published calendar says the grounds are otherwise closed for the winter except for special events. Anyone planning a trip should use the event schedule, not the summer museum hours.
When the pumpkin trains operate
The Feather River Rail Society says the museum opens at 10 a.m. on all four dates and that daytime trains depart hourly from 1 p.m. through 5 p.m. to the pumpkin patch. Visitors ride to the patch, where pumpkins are available for a separate purchase. Saturday night Super Spooky Night Trains are scheduled hourly between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., according to the organizer’s release. Gates close at 6 p.m. on Sunday and at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Because October 17 has passed, the remaining listed dates are Sunday, October 18, and the following weekend, Saturday–Sunday, October 24–25. The calendar warns that October activities are weather permitting. A scheduled train is not a guarantee it will run if conditions change.
What it costs — and the food-bank option
The museum lists $20 admission per vehicle for non-members, reduced to $15 per vehicle when donating four non-perishable canned-food items for EPCAN, Portola’s food bank. Members of the Feather River Rail Society are admitted free, according to the event notice. Pumpkin purchases cost extra. Check directly with organizers about any transaction or additional ride conditions before traveling.
The food-donation provision gives area families a practical way to combine an outing with support for local food assistance. It should not be confused with a ticket donation directly to the newspaper.
Where to go and how to confirm the schedule
The Western Pacific Railroad Museum is at 700 Western Pacific Way, Portola, California. Its published information number is 530-832-4131. Consult the event announcement and museum calendar for changes. If driving from another community in Plumas County or from Nevada, verify road conditions as well.
Why Portola’s railway history matters
The museum is operated by the Feather River Rail Society, whose railroad preservation work is part of Portola’s local visitor economy and community identity. The October event is also a reminder that a historic institution can offer family-focused experiences after the usual travel season.
Read our earlier Plumas County Halloween coverage for regional context, or the existing Portola elections guide for separate local-government reporting. Event times above come directly from the museum; no attendance, capacity or sellout figures have been independently established.
Editorial sourcing: Western Pacific Railroad Museum/Feather River Rail Society official 2026 Pumpkin Patch Express notice (updated October 13) and official 2026 calendar. Prepared October 18, 2026. Admission and hours may change; confirm with organizers.
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