Announcing the annual “Clamshell Days” in Ilwaco at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum 13 and 14 July 2019 celebrating the historic Ilwaco Railway and Navigation Co which was the northwest’s only long standing narrow gauge railroad. 

While not as famous as the Colorado and California narrow gauge railroads, the IR&N is no less interesting and is steeped in unique history. The museum keeps this history alive and well with their exclusive exhibit and preservation of an original IR&N passenger car, the “Nachotta” that is only open for public inspection during the Clamshell Days weekend.  Self guided tours are also offered over the southwest peninsula touring various historical sites and structures along the original IR&N railroad right of way.  If you have any interest in northwest rail history, the IR&N certainly shares a significant part and shaped the heritage of the southwest coast of Washington.    

This event is attended annually by the Pacific Northwest On30 Modular Group and the museum provides an ample space for a large layout configuration.  Operating sessions are hosted each day and any 4D member is invited to come out and run an op session with us.  Note that this is not a “trainshow” in the usual format (i.e. no vendors or swap meet) but is a celebration of local railroad history. The event is open from 10:00AM to 4:00PM on Saturday and Sunday.  See the Clamshell Days webpage for directions and more information.