Riding freight train over Donner Summit

Sunday, June 19, 1978, my brother-in-law, Greg Wilson and I took a ride over Donner Pass on a Southern Pacific freight train, from Roseville, CA to just west of Truckee, CA. Crazy thing to do, but that was nearly 50 years ago and 1978 was worlds apart from 2024. Riding freight trains in 1978 was totally normal, and Southern Pacific, like most other railroads simply looked the other way when riders boarded freight trains.

I credit Mr. Greg Wilson to most of the photos, and Mr. Ted Rench for a few supporting photos. Thanks... gentlemen!

Photo: We left Turlock at something like 06:00 in the morning to begin the 2-1/2 hour drive to Roseville to catch a eastbound freight train over Donner Summit.

Greg and I waited at the east end of the Roseville yard for over three hours - with Paul, Robbin and Dad waiting nearby - until we were finally able to catch a departing freight train.

A packaged lumber car wasn't our first choice to ride, but after waiting over three hours, we were happy to climb aboard any car that was available.

Again... back on June 19, 1978 and even at the time this was a very dangerous practice, but was largely accepted, by the railroad and society.

Today, the danger still exists and if you attempt to ride a freight train, you'll most likely be rewarded with a trip to jail, rather than a trip over Donner Pass.

Photo: I'm taking Super 8mm movies of the trip over Donner Pass as Greg snaps my photo. Thank you Greg Wilson for the many photos you took of this epic trip.

Photo: Greg and I enjoy the ride, as Ted Rench takes the photo.

Photo: Paul, Robbin and Ted Rench take photos and marvel as Greg and I ride the freight train. Photo was taken in Newcastle, CA. Hey... I actually took the photo!

Don't you love the vintage 1971 Dodge pickup trip with camper in the background? It all adds to the ambience on this June Sunday afternoon in 1978.

Photo: We're heading east as the train passes under Interstate 80 at Alta.

Photo: Greg stands and waves, as I sit and take movies.

Photo: Quite a photo as #9313 west meets us at the east end of Blue Canyon. Thanks to Greg Wilson for this excellent photo.

Photo: Greg is taking photos and I'm sitting as we're enjoying the ride on the plywood car. It's Emigrant Gap, and quite a great place to take photos. Thanks, Ted Rench, for the excellent photo.

No... in 2024, I don't recommend riding freight cars and I don't recommend standing up and taking photos. But... kids... this was 1978 for cryin' out loud!

Photo: Heading east at Cisco.

Photo: Stunning shot as the tracks divide and enter the tunnels at Troy.

Photo: I'm seated on top of the bulkhead car, loaded with packaged plywood, as Greg takes my photo. Yep... I'm using a vintage Mamaya Sekor 35mm camera, complete with a 50mm screw mount lens. Good stuff for June 1978!

Photo: Hello Donner Pass, as we move east on a Southern Pacific freight train.

Please keep in mind back in June, 1978, hopping freight trains was technically illegal, but rarely enforced by railroads, as most of them, including Southern Pacific, simply tolerated the practice and looked the other way.

Fast forward to 2024 and things have significantly changed. Don't even THINK of hopping a freight train for a ride over Donner Pass!

Photo: Good afternoon on June 19, 1978, as I smile, as Greg takes my photo, as we ride a eastbound Southern Pacific freight train over the Sierra Nevada mountains and end up at the west end of Truckee, CA.

Photo: The end of the trip, late Sunday afternoon, June 19, 1978, with Southern Pacific #9186 leading our train. We wisely got off at the west end of Truckee, CA and my dad and wife were waiting to pick us up.

The train was heading east to Sparks, NV, but we wisely decided to get off on the west side of Truckee.

By today's standards, this would have been both illegal and dangerous but back in 1978, it was an accepted practice, as nearly every Southern Pacific freight train had unpaid "passengers."

Today, Union Pacific Railroad frowns upon unauthorized riders on freight trains, and those who choose to trespass on railroad property and freight trains are subject to arrest.

Today, would I hop a freight train and ride over "the hill" if it was still legal and acceptable? No, as the practice is very dangerous and not a very good way to spend your time.

But, when you're 26 years old, you simply don't think about that kind of stuff and you simply go for it!!! Greg and I enjoyed a great ride, and nearly 50 years later, I'm here to tell about it and post it on my website!