About SideTracked Caches
This cache belongs to the SideTracked series. It is not designed to take you to a magical place with a breath taking view. Its a distraction for the weary traveller, 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 railways of NW Oregon
About Oregon Electric Railway Tonquin Station
The Oregon Electric Railway was an electrified passenger and freight line. It opened in 1908 between Portland and Salem. In 1912 it was extended to Eugene. There were also branch lines to Forest Grove, North Plains and Woodburn. Since the line was power electrically via overhead catenary, the system required electrical substations at regular intervals to convert high tension AC power to the the DC voltage required by the trains. Across the tracks from the cache location is a former substation for the Oregon Electric. It also served as a passenger station, called Tonquin. This was one of the largest substations on the OE. But one of only 2 that remain, albeit both are just concrete shells. The other is at Waconda, also featured as part of the REALLY SideTracked series (GC1HB1T).
Tonquin station opened in 1908. Electric passenger service ended in 1933. The OE line here is now operated by the Portland & Western Railroad. They call this line the OE division. In 2009 passenger service is again operating on the line, but not stopping here at Tonquin. It is called WES, or Westside Express Service. WES is a Commuter train that operates every 30 minutes in morning and evening rush hours. The trains are not electrified, but like the old electrics, they are multiple unit and do not require a separate locomotive. For the FTF there is an unvalidated Trimet All Zone Adult Daypass that is good on WES, MAX, Portland Streetcar and Trimet buses.