Lion’s Club train ride along the Pend Oreille River to end after fall season

A sightseeing train ride along the scenic Pend Oreille River from Ione to Metalline Falls has been a regional tradition in the autumn for 35 years.

But this fall’s North Pend Oreille Valley Lion’s Excursion train ride will be the last, sponsors announced Friday.

Part of the rail line used by the Pend Oreille Valley Lions Club for the ride won’t be maintained by its owner, the Port of Pend Oreille, after that time, the announcement said.

The Lion’s Club train ride began in 1981, carrying 60 passengers. Now more than 10,000 people ride the train each fall, taking in views of the river and fall foliage.

The Lion’s Club is “grateful for all the support from our local community and the communities of northeast Washington and Idaho,” the announcement said.

For information, or to book tickets for the last season, visit http://www.lionstrainrides.com.