Essex

Essex, at an elevation of nearly 3,900 feet, was formerly known as Walton before being renamed in 1947. Just before the train stop we will pass by the Izaak Walton Inn on our left. It’s named after the famous British author, angler and naturalist. This three-story Bavarian-style structure first opened in 1939 as a bunkhouse to house crews of the Great Northern Railway in the winter. The building became a private hotel in 1950. Look on the porch of the Izaak Walton Inn for guests and employees greeting us with a wave as the train passes by. Wave back! This is a longstanding tradition of the Inn.

The tracks in front of the hotel provide a staging area for snowplows and helper engines. Diesel helper engines are still used today to push freight trains up the steep grades of Marias Pass. You can still see the water tower that was used to supply water to the steam locomotives that once stopped here. The blue and white Great Northern Railway locomotive and red cabooses to the right of the hotel contain luxury accommodations for overnight lodging. The overpass here is a pathway leading to outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking and cross-country skiing.

2017 ROUTE GUIDE Empire Builder – Amtrak Train 8, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – Seattle Unit, National Park Service/Department of the Interior