The Toledo Patch

THESE CLIPS ARE FROM DIFFERENT DAYS.

A collection of videos of the Portland & Western’s Toledo Patch rolling through Philomath & Corvallis Oregon.

The Toledo Branch of the Portland & Western Railroad (PNWR) has a history closely tied to the timber industry and the development of coastal Oregon. The branch was originally constructed in the early 20th century by the Southern Pacific Railroad to serve the lumber mills in Toledo, Oregon, and to provide a connection between the coast and the Willamette Valley. The line also facilitated passenger travel and the movement of agricultural goods from the inland valleys to coastal ports.

By the 1990s, like many other branch lines in Oregon, the Toledo Branch was no longer a priority for Southern Pacific, which was focusing on its mainlines. In 1995, the Portland & Western Railroad acquired the line when Southern Pacific divested several of its less profitable routes. PNWR, under the ownership of Genesee & Wyoming Inc., has since operated the branch primarily for freight services, continuing to serve the timber and paper industries in the region, particularly the Georgia-Pacific paper mill in Toledo, which remains a significant customer.

The Toledo Branch remains active and is a vital part of PNWR’s operations, continuing its historical role in connecting the timber-rich coastal regions of Oregon with broader rail networks. The line's scenic route through the Coast Range and its ongoing industrial importance make it a subject of interest for rail enthusiasts.