A stack train provides a nice splash of color as it eases along the single track east of Essex near Java on Marias Pass. Heavy snow in this area has caused issues this winter with an avalanche rec... (more)

This new spreader-ditcher from Harsco has been busy this winter keeping Marias Pass open. BNSF 939800.

While there are many great lodging establishments that have a railroad theme and are close to active lines, the Izaak Walton Inn on Marias Pass is a railfan's paradise. Adding inspiration (as if o... (more)

A GN logo helps identify the heritage of these two flangers, which apparently haven't seen service this winter based on the accumulation of snow of their roofs. Built in December 1936, these were ... (more)

Marias Pass in known for heavy snow and my recent trip there didn't disappoint. I had shot the pass in spring, summer and fall but never winter. The Izaak Walton was a busy place with skiers takin... (more)

A new (2013) Harsco spreader-ditcher is getting good use winging back heavy snow on Marias Pass. Tied down for the weekend, the plow and its work train power will be back at it on Monday.

Eastbound crosses over goat lick trestle on Marias Pass with fall colors in the valley.

With Montana wildflowers in full bloom, a pair of Dash 9s shove a stack train towards Marias Pass. The Izzak Walton Inn's caboose cabins can be seen seen above the train in the background.

After spending most of the afternoon idling in the small yard at Essex, a pair of Dash 9 helpers finally have an assignment as they head for the mainline to shove an eastbound freight over Marias ... (more)

Relaxing in the restored cab of GN 441 - the luxury locomotive lodge at the Izaak Walton Inn, Essex, Montana.

Amtrak's eastbound 'Empire Builder' crosses the former Great Northern trestle at Goatlick, between Essex and the top of Marias Pass, Montana.

An interior shot of the "GN441 Luxury Locomotive Lodge" at the Izaak Walton Inn at Essex, Montana. This shot shows the main lounge area.

Burlington Northern EMD GP38 No. 2187 rests overnight in the snow-covered yard at Essex, Montana, just across from the Izaak Walton Inn on March 3, 1988.

The beautiful Izaak Walton Inn outside Glacier National Park near Essex, Montana. The caboose rooms can be seen on the left hillside lit with Christmas lights. The inn was originally built by the ... (more)

Three new Burlington Northern Santa Fe C44-9Ws pull an eastbound stack train at Essex, Montana, meeting a westbound led by warbonnet C44-9W No. 781 on September 9, 1999.