STEELHEAD SPECTACULAR BACK ON TRACK!

LA GRANDE, OREGON__After numerous reports of "Go" and "No Go!", the good news has been announced. The popular Steelhead Spectacular fishing train of northeast Oregon will run this season, though on a slightly shortened schedule. The Minam Motel has resolved some challenges in meeting requirements put forth by the Wallowa Union Railroad Authority in a series of meetings over the last two months. Assistance in some of those challenges came from the Friends of the Joseph Branch, the non-profit support group for the excursion train side of the railroad business.

"The Friends were anxious to help," said Joe Kresse, President of the Friends of the Joseph Branch. "We recognize the value of the Steelhead Spectacular as a visitor attraction during the slowest time of year for tourism businesses. We also know that running this train leads to additional passengers during the summer season." Kresse noted the combination of a train ride and steelhead fishing is a unique way to enjoy northeast Oregon's abundance of outdoor recreation and outstanding scenery.

The new schedule has the Steelhead Spectacular beginning at 7 a.m. on Saturday, February 20 and 21, and continuing each weekend through March 20. Over 400 reservations have been made, but there are still a few places for fishermen to get on board. Contact the Minam Motel, reservations@minammotel.com or 541.437.4475 for reservations or go to www.minammotel.com for more information.

The Steelhead Spectacular, also known as the Fish Train, is a partnership between the Wallowa Union Railroad and the Minam Motel & Marketplace. It departs from the boarding site next to the motel in Minam, at the confluence of the Wallowa and Minam Rivers, along Oregon Highway 82 in northeast Oregon. In its sixth season, the Fish Train deposits fishers at prime fishing holes along an eight-mile stretch of the roadless lower section of the Wild & Scenic designated Wallowa River. At the end of the day, the train collects the passengers and returns them to Minam. It provides a unique outdoor recreation experience in an incredibly beautiful and remote setting. For more information on the railroad's summer excursion season, go to www.eaglecaptrain.com . The 2010 schedule will be posted there in early March.