Western Pacific Railroad

The Western Pacific Railroad was built as a competitor to the Southern Pacific, offering an alternative route between Salt Lake City and Oakland. The WP's Feather River Route through the Sierra Nevada featured lower grades than SP's Donner Pass crossing, attracting traffic with the promise of easier operations.

The railroad became famous as the western terminus of the California Zephyr, one of America's most beloved streamlined passenger trains. The CZ operated jointly with the Rio Grande and Burlington, showcasing dome car views of the Colorado Rockies and the Feather River Canyon.

The WP's orange and silver paint scheme was distinctive, though the railroad also used green on some equipment. The Feather River Canyon remains one of the most scenic railroad routes in the country.

Western Pacific was absorbed by Union Pacific in 1983. UP continues to operate the Feather River Route, and the WP is honored by a heritage unit in the UP fleet.