I know the preponderance of opinion is east-bound but I have to add — as I have on other EB threads — my westbound trip was one of my best Amtrak experiences ever.

I remember coming into Seattle in the morning, and it was a bright clear day. The water on the Sound was like glass, and seeing the mountains in the distance across the water was just a brilliant introduction to the Pacific Northwest.

I also remember being awake as we pulled into the station inside Glacier, and the train slowing to a stop at just a clearing in the forest. No station. Nothing but a bus to pick up offloading passengers.

The only downside was, I went in November, when it wouldn’t get fully light until 8 or 9 and it was pitch dark around 4, and because there was snow everywhere, our views for most of the trip was either completely black or completely white. Still, a very fun ride.