Searching for an Amtrak list of baggage handling stations on the Empire Builder

[dayjack119]

Here we go again, trying to find Amtrak stations that allow roll-on or baggage car service for the Empire Builder Line without looking up each station along the way.  I spent an entire day two years ago before finding that map in the past, it is not easy to find online.  As I grow older, my frustration level is more sensitive.  I'm a seasoned bike storage/train traveler attempting my tenth cross-country riding on hard surfaces in parallel with the Great Divide Trail up the Rockies from Albuquerque to Whitefish, MT.  Then take Amtrak West w/bike onboard to somewhere near where it crosses the Pacific Crest Trail to head South down the Sierras to complete last years ride which was halted due to wildfires. So the question is, "where can I disembark with my bike in the Sierras?"  Any assistance would certainly be appreciated.

[BikeliciousBabe]

It is easy:

https://www.amtrak.com/empire-builder-train

Took me less than a minute typing with one hand.  Whitefish has checked baggage service, so probably has trainside checked. As for detaining, look at other stations that offer checked baggage and then do a test booking with the addition of a bike, which you can do before paying.

[dayjack119]

That's what I needed, an expert.  Thanks.

[jamawani]

Amtrak no longer publishes timetables - either print or online.
(There are a lot of things Amtrak no longer does ...)
Here is a former timetable that is likely to still be valid for baggage stations.
Look for the suitcase symbol - both departing and arriving stations must handle baggage.
Some stations may have been downgraded or may have limited baggage service.
For ex. - most intermediate stations do not provide baggage service to the Portland section.
It's complicated and Amtrak doesn't make it any better.
Use at your own risk - as they say.

https://juckins.net/amtrak_timetables/archive/timetables_Empire_Builder_20220521_external.pdf

[jamawani]

You cannot check from Whitefish to the Portland section.
There are no intermediate baggage sections between Spokane and Everett.
Neither Wenatchee nor Leavenworth handle baggage.

[dayjack119]

Thanks.  They don't make it easy, for sure.  Last year I didn't know that they had cancelled use of the dining car because of Covid.  Only available to room renters.  Ended up with nasty frozen sandwiches for a couple thousand miles.

[adventurepdx]

You cannot check from Whitefish to the Portland section.

You can't bring an unboxed bike from Whitefish to Portland on the Empire Builder, but you can box a bike and check it from Whitefish to Portland.

[dayjack119]

Thanks for the info.