The idea of Sounder running specials to Chambers Bay doesn't sound so outlandish. Amtrak goes by there many times a day now. There are cross overs right there at Pioneer, so Sounder wouldn't have to use the same track both directions. At one time, both BN and UP had locals to West Tacoma, just across Bridge 14 from Pioneer, to serve the paper mill that was there. I think they called them the West Tacoma Turn, or something like that.

I don't see any reason for the trains to whistle at the golf course. The course is separated from the ROW by a chain link fence, and there are no crossings. I walked the public walk there before the course was opened and don't remember any whistling. Some trains do stop there, as the Pioneer cross overs are just to the south.

There are plans now for a pedestrian overpass over the tracks to allow beach access.