I'm not sure about PVJR operations, but I've seen the P&W train come through Portland on its way to Vancouver in mid- to late morning.

If you get a chance to check out the CCRA in Chehalis, there is a former Rayonier 2-6-6-2T Mallet stored there. The last I checked, it was still out front in the "yard area" right by the public access driveway. It's cruddy and rusty, but still makes an interesting picture. CCRA also has a 1942-vintage Vulcan center-cab diesel that is usually parked out front.

I drive up to Fort Lewis, near Tacoma, once a month and usually stop at the railfan platform in Chehalis on the way. I'm heading up there on Friday, so I may see you. I usually stop there around mid-morning.

BNSF has been running some unique unit trains on the Seattle Sub in recent months -- solid trains of wind turbine parts. If you are out along the route north of Vancouver, you could possibly see one. The trains use a mix of intermodal cars and bulkhead flats to transport the blades and motor housings.

In addition to the regular mix of Amtrak, BNSF and UP power, you could possibly see locomotives from the other large roads (CN, CP, CSX, KCS, and NS) as well as regionals such as Montana Rail Link and lease fleets such as CIT Group (CEFX), First Union and Helm. The Puget Sound & Pacific has a mix of RailAmerica and leased units, and often has BNSF and UP power run through.