Coast Starlight Amtrak
 

For a scenic trip, is it better to go north from Los Angeles to Seattle, or south from Seattle to LA?

Since the route is the same (as far as I know) either way, the trick is to pick the train that's where you want to see most in daylight. For instance, I've investigated going north from San Francisco and much of the way to Portland is during the night. Here's the schedule:

http://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/736/243/...e-011215,0.pdf

Much of the route south is also in the dark.

The scenic southern coastal bits are in daylight both directions. The scenic mountain bits are in the dark going south and (mostly) in daylight heading north. But that is <i>only</i> when it runs close to on time.

If you want the coast view in California, get on in LA and ride as far as Oakland. Spend the night in Oakland and then visit San Francisco.
If you want to see the Cascades, Start in Seattle (or Portland) and head south to Sacramento, Emeryville or Oakland.
The two trains meet in the middle of the night somewhere north of Chico.
When the northbound train is running late, I have seen Mount Shasta (east side) in the early morning light.
The southbound train leaves K-Falls at 10PM so you always miss the great views of the southern Cascades.

It depends on the time of year and as Janis noted, if the train is running on time. #never

I've done both: twice northbound, once stopping in Emeryville, and the other stopping in Seattle; and once from Seattle to LA.

I have a strong preference for the northerly route, because of the timing when you're hugging the coast in Ventura County. You also have a better opportunity to see the clothing optional beaches.

Surfer girl, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think it's the actual beaches themselves that are the main attraction.