Skunk Train Day Trip Northern California Train Ride

Skunk Train-Fort Bragg, California

Northern California’s Skunk Train at Fort Bragg is a 100-year-old rail line operated by the Mendocino Railway as a tourist attraction. The rail line runs 40 miles from Fort Bragg to Willits on US Highway 101.

The train journey includes several bridges, tunnels, and a redwood forest. Passengers can enjoy the stunning Northern California landscape, featuring beautiful views of redwood trees and the Noyo River. The trains depart from either Willits or Fort Bragg. Please note that there are currently no trains traveling the entire line, as a tunnel between the two destinations is closed to rail traffic.

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Mendicino Skunk Train Tickets

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The train trip from Fort Bragg is called the Pudding Creek Express and is a seven-mile round trip.  The Willits train is called the Wolf Tree Run and is a 2-hour round trip.

The staff does their best to keep you entertained, but you will spend much time looking at redwood trees. The train conductor is more than happy to talk about the history of the train while the musician walks through the cars, telling jokes and singing train songs.

Treat yourself to this fantastic train ride through the redwoods on the Northern Coast of California.

The Fort Bragg Redwood Company initially built the railroad as the Fort Bragg Railroad in 1885 to carry coast redwood logs from the dense forests to the lumber yard at Fort Bragg, California. The Sierra Railroad’s Sierra Entertainment Group took over operations in 2003 and now calls the train “Skunk Train.”

To best enjoy the train trip, plan to spend a few days in Fort Bragg. Fort Bragg has great hotels for overnight stays, plus there are several excellent nearby State Parks perfect for camping.

The train has a concession car with snacks, food items, sandwiches, cold drinks, wine, and beer, popcorn, and candy. The Skunk Train gets mixed reviews, from boring to fantastic. If you like trains, you will enjoy this trip.

Getting to the Skunk Train

If you are looking for a fast thrill ride, the train is not for you. On the other hand, you like looking at spectacular redwood forests and fern-lined canyons. This relaxing scenic trip aboard a historic California logging train is the perfect day trip for you. Currently, only diesel-powered trains are used. The old steam train needs repairs and has not been used for several years.

Address: 100 W Laurel St, Fort Bragg, California.

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Northern California Train Rides

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