Skunk Train in Fort Bragg, California

100 W. Laurel StFort Bragg, CA 95437
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Starting at
$49.95 $47.00
Total Price: $52.62 (USD)
You Save: $2.95
INSTANT CONFIRMATION
NO SERVICE FEES

Overview

Hop aboard the historic Skunk Train in Fort Bragg and journey through majestic redwood groves, scenic trestle bridges, and fascinating tunnels that lead into the heart of the Noyo River Canyon. Initially constructed to transport logs from the hinterlands to the coast, this train offers pristine views that have stood the test of time for over a century!

up to 2 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Skunk Train leaves promptly. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
  • Trains run rain or shine. Dress in weather-appropriate comfortable clothing and footwear.
  • Enjoy a fun-filled train adventure for all ages. Lap children are admitted for free.
  • Dogs are allowed on board for a fee.
  • Concessions are available on the train.
  • This historic train features an onboard full bar.
  • Wine from Mendocino County and Skunk Beer bottled by Anderson Valley Brewing Company are available for purchase.
  • Train is wheelchair accessible, but some cars might require switching from a chair to a coach seat.

Description

Step back in time for a magical ride through the redwoods on the world-famous Skunk Train. Since 1885 the historic Skunk has made its way through old-growth redwood groves, over scenic trestle bridges, through spectacular tunnels, and into the heart of the Noyo River canyon. Today’s riders enjoy the same pristine views that have remained largely unchanged for well over a century.

Pudding Creek Express
Fun for the whole family, departing year-round from Fort Bragg. Enjoy a 7-mile, 75-minute, roundtrip along the Pudding Creek Estuary with a stopover at The Glen to explore the redwoods, enjoy snacks and beverages, and play games.

Wolf Tree Turn
This scenic 16-mile, 2 hour round trip journey will take you from the Willits valley floor to the highest point on our rail line. During this trip you will pass through Tunnel #2 and descend into the redwood-thick Noyo River Canyon – an amazing ecological wonderland, and an excellent opportunity to discover the mighty giants that made Mendocino County famous.

The train will stop briefly at Crowley while you enjoy the splendor of one of the oldest and most iconic trees along our route. The Wolf Tree was so named for the large growth off of one side – woodsman called these wolf trees because they choke out smaller trees and underbrush. Passengers are able to get off the train during our stop at Crowley, to better enjoy the views. You'll make the trip to Crowley on board one of our historic Diesel-Electric engines.

Days of Steam
Experience the Chiggen, an authentic steam locomotive, on the Redwood Route. Pulled by an authentic, historic California Steam Locomotive, you can step back in time while you enjoy a scenic 7-mile round trip along the beautiful Pudding Creek Estuary – home to blue herons, ospreys, egrets, and more. This trip departs from our Fort Bragg depot, and takes one hour and 15 minutes round trip, with a stop at Glen Blair Junction.

This roundtrip takes you over the first tracks laid down by the California Western Railroad, and along the beautiful Pudding Creek Estuary. Returning our roots, this steam locomotive mirrors the locomotive that originally ran on these tracks in 1885. Pulling original authentic passenger cars of the era and an open-air car, step back in time to the Days of Steam amongst the towering Redwoods.

An American Legacy
In the early 1880s, lumbermen C.R. Johnson, Calvin Stewart, and James Hunter joined together to expand timber operations in Mendocino County. By 1885 the Fort Bragg Railroad was formed to make transporting lumber easier. This would form the foundation of what would eventually become the California Western Railroad, more commonly known as The Skunk.

The train played a vital role during this time in transporting families and workers who set up the various logging camps along the route and in doing so, became an entirely different type of line. It played an important part not only in the area's industrial life, but also in its social and cultural activities. No other logging railroad in America has made the deep impression on American life that was created by the line from Fort Bragg – first by the natural beauty of its route and later, by the distinctiveness of its equipment.

A Train Called Skunk
The nickname “Skunk” originated in 1925, when motorcars were introduced (today sometimes referred to as railbuses or railcruisers). These single unit, self-propelled motorcars had gasoline-powered engines for power and pot-bellied stoves burning crude oil to keep the passengers warm.

The combination of the fumes created a very pungent odor, and the old timers living along the line said these motorcars were like skunks, “You could smell them before you could see them.” Although the smell is now much reduced, we still like to think of ourselves as that little Skunk running through the redwoods.

Caretakers in Time
California Western Railroad was initially operated as a division of the Fort Bragg mill (Union Lumber Company, Boise-Cascade). In the mid-1960s, Arizona-based Kyle Railways began managing the railroad and purchased it in 1987. In August 1996, a group comprised entirely of local Mendocino Coast investors purchased California Western, marking the first time in its 111-year history that the line would be operated as an independent business.

Today the Skunk Train is owned and operated by Mendocino Railway.

Skunk Train Reviews

5 Reviews
John Peters Tripster User Profile Image
John Peters
Knights Landing, CA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Our vacation"
May 2024
We had a wonderful time we plan on doing it again sometime
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Tip: We went on the skunk train

Was this review helpful? Yes

Susan D. Tripster User Profile Image
Susan D.
Henderson, NV
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Skunk train pudding creek express"
September 2023
It was easy booking the tickets for 11 family members plus my dog with Tripster. It was also a little cheaper than the skunk train website. We did not want a super long train ride so we chose the pudding creek express. The train ride was awesome and we enjoyed the scenery. We stayed at a bed and breakfast in Mendocino so the drive wasn’t far at all to Fort Bragg.
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Tip: Arrive early to take pictures and visit the museum. It’s free entrance with your train ticket.

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 Tripster User Profile Image
Tripster Customer
Riverton, UT
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Great Staff, Nice Ride But Not Much To See"
July 2023
The staff was great and the train ride itself was good but there really isn't much to see. You'll see better scenery on the Roaring Camp and Big Trees.
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George Reber Tripster User Profile Image
George Reber
West Sacramento, CA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Ride"
July 2022
Need to clear the tunnel
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Was this review helpful? Yes

jatinder singh Tripster User Profile Image
jatinder singh
sacramento, CA
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"best experience"
July 2022
very scenic train ride
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Was this review helpful? Yes

Frequently Asked Questions about Skunk Train

Why the name “Skunk Train”?

The nickname “Skunk” originated in 1925 when motorcars were introduced (today sometimes referred to as railbuses or railcruisers). These single-unit, self-propelled motorcars had gasoline-powered engines for power and a pot-bellied stove burning crude oil to keep the passengers warm. The combination of the fumes created a very pungent odor, and the old timers living along the line said these motorcars were like skunks, “You could smell them before you could see them.” The railroad’s historic name is California Western Railroad.

Are pets allowed on the train?

Dogs are the only pets permitted on board. Be considerate of your canine though, they simply may not like trains. Please bring whatever they need to be comfortable (food, water, dishes, a leash, etc.). Tickets for dogs are $10.95, subject to change without prior notice. Reservations are suggested.

Is the train wheelchair accessible?

Yes, but there are limitations given that the railcars were built in the early 1900s. Switching from your chair to a coach seat may be necessary. The train conductor will work closely with you for boarding, seating, and assisting with storage of the wheelchair during your journey.

Can we bring food on the train?

Only if you have dietary restrictions or are traveling with a child. Concessions are available on the train.

Can we bring alcohol on the train?

Outside alcohol is not permitted on board the train. The Skunk Train offers a great selection of wine and beer from Mendocino County including their own Skunk Beer (bottled by Anderson Valley Brewing Company), plus a full bar on board the train.

Do the trains leave on time?

The Skunk Train tries to maintain their schedule without question. If you miss a train they will issue you a gift certificate for a future ride or book you on the next available departure. They will not, however, issue a refund because you’ve missed your scheduled departure.

How should we dress?

Comfortable and casual layered clothing is suggested to keep warm in the chilly months. If you plan on riding the Open Air Observation Car then dark clothing is best because sometimes lighter clothing can get soot spots on it.