Things to do nearThe Skunk Train

The Skunk Train has been rolling through the Mendocino County wilderness since 1885, when the California Western Railroad was established primarily to haul timber from the dense coastal redwood forests to the mills and ports along the Northern California coast. Over the decades the line evolved from a workhorse of the logging industry into one of the most scenic heritage railroads in the American West, threading 40 miles of rugged terrain between Willits in the inland valleys and Fort Bragg on the Mendocino Coast.

The route passes through terrain so steep and forested that it remains inaccessible by road, offering passengers a rare window into old-growth and second-growth redwood stands, fern-draped creek beds, and the dramatic canyon of the Noyo River. Riders today travel on a mix of restored vintage diesel locomotives and classic open-air cars, giving the journey an authentic feel that connects directly to the railroad's working past.

The Skunk Train also operates a segment accessible from Fort Bragg, and a handcar pedaling experience known as the Railbikes has become a popular addition, allowing visitors to glide quietly through the forest under their own power. The small towns of Willits and Fort Bragg each offer local dining featuring Mendocino County produce, seafood, and craft beverages worth exploring before or after the ride.

Whether the draw is railroad history, redwood ecology, or simply the pleasure of slow travel through spectacular landscape, The Skunk Train delivers an experience that is genuinely specific to this corner of California and impossible to replicate anywhere else.