Skunk Train (California Western Railroad)

The world-famous Skunk Train is one of California’s most beloved heritage railroads, carrying passengers through the magnificent old-growth and second-growth redwood forests of Mendocino County since 1885. Originally built as the Fort Bragg Railroad to transport coastal redwood logs from inland forests to the Fort Bragg sawmill, the California Western Railroad today operates a variety of unforgettable excursion experiences along its historic Redwood Route. The Pudding Creek Express departs from the beautifully restored Fort Bragg depot on a 7-mile scenic round trip along the Pudding Creek Estuary, crossing bridges and passing through the edge of the coastal redwood forest. For adventurous visitors, the railroad offers electric-assist Railbike tours deep into the Noyo River Canyon, a 25-mile round-trip pedaling experience through cathedral redwood groves with a picnic stop at Camp Mendocino. On seasonal Days of Steam, the historic No. 45 Baldwin steam locomotive hauls coaches through Tunnel #2 and over scenic trestles into the heart of the canyon. The railroad also operates the unique Glen Blair Bar, a hidden redwood tavern accessible only by train. Guided roundhouse and historical tours give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at genuine short-line railroading. The Skunk Train nickname dates from 1925, when gasoline-powered motorcars were introduced — locals said you could smell them before you could see them.