Redwood Forest
Helen Hatzis
Helen Hatzis
June 30, 2020 ·  4 min read

Pedal Your Way Through The Redwood Forest

The Skunk Train has reopened! Step back in time for a magical ride through the redwood forest 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, riders ages 6 and up can enjoy the same pristine views that have remained largely unchanged for well over a century.

Departing from Fort Bragg, a guide will lead you and your small group on your pedal-powered vehicles on a roughly one-and-a-half-hour trip, with a 30-minute stopover at Glen Blair Junction, where you can relax or hike our trail into the redwood forest.

You’ll travel along the Pudding Creek Estuary, where you may see osprey, blue herons, and other wildlife. The journey takes you into majestic redwood groves, and to a turnaround at the historic Glen.

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This trip is suited for riders of all skill levels. The railbikes include an optional motorized assist, to help you up the return grade, or simply to allow you to take a breather during your ride. Riders are requested to show up 30 minutes before the ride for orientation. If you feel ill please do not make your reservation and notify us via telephone or email

Rate is $89.95 per bike, with room for two riders. There is no discount for single riders. Fares include an 8% Historic Preservation Assessment.

Facial coverings is mandatory. 

Please practice 6 feet social distancing. 

Wash hands frequently. 

All passengers are required to fill out a rail bike participant release of liability and assumption of risk agreement prior to receiving their boarding passes. Riders should be capable of bicycling recumbently for 30 minutes at low exertion.

Trains and Railbikes run rain or shine. Always dress appropriately. Railbike riders – you will get wet, so unleash your inner child, it’s fun!

  • Single Riders must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Not suitable for small children. All riders must be able to walk and should be at least 6-years-old.
  • Minimum height is 31” from hips to floor.
  • Maximum weight is 250 pounds (per rider).
  • No infants or canines on this experience.
  • Casual sports attire is suggested.
  • Close-toed shoes are required.
  • Please bring water.
  • Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

Two beautiful routes, five historical trains

Redwood Forest
SkunkTrain.com

Pudding Creek Express

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 round trip, with no disembarkment. It’s a great way to spend the morning or early afternoon.

Details:

Departing from Fort Bragg, this one 1-hour, 7-mile roundtrip takes you over the first tracks laid down by the California Western Railroad, and along with the beautiful Pudding Creek Estuary.

The powerful diesel locomotives of the Skunk’s fleet will be pulling passenger cars and an open-air car. No one will be getting off the train during the duration of the trip. Common wildlife sightings include blue heron, egrets, osprey, ducks, and the occasional lounging turtle.

– Facial coverings are mandatory 
– Please practice 6 feet social distancing 
– Wash hands frequently 
– If you feel ill please do not make your reservation and notify us via telephone or email

Pricing in USD:

Adult – $41.95
Child (Ages 2 to 12) – $25.95
Infant (Ages 2 and under) – $10.95
Dogs – $10.95

Redwood Forest
SkunkTrain.com

Wolf Tree Turn

This scenic journey departs from Willits and travels over the highest point of the line. A 2 hour round trip will take you over the Summit of our line (elevation 1,740 feet), through Tunnel #2, and down into the Noyo River Canyon.

Details:

This 2-hour round trip 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, stopping briefly at Crowley while you enjoy the splendour of one of the oldest and most iconic trees along our route. Passengers are able to get off the train during at Crowley.

– Facial coverings are mandatory 
– Please practice 6 feet social distancing 
– Wash hands frequently 
– If you feel ill please do not make your reservation and notify us via telephone or email

Pricing in USD:

Adult – $49.95 
Child (Ages 2 to 12) – $29.95
Infant (Ages 2 and under) – $10.95
Dogs – $10.95

If you want to explore more of the northern part of California, click here.

Travel responsibly taking only memories and leaving a near to zero carbon footprint. We are all visitors on this beautiful planet of ours. Let’s treat it and all inhabitants with love and respect!