Ride the Fort Bragg Skunk Train



Fort Bragg Skunk Train


Board the Fort Bragg Skunk Train to experience a scenic trip through the majestic redwoods of Mendocino County. Ride over bridges, through a tunnel, listen to the sounds of the steam engine, and smell the fresh mountain air.



The train weaves through the Noyo River Canyon along the river passing an occasional waterfall while you soak in the beauty of a mountain forest.

There are a variety of special themed event trains including Sunset BBQ Excursions, Crab & Wine, Easter Egg Express, Pumpkin Express, Wine & Cheese, Mother's Day Brunch, Photographer's Special, Father's Day BBQ, Grand Ole Time, Beer & Bratwurst, Mushroom Wine & Beer, and a Christmas Train.

Next time I'd like to try the Tracks to Kayaks event. On the return trip they drop people off a few miles from the coast and you float down to Noyo Bay in a kayak. Sounds like fun!



Cabin in the Woods

The train has several cars with indoor seating, a food car where snacks and beverages are sold, and an open car that allows you to stand, take pictures, and enjoy the outdoors. Find a seat indoors to leave your things, but spend as much time as you want on the open car to really experience the beauty of the redwoods.



Train conductor

Built as a logging railroad in 1885 by the Union Lumber Company, this railroad carried huge redwood logs to the sawmills along the Mendocino coast. Loggers and their families were transported to logging camps along the the route. The conductor shares tales of these historic times and points out items of interest along the journey.



North Spur
Our recent trip was a regularly scheduled 4 hour ride starting in Fort Bragg. It included a 45 minute stop at North Spur where we were able to purchase lunch and stroll through the redwoods. The train then returned to the station in Fort Bragg.


We purchased our tickets at the station in Fort Bragg. Reservations are recommended especially on weekends and holidays. This train is dog friendly, but you do need to purchase tickets for your dog (at a reduced rate). There's plenty of free parking in the lot and a nice gift shop in the station selling clothing as well as train related items.




Train Singers



A train singer played a variety of instruments and sang train songs both on the train and during the lunch break at North Spur. He was quite good and even took song requests.



Why is the train called the "Skunk" Train? Back in 1925 motorcars used on the tracks produced such a pungent odor that those living along tracks could smell them coming before they could see them. Hence, the name "Skunk Train".

Tip: Bring snacks to eat on the train and even a picnic for lunch!




Fort Bragg Skunk Train
Address: 100 Laurel St., Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Telephone: (707)433-9483

Directions to the Fort Bragg Station from Highway 1:
1. Turn west onto W. Laurel Rd.
2. The train station will be on your left.



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