The railroad began in 1885 to carry redwood logs to the Fort Bragg mill, and it was later pushed through the mountains to Willits, on the main line inland. It earned its nickname in the 1920s, when self-powered motorcars ran on a mix of fuels and locals said you could smell the train before you saw it.
Today it is a heritage operation. From Fort Bragg, the standard ride runs a few miles up Pudding Creek to Glen Blair Junction among the redwoods. A tunnel collapse closed the central section of the line, so you cannot ride the full distance to Willits: each end runs its own trips.
What to see at Skunk Train
Ride to Glen Blair Junction
The Pudding Creek ride takes about 75 minutes round trip, following the estuary and then the creek into the forest. It is gentle and short, which makes it ideal with children.
Pedal a railbike
Small electric-assist railbikes run on the same line, either along Pudding Creek or on a longer route by the Noyo River. Prices are per bike and high for the riding time, but it is a memorable way to see the forest.
Look for steam days
Most trains are diesel. The company announced Days of Steam on select summer weekends in 2026, using a historic locomotive. Check the operator’s schedule for current dates.
Visit the depot
The depot area in downtown Fort Bragg has a model railroad display, listed as included with the Pudding Creek ticket, and is an easy walk from Main Street.
Getting to Skunk Train
- Depot: 100 W. Laurel Street in downtown Fort Bragg, just west of Main Street, with parking on site.
- Willits: the inland end of the line is a separate departure point on US-101. Check which station your ticket uses.
Tips before you go
- Double-check the departure station when booking. The Wolf Tree Turn leaves from Willits, not Fort Bragg.
- Open cars can be chilly, so bring a layer.
- A reviewer noted the railbike route is the same as the train, so most people need only one.
- Summer weekends and holidays sell out first.
Tours to pair with Skunk Train
GetYourGuide has few products here. These pair well with a visit to Skunk Train:
Heritage train from $50 Mendocino County: Skunk Train Pudding Creek Train Ride
The easy classic: a short heritage train ride from downtown Fort Bragg along the Pudding Creek estuary and into the redwoods to Glen Blair Junction and back. The right choice with children or limited time.
- About 7 miles round trip along Pudding Creek
- Departs the depot in downtown Fort Bragg
- Listing includes the model railroad museum
Train and bar from $55 From Fort Bragg: Redwoods Train Ride and Nightclub Ticket
A train from the depot takes you about 3.5 miles into the redwoods to a bar at Glen Blair Junction that can only be reached by rail. Check the listing for age limits and what the ticket includes.
- Train through redwood groves
- A bar in the forest reached only by train
- An evening out, not a sightseeing ride
Heritage train from $60 Mendocino County: Skunk Train Wolf Tree Turn Train Ride
This one departs from Willits on US-101, about an hour inland from Fort Bragg, so it suits people driving in that way. One reviewer found fewer redwoods than expected.
- Leaves from the inland end of the line
- Over the summit and through Tunnel No. 2
- Down into the Noyo River canyon
Railbike tour from $265 per group Mendocino County: Pudding Creek Railbikes
Ride a small railbike up the old logging line along Pudding Creek, with a long stop among the redwoods at Glen Blair Junction. The price is per bike for up to two. Some reviewers find the riding time short for the price, so go for the setting.
- Pedal the rails through redwood forest
- Crosses wooden trestle bridges
- Layover of about 50 minutes at Glen Blair Junction
