Skunk Train

Trip: ¹⁰⁄₁₇ at 7pm
The Zombie Train Was AMAZING! (and did I mention I HATE zombies)
We come from Marin County, so this was a trek, and TOTALLY worth it. The entire family, from grandparents to a teenager, from Zombie haters to TV series zombie fans went. THIS will be a cherished memory. How did they do that?
I really can’t believe it — I wasn’t expecting the acting to be so good. We went on the beautiful & Sweet Christmas Train Ride 6 & 5yrs ago. That was nice, but the elves who we were with us were nothing like the Zombie Trains acting crew. The storyline and ideas were original and well thought out. But the acting REALLY made this trip 5 stars. They projected and walked up and down the cars, they never broke character, they engaged the crowd. Fanboy, Sarg, James the Zombie, the Survivor, and The doctor were huge hits in our party of 6. As was the lighting, smoke, and zombie elixir.
This is not a scary ride, but a totally entertaining trip. The grandparents laughed, the Uncle who was skeptical thoroughly enjoyed himself, my husband and I loved it and my 7^th grade teen couldn’t stop talking about it. If this is their starting point, I can’t wait to see what tweeks they make for next year. My teen already wants to come up again with friends before Halloween — LOL!
Whoever was in charge of the theatrics I hope they do all the events now. Maybe we will try the xmas train again? Maybe we will have to try ALL the rides.. . hmmmm.

Wasn’t the train ride I thought it was going to be, I would much rather do a loop then go up and come back on the same track seeing the same scenery over and over — do t get me wrong, it’s beautiful along there and the bums hanging out are anywhere you go, it still was fun! The open area part of the train is where we all went to hang out, inside they sold hot choc which was not hot but popcorn was good! Pictures they take are pricey and not the best quality but you are in the moment! Maybe take a different route/​trip next time?

I remember riding the Skunk train during a family vacation back when I was a kid. I was determined to give my kids the same experience. The routes have changed, but the Skunk is still chugging along. We took the Pudding Creek Express from Fort Bragg, up about 3 miles, and back again to Fort Bragg. The ticket pricing was surprisingly expensive, but I can only imagine the repair and maintenance cost for these near 100 yr old pieces of equipment. The train moves slower than I remembered, but it is a wonderful journey through the nearby estuary, and also a journey back in time. Fun for nostalgia, but maybe a bit less so for excitement. Still, this train ride was great fun and it was a highlight of our trip up the Mendocino coast.

The Fort Bragg to Northspur line is under repair so we made the drive from Little River out to Willits via Highway 20. The drive was really beautiful. I think you really get a good value for the amount of money. It is a good 1.45 minutes ride down into the redwood forrest. You get 45 minutes to relax and then ride the train back up to the station. There are two covered cars and one open air car. We don’t have children, but the kids on the train really seemed to be having a great time. You get to see the redwoods from a different point of view.
The rest area at the bottom needs a lot of TLC. It looks really run down, but we paid for the train ride and that was great.

I must be missing something here.
A friend recommended the skunk train. By «recommended» I mean he said he’s never done anything cooler in his life. He hyped it up, we were so excited! Until we finished the trip. I’m not sure if it just wasn’t for us– two adventurous, youngins– or if the people of Fort Bragg, California have low expectations.
It was nice for the first 20 minutes. You’re surrounded by pretty trees, a cool breeze and it’s very relaxing. Then we realized that it was literally 4 hours of looking at these trees, followed by stopping at some weird cluster of makeshift shops (for 45 LONG minutes) that was made specifically for Skunk Train riders.
Overall, it was relaxing, but I was bored very quickly.
Recommended for retired old guys and little kids into trains. If you’re young and looking for adventure and fun… errr… i’d skip this little trip.

This is for the company itself and not the actual trip. The trip was pretty good, but like a few others said, pretty long. Time is more enjoyable if you can get a spot on the open car. Families with smaller kids would enjoy this a lot.
So anyway… their ticketing policy really stinks (yes, I just said that).
We’re from hundreds of miles away and purchased 4 tickets ahead of time for round trip/​overnight from Willits to Fort Bragg. About $ 330. Unfortunately, my son ended up having to work and missed the trip. They would not consider refunding the fare (I realize it’s their policy). I understand if they were super busy/​full, as we’d have taken business away from them. But we left on a Tue and returned following day. The trains were barely half full.
They told us we could use the fare for merchandise or give fare as gift to someone. Unless you’re 6 years old, there’s not much to buy there. And I know of no one who’d be traveling to that area to give away. Spoke to 3 different people and was polite as I could be. Would not budge.
Another problem is the fact they tout lodging deals with places in Fort Bragg. What they don’t tell you, is there is basically NO taxi service (or Lyft/​Über/​anything) in Fort Bragg. There is basically ONE guy apparently that can give rides. Unfortunately for us, he was booked for the entire afternoon/​evening we arrived. So we walked with luggage to the hotel — about 1.5 miles. Not a huge deal, but would have been nice to know beforehand so I could wear more appropriate shoes. And there were hotels that are farther away than where we stayed at. Obviously that’s not 100% their fault, but why have lodging partnerships with no (reasonable) way to get there?
We did end up using the ‘taxi’ guy for ride back the next day. On time, friendly and reasonable.
TIPS
— Unless riding on weekend during peak travel, I wouldn’t buy tickets ahead of time online. If anyone can’t make it, you’ll eat the ticket. Or end up buying $$$ worth of crap.
— Be aware of finding car service ahead of time if staying overnight in Fort Bragg.
— Bring your own food for lunch stop. Food overpriced and mediocre. They don’t allow ‘outside’ food to be brought on (they say), but they sell some food/​drink/​snack on the train. Clearly trying to fleece you a bit. We brought left over pizza on the trip back, and no one said anything though.

Enjoyed a ride through the redwoods and into areas inaccessible by car or the casual day hiker. The conductor kept the trip interesting by providing a history of the redwoods and discussing changes to the landscape over the years. There was even a Train Singer who played guitar/​harmonica to provide additional entertainment.
The trip is about 4.5 hrs, with a 45 minute lunch break at the North Spur (turnaround point for the ½ day trip), where grilled burgers and hot dogs are available for purchase.
Didn’t see any animals along the way, but the train is very noisy and probably scares them off. All-​in-​all, a very pleasant and relaxing day trip.

We rode the skunk train for the first time today. It was the highlight if our trip and one of the best experiences. The views were nothing short of amazing the whole time. This ride through the forest was something we’d never be able to experience if not for the train.
The ride wasn’t too bumpy or fast. We got up several times to go to the open car to snap pictures and take in the gorgeous surroundings. The open car was definitely the best place to be.
The staff on the train was very welcoming, friendly, and knowledgable. There was great entertainment during our ride and lunch stop.
Overall, this excursion was incredible and the time flew by. Whenever I come back to Fort Bragg, I’ll make sure to add this to my list of activities and will be recommending it to everyone!

I recently went on the Skunk Train with a friend, and I must say, it’s a must see!
The dog friendly adventure took us to North Spur from Fort Braggs.
The train rides along the Noyo River, and it’s brimming with Redwoods. The middle of the train allows you to be outdoors, but seats aren’t available. In North Spur, there was a rest area, that offered a variety if food and alcohol.
There’s a short trail that leads down to the river, if you’re seeking a quieter rest.
The entire tour took about 4 hours, and at $ 30, and $ 10 for my dog, it was well worth it!

Was checking out the things to Fort Bragg and Trip Advisor mentioned the Skunk Train.
The decision was taken and I am just so glad we made it just in time.
The steam engine train leaves at 10 AM and takes about 4 – 5 hours. It’s a round trip through the Redwoods along the Noyo river to Northspur. With an hour long break there you return back the same way.
On the way there the conductor tells you the story of the train, the lumberjacks, the forests and there is a country singer singing folk songs.
There is a refreshment car to buy snacks and drinks on the way.
This is a must do if you love trains.

It’s been at least 8 years since we rode the Skunk. When Mr Rinky and I first started dating (pre –car) we took a tortuous Greyhound bus from SF ti Ft Bragg and then another Greyhound bus from Willits back to SF. We two were among the few passengers besides this 70+ year old couple where the wife spent 99% of the trip complaining or yelling at her husband. Not an auspicious way to support our budding romance.
On another trip when we drove our brand new Honda wagon to Willitis and upon our return found our rear window smashed to smithereens with a BB pellet.
I mentioned these two incidents to emphasize our love for the Skunk and all trains
supersedes our fear of omens.
Through the years and especially during our son’s childhood we’ve ridden the Skunk no less than a dozen times.
Our recent trip on the Skunk was once again filled with the anticipation of our train ride, a calming conniption with the clicketty clacking, the awesome beauty of the redwoods, the excitement in the eyes of our fellow passengers, especially the kids
and the reminder that the simplicity of an old fashioned train ride is one of the most joyful experiences one can have.
There was one dad with his young son who were enjoying the train ride so immensely. He held his son’s hand and the two of them were grinning ear-to-ear…I loved seeing them.
We were luck enough to have a perfect day. The day before was cloud and overcast.
Blue skies and sunshine beamed on us. It was one of those days that make you want to shout, «I love being alive!»
I loved seeing a group of friends all wearing skunk hats!
It might not be as fun as summer approaches bringing crowds. But I’m sure that the Skunk Train will still be a fun ride.

Took the Skunk Train from Fort Bragg to North Spur & sorry to say we did not fully appreciate our experience
First & foremost, I’d like to point out that it’s best to LEAVE YOUR DOGS AT HOME!
This train welcomes pets & there were a ton of people who brought their adorable furry friends for the ride… well, let’s just say that riding 1.5+ hrs, each way in a LOUD, rocking, clickety-​clackety train was torture for these poor babies. And given the fact they have to just sit there the whole time couldn’t have been much fun for them — as witnessed by the awful panic attack 1 adorable baby went through for the whole journey
As we arrive in North Spur, it’s an outdoor setup — which means it’s cold, damp & wet & there’s a short 45 min stop before the train heads back to Fort Bragg… the restrooms at North Spur station were out of service, due to burst water pipes so we were relegated to using the train’s facilities… which was fine since we didn’t want to be out in the cold anyway
Mr & I passed on the BBQ lunch they had for sale at the station & were happy we had brought our own nibbles as we huddled for a modicum of warmth in the train car — I couldn’t feel my toes by the time we got back to Ft Bragg. The heaters in the train cars are not very powerful so bring layers!
As for the train ride itself, we were not wowed… it was an okay ride through the country & there was a wonderful roaming guitar player that went from car to car, singing a plethora of train-​themed songs…
The conductor pointed out all the shacks that people built in the early 1900s & paid something like $ 1 per acre for the land & who still live there to this day (passing the deeds /​land to family of course)
We also saw many homeless people who made permanent camps within the forest
Best tip I can offer: when leaving Ft Bragg, sitting on the left provides for the best views of the sparse Redwood forest & opportunities for pictures. You don’t get the same lighting or shadows on the way back so you want to make sure you’re on the LEFT when you start your journey
Overall, unless you’re totally into trains, I’d recommend seeking lush landscapes elsewhere. I’ve seen much better scenery… for example, the drive up to Mendocino was way more picturesque
But if you’re into history & like riding on historic trains, this will be the ride for you.

We had heard about the Skunk Train through friends, an original 1800s train that climbs through the Redwoods, but were worried about leaving our dog, Smokey, for too long. Never fear: the Skunk train is DOG FRIENDLY!
We booked online & scored tickets to the annual crab feed where you enjoy crab quiche & mimosas on the train & crab louie & Mendocino wine at a stop in Willets.
We arrived about 30 minutes prior to our 10am departure — definitely recommended as they board 15 minutes beforehand & quite a line will snake up. There are 5 cars in addition to the engine — one open car, two indoor seating, a café car & a party car that can be hired for private events.
Smokey just sat on our laps but there were other dogs (two boxers) that sat on the floor or shared an open seat. No one seemed to mind. In fact, most people commented that they wish they had known so they could have brought their own pooch.
If on the colder side, I’d recommend getting a seat in the second car (behind the open car) I noticed that on the first car, there’s quite a bit of a draft between people coming & going from the café car & open car. Everyone looked pretty frigid. The café car has a selection of refreshments including beers & wines and liquor drinks like Irish Coffee for purchase in addition to standard snacks like popcorn or candy.
We loved the ride up. It was so beautiful & they go at about 3−5mph so you can really enjoy the scenery. The conductor also shares stories about the history of the logging community & early settlers. The lunch in Willets was nice, too & they are very generous with the wine! About 6 bottles per table. That said, the stop was a bit on the long-​side. I think it ran over an hour so everyone was pretty antsy to head back by the time the train arrived again.
Overall, we loved it. It does take up a decent chunk of your day (our trip ran from 10am — 3pm) & it’s not for the super active, but it’s a great way to enjoy a beautiful, pristine ride through the Redwoods (especially in the open car!)
**Pro-​tip for dog owners: We took Smokey to Noyo Harbor which is about a 3 – 5 minute drive from the train station. It’s the only off leash beach in Fort Bragg & was perfect for him to get his wiggles out after the ride.