Skunk Train – Fort Bragg, California
Take a trip back in time and ride the Skunk Train at a speed of 29 miles per hour through the towering trees, see deer drinking from the Noyo River, get a peek at a cabin sitting in the forested area. The train has been running this same path, the coastal “Redwood Route” since 1885. Now it takes you on a trip that will have your camera clicking and the memories in place for years to come.
You will chug through tunnels; go over bridges and past open meadows on your trip. Sitting there, looking out over the beautiful terrain will give you a feeling of what it was like for the loggers that worked this area in the 19th century, hauling the timber to Mendocino Coast sawmills.
The “Skunk” name comes from the self-powered yellow rail cars that were powered with gas engines. Because of the different odor, the train was named the Skunk.
The vintage 1925 M-100 motorcar (the only remaining train of its kind in use anywhere today) runs the route year round, as does the 1935 M-300 motorcar for your pleasure. When the season gets really busy, during the summer, the 1950′s diesel-powered engines and the Old No. 45 (a 1924 Baldwin) are brought into service. Take your pick of which you want to ride and enjoy the experience.
Northspur: Departing at 10:00am from Fort Bragg this 3.5 to 4 hour round trip costs $47 per adult $22 per child. As you depart Fort Bragg you will be treated to the views of the Pudding Creek estuary – quietly slipping into to tunnel #1 you will emerge into the Noyo River canyon the river which you will cross over for the balance of your journey to Northspur – traveling at the base of the canyon you will find your constantly looking up to see the tops of redwoods. Departing at 9:45am from Willits this 3.5 to 4 hour round trip on our vintage rail cruiser costs $35 per adult and $20 per child. As you depart Willits you begin the steep assent (3.5% grade) to the summit of our line at 1740 feet – traveling through tunnel #2 you begin a decent into the Noyo River canyon in one spot traveling 8.5 rail miles which spans a straight line distance of less than one mile. Food and beverage are available onboard and seasonally available at Northspur Station.
Northspur Steam: From Fort Bragg departing on selected days your train is pulled by Engine #45 a beautifully maintained 1924 steam locomotive.
Northspur Barbecue: During the summer months from Fort Bragg they offer an 4.5 hour afternoon trip to Northspur where you’re treated to a delicious barbecue in the redwoods. Trips depart Tuesday-Saturday this trip is always a motorcar and when their capacity grows beyond 60 passengers they switch over to a diesel locomotive & passenger cars.
Fort Bragg Train Station Hours:
Daily • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Willits Train Station Hours:
Tuesday – Friday • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Phone: 1-800-866-1690
Location:
Skunk Train Fort Bragg Depot
Foot of Laurel Street
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
800-866-1690
Skunk Train Willits Depot
299 East Commercial Street
Willits, CA 95490
Email:info@sierrarailroad.com
Willits, CA 95490
Related posts: