Skunk Train in Fort Bragg and Willits, California

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Fort Bragg and Willits, California · Updated October 19, 2026 · 13 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesPudding Creek Express runs year-round from Fort Bragg; other trips are seasonal

The Skunk Train has carried logs, cargo and passengers through Mendocino County's redwood groves since 1885, and today it runs family train rides, electric railbikes and holiday trips from depots in Fort Bragg and Willits on the line it calls the Redwood Route.

  • Running since 1885
  • Depots in Fort Bragg and Willits
  • Year-round Pudding Creek Express
  • Electric railbikes on two routes
  • Roundhouse tours
  • Nickname dates to 1925 motorcars

Skunk Train at a glance

Hours
Departure times vary by trip and season; see the online calendar
Admission
Ticket prices vary by trip; check skunktrain.com
Train rides
Pudding Creek Express year-round from Fort Bragg; Wolf Tree Turn seasonally from Willits; railbikes on Pudding Creek and the Noyo River
Seasonal events
Mr. Skunk's Giant Christmas Tree, Days of Steam, Rise and Shine Railbikes, Glen Blair Bar, Hike to the Glen
Plan for
About 1.5 hours for the Pudding Creek Express; up to 4 hours for the Noyo railbikes
Best for
Families with kids of any age, and couples on the Mendocino Coast
Best ages
All ages; railbikes suit older kids

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Skunk Train? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Fort Bragg and Willits.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

From lumber line to the little Skunk in the redwoods

In the early 1880s three lumbermen, C.R. Johnson, Calvin Stewart and James Hunter, joined forces to expand timber operations in Mendocino County. By 1885 they had formed the Fort Bragg Railroad to move lumber more easily, the start of what became the California Western Railroad. The line soon carried more than logs: it brought families and workers out to the logging camps along the route, and it became part of the region's social life as well as its industry.

The nickname came in 1925, when the railroad introduced self-propelled motorcars. Each had a gasoline engine for power and a pot-bellied stove burning crude oil to keep riders warm, and the combined fumes were strong. Old timers along the line said you could smell them before you could see them, like a skunk. The smell is much reduced now, but the railroad still happily calls itself the Skunk, and its M-100 motorcar was carrying the name in the 1960s.

For decades the California Western ran as a division of the Fort Bragg mill under Union Lumber Company and then Boise-Cascade. Kyle Railways of Arizona began managing it in the mid-1960s and bought it in 1987. In August 1996 a group made up entirely of local Mendocino Coast investors purchased the line, the first time in 111 years it ran as an independent business. Today the Skunk Train is owned and operated by Mendocino Railway, and the railroad says it has run without interruption since 1885.

Trestles, tunnels and the Noyo River canyon

The Redwood Route winds through old-growth redwood groves, over trestle bridges, through tunnels and into the Noyo River canyon, and the railroad says the views are largely unchanged after more than a century. From Fort Bragg, the year-round Pudding Creek Express makes a 7-mile round trip along the Pudding Creek Estuary to The Glen, where riders stop to walk among the redwoods, have snacks and play games. A Presidential Class car offers the same route with cocktails and first-class service.

From Willits, the seasonal Wolf Tree Turn covers 16 miles in about two hours, crossing the highest point on the line on the way to the Wolf Tree, with a stop at Crowley to explore. For behind-the-scenes history, the Roundhouse Tour shows the work that keeps a historic shortline running. The railroad also runs special event trains through the year, from Days of Steam with the historic steam engine Chiggen on select summer weekends to Mr. Skunk's Giant Christmas Tree out of Willits.

Don’t miss

  1. Pudding Creek ExpressThe easiest family trip, departing year-round from Fort Bragg with a stopover at The Glen to stretch little legs in the redwoods.
  2. Railbikes on Pudding CreekTwo-person electric assist railbikes cover 7 miles from Fort Bragg with a stop at The Glen, in about 1 hour 45 minutes.
  3. Wolf Tree TurnA 16-mile trip from Willits over the highest point of the line, with a stop at Crowley.
  4. Roundhouse TourA look behind the scenes at the shop work that keeps an 1885 railroad running today.
  5. The steam engine ChiggenThe railroad brings this historic steam engine out for Days of Steam on select summer weekends.
  6. Glen Blair BarA bar out in the redwoods reached only by the Skunk, running seasonally on Friday evenings from Fort Bragg.

Redwoods, railbikes and games at The Glen

The Pudding Creek Express is built with families in mind: it is a short ride from Fort Bragg, and the stopover at The Glen gives kids time to explore the redwoods, have a snack and play games before the trip back. Tunnels and trestles along the line add a little drama for small riders.

Older kids and teens tend to love the electric railbikes, and the early Rise and Shine railbike trip on select weekends comes with pastries, juice and coffee. The railroad's rules ask that minors be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult. For a holiday trip, Mr. Skunk's Giant Christmas Tree runs out of Willits.

Plan your visit: tips for Skunk Train

  • Check which depot your trip leaves from: Fort Bragg and Willits are on opposite ends of the line.
  • Book through the online calendar; schedules change by season.
  • Outside alcohol is not allowed on railroad property, and drinkers must be 21 with photo ID.
  • The Noyo railbike trip is about four hours with a picnic at Camp Mendocino, so plan the day around it.
  • Call (707) 964-6371 with questions before booking.

The big holiday draw is Mr. Skunk's Giant Christmas Tree, a December trip out of Willits to what the railroad calls the world's largest living Christmas tree. Days of Steam brings the historic steam engine Chiggen onto the line on select summer weekends, and special event trains run throughout the year. For more December ideas, see our guide to Christmas train rides in California.

Mendocino Railway and the crews behind the Skunk

The Skunk Train is owned and operated by Mendocino Railway, and its leader goes by the title Chief Skunk, Robert Pinoli. Roundhouse crews keep the historic equipment running, and riders support the line every time they book a trip, take a roundhouse tour or buy merchandise from its online shop. The railroad shares news on Facebook and Instagram.

Other rail stops on a North Coast road trip

Our page on Mendocino Railway historic operations covers the company behind the Skunk in Fort Bragg. Heading south, the Napa Valley Wine Train is about 114 miles away, and the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento is about 137 miles. Plan a longer trip with our list of train museums and rides in California.

Every train museum in California

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor view from inside a dark tunnel looking out at a sunny beach and cliffs
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

The Skunk Train rolls through real tunnels on its way into the Noyo River canyon, and I love that a short family ride can include one. In our book, Rally's train goes into a dark tunnel, and then there is a big bright light and happy cheers. With redwoods on the other side, I think those cheers would be extra loud. My mom imagined that moment long before I painted it, and her story lives on our our story page.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at Skunk Train?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Skunk Train: 20 questions riders ask before booking

What is the Skunk Train?

The Skunk Train is a historic railroad in Mendocino County, California, that has run on its Redwood Route since 1885. It began as a logging line called the Fort Bragg Railroad, later the California Western, and now carries passengers through redwood groves, over trestles and through tunnels. It is owned and operated by Mendocino Railway.

Where does the Skunk Train leave from in Fort Bragg?

The Fort Bragg depot is at 100 West Laurel Street, Fort Bragg, CA 95437. The Pudding Creek Express, the Presidential Class car, the Pudding Creek railbikes, Hike to the Glen and the Glen Blair Bar trips all depart from Fort Bragg. Check your ticket for the exact departure point before you go.

What Skunk Train trips leave from Willits?

The Wolf Tree Turn departs seasonally from Willits, a 16-mile, roughly two-hour trip over the highest point of the line with a stop at Crowley. A Noyo Presidential Class trip and Mr. Skunk's Giant Christmas Tree also run out of Willits. Confirm dates on the Skunk Train's online calendar, since Willits trips are seasonal.

What are the Skunk Train railbikes?

The railbikes are two-person, electric assist bikes that ride on the rails. Railbikes on Pudding Creek leave seasonally from Fort Bragg for a 7-mile trip with a stop at The Glen, taking about 1 hour 45 minutes. Railbikes on the Noyo is a 25-mile round trip to Camp Mendocino with a picnic, about four hours in total.

What is the Skunk Train Rise and Shine railbike trip?

Rise and Shine is a one-hour, there-and-back railbike ride on Pudding Creek that leaves at 8 am on select weekends. The railroad serves pastries, orange juice and coffee to start the morning. It is listed as a newer offering, so check the calendar at skunktrain.com for the weekends it runs.

How much are Skunk Train tickets?

The Skunk Train does not list a single ticket price; fares depend on the trip, car class and date, and are shown when you book on skunktrain.com. Premium options like the Presidential Class car cost more than the standard Pudding Creek Express. For current pricing and any discounts, check the booking calendar or call (707) 964-6371.

Are there Skunk Train ticket discounts or VIP tickets?

The railroad's website does not post discount codes or third-party deals. Its upscale option is the Presidential Class car, which adds handcrafted cocktails and first-class service on the Pudding Creek route, with a Noyo Presidential Class trip from Willits. Call (707) 964-6371 to ask about current offers or group pricing.

What is the Skunk Train schedule?

The schedule changes by season, so the railroad publishes it as an online calendar at skunktrain.com rather than a fixed timetable. As of October 2026 the Pudding Creek Express is listed as running year-round from Fort Bragg, while the Wolf Tree Turn, railbikes and special trains run seasonally. Check the calendar for today's departures.

Is there a printable Skunk Train timetable?

The railroad does not post a downloadable timetable on the pages reviewed for this guide. Departures are listed on the View Full Calendar page at skunktrain.com, which shows upcoming trips by date. If you need times in advance for a group or a road trip, call (707) 964-6371.

How long is the Skunk Train ride?

The Pudding Creek Express is a 7-mile round trip from Fort Bragg; the railroad lists it at 75 minutes in one place and 1.5 hours in another, including the stop at The Glen. The Wolf Tree Turn from Willits takes about two hours. Railbike trips run from about 1 hour 45 minutes to four hours.

What is the Skunk Train bar?

The Glen Blair Bar is a bar out in the redwoods that can only be reached by the Skunk Train. Trips depart seasonally from Fort Bragg on Friday evenings. Anyone buying or drinking alcohol must be 21 or older with valid photo ID, and outside alcohol is not allowed. Book through the calendar at skunktrain.com.

Does the Skunk Train run a Christmas train?

Yes. Mr. Skunk's Giant Christmas Tree is the railroad's holiday trip, departing from Willits to what it calls the world's largest living Christmas tree. Holiday trips are popular, so book early through the calendar at skunktrain.com. Dates and prices for the Christmas season are posted there as they are released.

Is the Skunk Train good for kids?

Yes. The Pudding Creek Express is described as fun for the whole family, with a stopover at The Glen where kids can explore the redwoods, snack and play games. The ride is short enough for younger children. The railroad's rules require minors to be supervised by a parent, guardian or responsible adult.

Why is it called the Skunk Train?

The name dates to 1925, when the railroad began running self-propelled motorcars with gasoline engines and pot-bellied stoves that burned crude oil for heat. The fumes smelled so strong that people along the line said you could smell them before you could see them. The odor is much reduced today, but the name stuck.

Who owns the Skunk Train?

The Skunk Train is owned and operated by Mendocino Railway. Earlier, the line was run by the Fort Bragg mill under Union Lumber Company and Boise-Cascade, then managed and later bought by Kyle Railways. In August 1996 local Mendocino Coast investors purchased it, the first time it ran as an independent business.

Can you tour the Skunk Train roundhouse?

Yes. The Roundhouse Tour takes visitors behind the scenes at a working historic shortline to see the work that keeps the Skunk Train running. Book it through skunktrain.com. It is a good pick for rail fans and older kids who want to see the equipment up close rather than ride.

Does the Skunk Train run steam trains?

The railroad runs Days of Steam with the historic steam engine Chiggen on weekends in August and September, as announced on its website. Most regular trips are not steam powered. Check the calendar at skunktrain.com to confirm whether Days of Steam is scheduled for the year you plan to visit.

Does the Skunk Train go all the way from Fort Bragg to Willits?

Not currently. Trips run out of each end of the line. The railroad's FAQ describes a tunnel project that will connect the Fort Bragg and Willits depots but says there is no schedule yet for when it will be finished. Book the depot closest to where you are staying.

Can you hike on the Skunk Train route?

Yes. Hike to the Glen is a guided seven-mile round trip on foot from Fort Bragg through redwood groves that were the original reason for the railroad, and it includes lunch. It is a different way to see the Redwood Route for families with strong walkers. Book through skunktrain.com.

How do I contact the Skunk Train?

Call the Skunk Train at (707) 964-6371 or use the contact form on its website. Donation requests go through a separate form linked from the contact page. The railroad also posts trip news on its Facebook and Instagram pages, which are handy for checking upcoming special events.

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Kelsey Cecil
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