Skunk Train
Skunk Train
4
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
Trips departing from both Fort Bragg, CA and Willits, CA on the historic Redwood Route of Mendocino County. The Pudding Creek Express departs from Fort Bragg, on which your train will travel along the Pudding Creek Estuary to Glen Blair Junction on this short and scenic 1-hour, 7-mile roundtrip. You will be traveling over some of the first tracks laid down by the California Western Railroad in 1885. The Wolf Tree Turn is a scenic journey departing Willits and traveling over the highest point of the line. This 2-hour, 16-mile, round trip will take you over the Summit of our line (elevation 1,740 feet), through Tunnel #2, and down into the Noyo River Canyon. Our Railbikes experiences offer an entirely new way to see the redwoods. Electric-powered and virtually silent, our custom-built, patent pending, two-person railbikes will take you breezing along the world-famous Redwood Route, on one of two trips.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
1,391 reviews
Excellent
732
Very good
323
Average
161
Poor
92
Terrible
85
Jessica Kelly
22 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
June 2021
The railbike experience departing from the Skunk Train Depot in Fort Bragg, California was an enjoyable, leisure, scenic ride through the redwoods.
Pros:
*Scenery
*RailBike experience
*The hike up the mountain during our break.
*Tour Guides Johnny (very informative/knowledgeable, charming and friendly) and Bruce were absolutely great!
Cons:
*The price of $250.00 per railbike (seating two people/riders).
I needed to reserve two railbikes for the three of us, costing $500.00.
The price has considerably increased from just a few years ago, almost by three times.
*The helmets were *well used*.
I had my grandson bring his own helmet from home and I wore a baseball cap style hat under my helmet for minimal contact. I highly recommend bringing your own personal helmet, as helmets are required for riding the railbike.
(For the money they bring in with the railbike tours alone, at $250.00 per railbike, they can afford to purchase new helmets.)
*Length of tour/ride.
In my opinion, I (along with the rest of my crew) felt the tour was too short, with approximately just 3 miles one way and 3 miles back for a total of six miles. The ride left me wanting more. I would have enjoyed a much longer ride (especially considering what I paid for the experience). I would have paid for a second ride had the price been lower.
Hopefully, once the collapsed tunnel is reconstructed, the ride will be even longer.
Note:
As of June 2021, construction is underway with wooden walking bridges and platforms/stage with future plans that sound very promising for future riders.
The railbike experience departing from the Skunk Train Depot in Fort Bragg, California was an enjoyable, leisure, scenic ride through the redwoods.
Pros:
*Scenery
*RailBike experience
*The hike up the mountain during our break.
*Tour Guides Johnny (very informative/knowledgeable, charming and friendly) and Bruce were absolutely great!
Cons:
*The price of $250.00 per railbike (seating two people/riders).
I needed to reserve two railbikes for the three of us, costing $500.00.
The price has considerably increased from just a few years ago, almost by three times.
*The helmets were *well used*.
I had my grandson bring his own helmet from home and I wore a baseball cap style hat under my helmet for minimal contact. I highly recommend bringing your own personal helmet, as helmets are required for riding the railbike.
(For the money they bring in with the railbike tours alone, at $250.00 per railbike, they can afford to purchase new helmets.)
*Length of tour/ride.
In my opinion, I (along with the rest of my crew) felt the tour was too short, with approximately just 3 miles one way and 3 miles back for a total of six miles. The ride left me wanting more. I would have enjoyed a much longer ride (especially considering what I paid for the experience). I would have paid for a second ride had the price been lower.
Hopefully, once the collapsed tunnel is reconstructed, the ride will be even longer.
Note:
As of June 2021, construction is underway with wooden walking bridges and platforms/stage with future plans that sound very promising for future riders.
Written June 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris H
Yorba Linda, CA1,665 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
We did the rail bikes while visiting the Mendocino area. Just a short drive to Fort Bragg it seemed like a fun, outdoorsy thing to do! We are glad we did as it was very unique! Originally we thought we would have to pedal these two-person cars but they have “electric assistance” which made it MUCH more enjoyable!
Each car seats two people and there is a basket with a bungee cord to strap down jackets or purses. Helmets are provided and because it is a “federal railway”, at the time of our visit in late June, masks were required while on the rail bike.
After about 25 minutes we got to the end of the line where we were shown two various, clearly marked hiking trails. One was more challenging with elevations and the other more level. We had plenty of time to do both.
We both thought there were things that could be done to justify the rather pricey cost. Perhaps a free bottle of water at the stopping point so travelers wouldn’t have to bring one. They could even sell them along with snacks and maybe reduce the cost a bit.
Other than that, we really enjoyed our afternoon on the bikes and especially the humorous crew that filled us in on the history of the area and the rail lines. We would definitely recommend, especially if they have a Groupon deal!
Each car seats two people and there is a basket with a bungee cord to strap down jackets or purses. Helmets are provided and because it is a “federal railway”, at the time of our visit in late June, masks were required while on the rail bike.
After about 25 minutes we got to the end of the line where we were shown two various, clearly marked hiking trails. One was more challenging with elevations and the other more level. We had plenty of time to do both.
We both thought there were things that could be done to justify the rather pricey cost. Perhaps a free bottle of water at the stopping point so travelers wouldn’t have to bring one. They could even sell them along with snacks and maybe reduce the cost a bit.
Other than that, we really enjoyed our afternoon on the bikes and especially the humorous crew that filled us in on the history of the area and the rail lines. We would definitely recommend, especially if they have a Groupon deal!
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce U
Cypress, CA12 contributions
Jul 2022
Amazing journey on the Rail Bikes on the Noyo. Ethan and Ashton were awesome as they led our team 12.5 miles up the river to the Noyo camp and then back. The stop at the Noyo camp where we ate our lunches was beautiful. They post that the trip is "strenuous". However, I am 66 years old, in okay shape, and I found the journey delightful. With the peddle assist, I had no issue peddling all 12.5 miles with a boost from my wife or from the electrical assist when the uphill portion was higher than normal. On the way back, it was really easy, as it was mostly downhill and you let the pedal assist run the rail bike. The only issue was the battery packs on the bikes. Anytime a battery pack went out (we had 8 bikes), everyone had to stop and wait for the battery to be changed. Going the 1/2 mile down the hill, not much problem. Of course, the only thing I could think of was that I have to go back up this hill. And yes, that part was difficult, but I made it. It would be amazing if they had a van pick everyone up where the rail bikes stop and take them back up to the top. That would have been the best end of an amazing journey. Riding though the redwoods with the wind at your face - there is nothing like it anywhere. I highly recommend the rail bikes on the Noyo as a great 4-5 hour part of your day. We took my entire family with ages ranging from 6 to 66, and everyone had a great time.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JBHChi
1 contribution
Oct 2021
If you’ve never been outside of a city, and you arrive by helicopter, you may enjoy this woefully lacking experience. It iinvolved a 20 minute train ride through a rather scruffy stretch of woods, then a 25 minute stop during which you can take a 10 minute walk in a nicer wooded area, then returning along the same disappointing route from which we started. The tab for this depressing experience was $160 for four persons — a total ripoff! The Skunk Train’s attraction is obviously the result of massive advertising and public relations efforts which totally mask the near worthless enterprize beneath the surface.
Written October 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alana H
7 contributions
Jun 2022
I did the Pudding Creek Railbike tour with my dog as part of our road trip down the 101! It was a really fun experience and my dog did great in the crate that was attached to the back of my railbike. The company provided a tarp over the top to help shield the sun, or rain if that were to of happened, and I appreciated that initiative from the company. I had no issues pedaling us both on my own, especially with the motor assist. Really nice team of people! I was in the back on the way out, so missed quite a bit of what the guide said as he stayed near the front right before the start of the ride and the group did not wait as I had to "unload" my dog when we reached our pitstop at the trail before heading back while the guide talked about some of the history, missing that as well. It was an expensive adventure, but I am glad we did it!
Written July 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aaron A
1 contribution
Dec 2020 • Couples
We did the skunk train bikes. It was an awesome experience. The staff/guides were professional but fun. We went the week between Christmas and new years and they had 2 time slots each day (11am and 1:30pm) but added a 4p slot for the added groups that wanted to go. We were one of the added groups and it was cold but with appropriate dress attire it was fine. The Bikes/ rail carts have a small electric assist motor if you get tired. It was a 30min ride that ended in the woods where you could do a short hike through the redwoods. Nothing spectacular to see on the hike but it was nice and not to difficult. Im on the heavier side and the hike got me to a light sweat. After about another 30min at the end the staff/guides turned our rail carts around and we got back on and road back to the station.
Now the price, it is $250 for a rail cart/bike that seats 2 riders. For us it was worth the price to help keep this experience open and running. The tracks we were on could have been longer but do to a collapse in the tunnel a few years ago it hadn't been cleared yet. They do plan to start clearing it in 2022. So we will deffinitly be coming back one or 2 more times. Hopefully the tunnel will be cleared one of those times.
Now the price, it is $250 for a rail cart/bike that seats 2 riders. For us it was worth the price to help keep this experience open and running. The tracks we were on could have been longer but do to a collapse in the tunnel a few years ago it hadn't been cleared yet. They do plan to start clearing it in 2022. So we will deffinitly be coming back one or 2 more times. Hopefully the tunnel will be cleared one of those times.
Written December 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elaine H
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
We rode the skunk train rail bikes. Thankfully, the weather was nice. We left at 1:30pm quickly to find our motorized bike was not functioning properly. We peddled as far as we could at #2 mile marker and literally had to abandon the bike along the side of the trail. One of the Guides gave us his bike after the rest of the group left us behind and we had to help the guide pick up and remove the broken bike off the track.
We rode a little farther and realized bike #2 also begin to have issues the motor would not stay engaged.
We eventually made it to the staging area where we found they were doing construction and the platform was closed and there were a few picnic tables in the sun, 1 porta potty which was dirty and the tank was full.
I spoke to 2 different guides explaining to them that the 2nd rail bike was also having trouble, they said they would look at it to discover the motor was indeed not working properly.
They provided us with bike #3. Third times a charm, I guess. This was much appreciated after peddling most of the way there. The return time was supposed to be around 2:45 we did not return until 4:00pm because of both of our bikes malfunctioned and a third bike’s battery died and had to be replaced from another couple.
I believe this is an extremely overpriced amount of $250 per bike.
We rode a little farther and realized bike #2 also begin to have issues the motor would not stay engaged.
We eventually made it to the staging area where we found they were doing construction and the platform was closed and there were a few picnic tables in the sun, 1 porta potty which was dirty and the tank was full.
I spoke to 2 different guides explaining to them that the 2nd rail bike was also having trouble, they said they would look at it to discover the motor was indeed not working properly.
They provided us with bike #3. Third times a charm, I guess. This was much appreciated after peddling most of the way there. The return time was supposed to be around 2:45 we did not return until 4:00pm because of both of our bikes malfunctioned and a third bike’s battery died and had to be replaced from another couple.
I believe this is an extremely overpriced amount of $250 per bike.
Written August 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred V
South Lake Tahoe, CA2 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
I was disappointed that the ride was short to a collapsed tunnel with zero amenities. There is major construction so perhaps in the future there might be some educational exhibits. There is a short walking trail up the hillside. If undertaking that trail, you better be a runner or first off the train or you will be the last back on the train.
The comments by the conductor was hazy and not very interesting. Not much of a view as you passed through the tunnel of trees.
I thought I purchased an hour and a half train ride, not a 20 minute ride out and back and limited ground time with no signs, guides or entertainment.
If I were to try the skunk train again, it would only be the willets ride.
Again, not aware of the collapsed tunnel, short ride duration and a lack of amenities at the tunnel stop.
Think about spending this money before riding the Fort Bragg trip.
The comments by the conductor was hazy and not very interesting. Not much of a view as you passed through the tunnel of trees.
I thought I purchased an hour and a half train ride, not a 20 minute ride out and back and limited ground time with no signs, guides or entertainment.
If I were to try the skunk train again, it would only be the willets ride.
Again, not aware of the collapsed tunnel, short ride duration and a lack of amenities at the tunnel stop.
Think about spending this money before riding the Fort Bragg trip.
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori T
1 contribution
May 2021 • Family
I wish I would have read through all the reviews before booking since they do not inform you when booking that you are paying full price for half the experience. The train ride was fine, kind of expensive. You get 20 minutes into the ride and they inform you that oh one of there tunnels collapsed ( some time ago) so you no longer go the complete circle. You go 20 minutes forward, stop for 20 minutes then go 20 minutes backwards. Definitely not worth $200.
Written May 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wubby88
Waterloo, WI25 contributions
May 2022
My best friend and I flew to California for 6 days and one of our bucket list items was the Railbikes on the NOYO. We had an amazing time. Our guides, Mason and Brendan were exceptional! We were a little hesitant at first with the mile hike to the railbikes, but it was actually really easy to do. Then we rode for 12 miles to Camp for lunch (bikes are also motorized so you don't have to pedal the whole time) was breathtaking and something everyone should try! Then we had a great lunch at camp and went back another 12 miles to our starting point. Mason and Brendan after a few miles in and having faith that we knew what we were doing, spaced each bike out (there were 6 total I think) far enough so you thought you were in the woods by yourself. One guide was in the front and one in the back and each bike had a radio as well so we never felt unsafe being by ourselves. The mile hike back up at the end was doable as well. If you are thinking about doing this, DO! You will not regret it!
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra B
California
Anybody have any reviews regarding the VIP experience for train rides? Regular price is $54 vs VIP $94.... Is the VIP option worth if for the skunk train???
bearnstar
Alma, AR232 contributions
There are 3 of us. Can one person do the peddling easily??
zanneyland
5 contributions
Only two riders per bike and one person can probably handle the peddling. Even though has battery assist, you still have to peddle.
646jenniferu
Tehachapi, CA92 contributions
I see there is a weight limit of 250lbs per rider. Do they weigh you? Are they strict?
rlapkass
1 contribution
Nope, did not see anyone being weighed. But if you have any concerns, might make sense to contact the Skunk Train office ahead of time.
snookiet
california161 contributions
Which is the better ride from Willits or Fort Bragg. Is there a bathroom and do we have to bring a lunch and refreshments or are they provided
Deb
3 contributions
The trip from Fort Bragg is shorter due to issues with a tunnel cave in. There are refreshments available for purchase. Bathroom is on the train from Fort Bragg. You can bring your lunch with you though.
hjeanj
1 contribution
How is parking here? Is it pretty safe? We are traveling during the holidays w some items in the car and a bit worried.
lanie101
Fallon, NV132 contributions
The parking lot in Fort Bragg is next to the train station. It is convenient and we didn’t see any out of the ordinary issues that would cause problems.
Vegaswheeler
Las Vegas, NV2 contributions
When will the calendar be up for 2020?
Does the train run March/April of 2020?
Vegaswheeler
Las Vegas, NV2 contributions
Thanks I have riden the train many times over the past 25 years now its time to take the grandkids.
The website has zero trips spring time for the train other than Easter.
Art T
Santa Clarita, CA
When is the best time to do the bike train? Are there fall foliage to see on that route? Thanks
TheGrovelandCatLady
California196 contributions
😹 Yes, lots of opportunity for foliage as many trees are deciduous.. Hitting great color is luck of the draw. I would call the Ft. Bragg visitors center for current info.
Skunk Train (Fort Bragg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Skunk Train
- Skunk Train is open:
- Sun - Thu 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Fri - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Skunk Train tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Skunk Train tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Skunk Train:
- (0.10 mi) Weller House Inn
- (0.21 mi) Country Inn Guest House
- (0.17 mi) The Redwood Coast Inn
- (0.29 mi) Glass Beach Inn
- (0.26 mi) Atrium Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Skunk Train:
- (0.04 mi) Laurel Deli & Desserts
- (0.08 mi) Mayan Fusion
- (0.10 mi) Eggheads Restaurant
- (0.08 mi) The Pub at North Coast Brewing Co.
- (0.10 mi) Headlands Coffeehouse
Skunk Train Information
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