Skunk Train Fort Bragg
Ride a historic train or railbike through majestic redwoods, to a hidden forest bar, or along the Noyo River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music & special events
Skunk Train Fort Bragg
Best Time
Live music & special events
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a historic train or railbike through majestic redwoods, to a hidden forest bar, or along the Noyo River.
"A blend of history, nostalgia, and natural beauty, this iconic attraction was a unique way to experience breathtaking landscapes."
🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventures
Bring your furry friends! Many Skunk Train excursions, including the Glen Blair Bar trip, are dog-friendly.
🎟️ Get Physical Tickets
Even if you buy online, you need to get physical tickets stamped at the depot counter.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Glen Blair Bar Excursion
Deep in the Redwood Forest
Ride a historic train to a secluded bar in the woods with live music, fire pits, and games.
+1Railbikes on the Noyo River
Noyo River Route
Glide through a lush redwood forest on electric-assisted railbikes, enjoying scenic river views.
Pudding Creek Estuary Train
Pudding Creek Estuary
A shorter, scenic 7-mile round trip ride, perfect for spotting local wildlife like herons and ospreys.
Model Railroad Museum
Fort Bragg Depot
Explore an impressive collection of model trains, a fun stop before or after your ride.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Excursions
Choose Your Adventure: Train or Railbike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventures
Bring your furry friends! Many Skunk Train excursions, including the Glen Blair Bar trip, are dog-friendly.
🎟️ Get Physical Tickets
Even if you buy online, you need to get physical tickets stamped at the depot counter.
🥾 Explore at Stops
Enjoy the 45-minute breaks to hike short trails or play outdoor games at select stops.
📸 Open-Air Car Views
For the best photos and fresh air, snag a spot in the open-air car.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventures
Bring your furry friends! Many Skunk Train excursions, including the Glen Blair Bar trip, are dog-friendly.
🎟️ Get Physical Tickets
Even if you buy online, you need to get physical tickets stamped at the depot counter.
🥾 Explore at Stops
Enjoy the 45-minute breaks to hike short trails or play outdoor games at select stops.
📸 Open-Air Car Views
For the best photos and fresh air, snag a spot in the open-air car.
🎶 Check Event Calendar
Look for themed rides like holiday specials or music events for a unique experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Skunk Train for its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and fun excursions. The Glen Blair Bar trip and railbiking are frequently highlighted as memorable experiences. While generally positive, some note that daytime rides can be dark in winter, and booking in advance is crucial during peak season.
"This afternoon my girlfriend and I rode The Skunk Train from Fort Bragg up Pudding Creek to Glen Blair Junction. We booked the Presidential Class Car, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. The car itself was comfortable, beautifully restored, and we had it to ourselves, which made the trip feel private and special. Music from the 1920s and 30s played softly in the background, adding to the atmosphere.
The staff was very friendly and attentive, making us feel welcome from the moment we boarded. Even though we had packed a lunch, we were served a nice snack tray along with beer and spirits. The photos capture some highlights: the vintage train car interior, drinks and snacks served during the ride, and the views from the observation area as we made our way through the forest.
When we arrived at Glen Blair Junction, we were greeted by an outdoor bar and plenty of seating. We spent about 45 minutes there, enjoying the redwood setting and chatting with another couple before the train horn called us back. The return trip was just as enjoyable—we relaxed with another round of drinks while taking in the scenery.
Overall, the experience was well worth it. The combination of friendly service, unique vintage atmosphere, and the beauty of the redwoods makes this ride a memorable way to spend an afternoon in Fort Bragg."
Les Day
"I rode the World Famous Skunk Train w/Malakai, the singing conductor! What a fabulous ride through the redwoods! I took my cousin & we both had a great Friday 🦨🚂ride! The Wolf Tree was spectacular! I wish they would repair the tunnel to Fort Bragg so we could ride the train longer! Everybody was super & I highly recommend the VIP ticket‼️🙏🫶🏼All Aboard ‼️🦨🚂😊"
patricia miklik
"I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. The train ride was smooth and slow enough to see the sites. The Conductor serenaded us which made it more relaxing. We were allowed to get off the train for a picnic or just to explore the area. Overall, it was a great experience and I highly recommend it to everyone of all ages. People even had the pets on the train and the animals responded in a positive manner."
Yvonne Daniels
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Skunk Train depot is located at 30401 N. Fort Bragg-Sherwood Road in Fort Bragg, California. It's easily accessible by car. Parking is available at the depot, though it can get busy during peak season.
Public transportation options directly to the Skunk Train depot are limited. Most visitors arrive by car. Consider ride-sharing services if you're staying nearby in Fort Bragg or Mendocino.
Fort Bragg is best reached by car, especially if you're coming from other parts of California. The drive along the coast offers scenic views.
Yes, Fort Bragg has several hotels and motels within a short drive or walking distance of the Skunk Train depot, offering convenient accommodation options.
Yes, staff often allow visitors to leave their cars in the lot if they plan to explore downtown Fort Bragg after their train ride, as there are no more trains scheduled for the day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the excursion. The Pudding Creek Express is generally more affordable, while the Glen Blair Bar trip and Railbikes can be more expensive. Expect prices to start around $56.95 for some options. Check their official website for current pricing and deals.
You can purchase tickets online through the official Skunk Train website. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for popular excursions like the Glen Blair Bar trip.
While you can buy tickets online, you'll need to visit the ticket counter at the depot to have them stamped and receive physical tickets for boarding.
Occasionally, deals and discounts can be found on platforms like Groupon. It's worth checking these sites before booking directly.
The Skunk Train operates year-round, but schedules vary by season and excursion. The Glen Blair Bar night rides, for example, only depart on weekends. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
The Skunk Train offers several experiences, including the Pudding Creek Express (7 miles round trip), the longer Redwood Route (25 miles round trip on railbikes), and the popular Glen Blair Bar excursion.
This excursion takes you into the redwood forest to a secluded bar with live music, fire pits, and games. It's a unique adult-oriented experience.
Yes, the Skunk Train is great for families. The Pudding Creek Express is a good option for younger children, and the train ride itself feels like stepping into a storybook.
Absolutely! The Skunk Train is very dog-friendly, with many excursions allowing pets for an additional fee.
At select stops, like Glen Blair Junction, you'll have about 45 minutes to disembark, explore nearby trails, play outdoor games, or simply enjoy the redwood forest.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While food isn't typically served on the standard train rides, the Glen Blair Bar excursion offers a unique experience with drinks, and sometimes food vendors or opportunities for roasting hot dogs and s'mores.
The Glen Blair Bar is known for its drinks and atmosphere. Some special events, like the Whiskey, Wine and Mushroom train, feature food vendors and gourmet snacks.
It's generally a good idea to check the specific policies for your chosen excursion. For day trips, you might want to pack snacks and water.
Yes, the depot is located in downtown Fort Bragg, which has numerous restaurants and shops within walking distance, perfect for a meal before or after your ride.
Fort Bragg offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes and seafood restaurants to more upscale eateries, catering to different tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
The open-air car offers unobstructed views of the redwood forest and river. The stops at Glen Blair Junction also provide great opportunities for nature photography.
Yes, the scenic route through redwoods, along the Noyo River, and over trestle bridges provides stunning backdrops for photos. The open-air car is ideal.
Daytime rides offer the best natural light to capture the vibrant greens of the redwoods. Evening rides can be magical for capturing the forest atmosphere, but visibility for photos might be limited.
Yes, you can open the windows in the closed cars to take photos, though the open-air car provides a more immersive photography experience.
Keep an eye out for towering redwood trees, the Noyo River, rustic trestle bridges, and potentially local wildlife like blue herons or ospreys.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The classic train rides themselves feel like stepping into a storybook, with the gentle chugging of the engine and the narration adding to the magic. Many excursions are dog-friendly, so your furry family members can join the adventure too!
The stops at Glen Blair Junction provide a chance for kids to stretch their legs, explore short trails, and burn off some energy in the forest. 🐶 Pet Travelers
+1 This means your canine companions can experience the magic of riding through the redwood forests alongside you. It's a great way to include your pets in your California adventures without leaving them behind. Just be sure to check the specific pet policy for your chosen excursion when booking.
🥂 Adults Seeking Unique Experiences
+1 This unique trip takes you on a historic train ride deep into the redwoods to a secluded bar with live music and a relaxed atmosphere. It's an ideal setting for a romantic outing or a fun night with friends. Consider the Whiskey, Wine and Mushroom Skunk Train for a special themed event, offering tastings and gourmet snacks in a memorable forest setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Skunk Train Experience
One of the most talked-about experiences is the Glen Blair Bar excursion. This trip takes passengers deep into the forest to a secluded bar where they can enjoy live music, relax by fire pits, and even play outdoor games. It's often described as a magical, almost hidden oasis.
+1 For those seeking a more active adventure, the Railbikes offer a chance to pedal through the redwoods, either with electric assistance or by self-propulsion, along the Noyo River route. Beyond the main excursions, the Skunk Train depot in Fort Bragg also houses an impressive Model Railroad Museum, which is included with admission and offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of model trains.
Exploring the Redwood Routes
This journey takes you through a lush environment, where sunlight filters through the dense canopy, creating a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere. Travelers often mention the towering height of the trees and the feeling of being enveloped by nature. The Pudding Creek Estuary route offers a different, yet equally beautiful, perspective. This 7-mile round trip excursion is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, as the estuary is home to various bird species, including blue herons, ospreys, and egrets.
It's a gentler ride, perfect for families or those who prefer a shorter, more relaxed journey. The combination of forest and river scenery makes this route particularly picturesque. For those venturing to the Glen Blair Junction, the experience extends beyond the train ride. Passengers have a dedicated time to explore the surrounding forest, hike short trails, and enjoy the natural beauty.
Glen Blair Bar: A Hidden Gem
+1Accessing the bar involves a scenic train ride from Fort Bragg, typically about 30 minutes, which sets the mood for the forest escape.
It's described as a place where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. The atmosphere is often praised for being relaxed and fun, especially during the weekend night rides. This excursion is particularly popular for its novelty and the combination of a historic train journey with a unique social setting. It's an adult-oriented experience, with some rides specifically designated for 21+ guests.
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