skunk train

If you like trains, you will enjoy the Skunk train. The day was overcast and cool and it was a little cold in the car on the way out. The ride through the redwoods, along the river was beautiful and my boys spent a fair amount of time in the outside observation car. The BBQ lunch was actually pretty good (hotdogs, baked beans, etc..) and not too pricey. Overall, a very fun excursion!

Worth the $. The seating was comfortable in the old classic coach and the conductor narrated about the scenery and its history and also about the logging days while pointing out Old Growth Redwoods along the way. On the way back I found it exhilarating to be out on the observation car taking pictures of these giants and of the scenic Noyo River. Highly recommend for families, eldery (handicap accessible) couples and anyone. Dogs are allowed for a small charge.

The views are often breathtaking on this railroad ride. It's worth the expense to enjoy this historic fun. Kids will especially like the feel of "old time" transportation.

We took the Skunk Train from Fort Bragg up to Northspur, and then back to Fort Bragg. The day was cool, and overcast, and it was a little cold in the car. The trip took a little under hours each way. There is an open car which gives a good vantage point. Unfortunately, they were using the diesel-electric engine and not the steam engine. There is a fairly good narration during the trip, and you learn the history of the area. The large redwoods are quite spectacular. There is a 45 minute lunch break at Northspur, with hamburgers, sausage, hotdogs, and drinks for sale. There is a gift shop at the turnanround, but it is really just kids toys and the usual tourist items. If I was to do the trip again, I would have broight my own lunch. There were several young children aboard, who quickly became bored, and became a bit of a problem I think that it may be too long for some children. All in all, a trip worth taking.

A brilliant must-do family day out, kids and adults will love alike. And look out for the singing conductor. And do go and see the great model railway when you return to Fort Bragg station.

I went on this train 20 years ago & wasn't impressed. Thev've added a narration & a snack car & this helps tremendously! The lunch at the turn around was simply o.k., but the entertainment was fun! I'll wait another 20 years, but will now recommend.

My Grandfather was a locomotive engineer so I especially loved trains. This is the perfect date for a couple that love adventure and nature. I caught the train in Willits, California. I selected the Steam train as it is similar to the one my Gramps ran. For me it was more nostalgic. I booked a room at the other end for my overnighter in Ft. Bragg, California on the coast. The trip was amazing as you wind you way through the California Redwoods and Douglas Firs, through the coastal range, to the end of the line. Midway there is a stop a where you can eat a picnic you brought (Recommended) or you can get in a long line and pay there. Plenty of outdoor seating. After a while of resting, you continue to the coast. You can return the same day but I suggest you make it an overnighter for more fun. Ft Bragg is a great seaside town, with plenty of restaurants, but I recommend the brew pub, North Coast Brewing Co. The food there is great. I used local taxi to get around. On the train you have the option of sitting outside or inside cars. . Departing from Willits and traveling to Northspur, your train will climb the Eastern slope of the Califfornia Coast Range, cutting through it at Tunnel No. 2 (Summit) before descending into the Noyo River Canyon. This is the mountainous part of our railroad line, in which 8.5 miles of track cover a straight-line distance of less than one mile.

I would say that is a must to do but don´t expect too much. Bring your camara and a good jacket is you go on winter, the wind can become very chilly.

If you love old trains with steam engines don't miss this trip. A day or half day trip through the majestic forests of Mendocino. We loved it!!!!! We did the full day from Fort Bragg to Willits. Prices is very reasonable and is pet friendly.

I have mixed reviews on this one. The scenery was beautiful and something I would of missed if I didn't do the ride. The trip was only 60% full which I was excited about and looked forward to extra space. But instead of allowing us more room, they crammed us all into 2 cars. It was packed with lots of sick people, screaming kids, and everyone was trying to talk over everyone else. But on the return trip, they opened another car and allowed us more seating. The return trip was just fabulous and we enjoyed it tremendously. They didn't allow us to bring snacks and they were limited in the consession stand. The person working the consession stand wasn't very friendly or accommodating.

We went on this train for a Christmas ride. It was fun and had quite a bit of entertainment and scenery through the Forrest. Great customer service. They served hot chocolate and Christmas cookies on the train. Dress warm.

We started our ride in town on a foggy day. We headed to the mid-ride stop where we had lunch and some warm drinks before heading back. It was interesting to hear the history of the area and how the loggers lived. We picked up some locals whose family still owned, or had the lease, to the property. They had gone into town to get some supplies and were heading back to their cabin via the only way they could....the train. It was pretty interesting. Be careful of what you wear on the train. I had a simple lightweight jacket and did realize that the embers/ashes from the train actually fell on me and burned several tiny holes in my jacket when I had gone outside to observe the gorgeous forest.

If you have half a day to spare while in the area, it is a slow relaxing trip. There are places would not see unless you did this trip. On the con side: it is 1 3/4 hours to get there then you spend 45 minutes in camp, (snack bars, souvenirs' etc.) then you go back 1 & 3/4 hours the same route but if you change sides of the train you get a little different view. Would I d it again NO.

We actually went on the shorter trip starting in Willits, but I couldn't find that one...Anyway, one of the great things about the train was that I could bring my dog (with a ticket for $10). We were on a smaller train than usual since there was a special event, but it was enjoyable and we could hear the commentary. The ride is beautiful and we enjoyed walking around at the turn-around spot in the woods (Northspur).

The ride on the Skunk Train is so relaxing and peaceful it will allow you to recharge on the ride.As good as the ride was, I would recommend that you take food with you. The food on the train in overpriced and the food at the mid-point stop is hard to get in the short time you are there.But the ride is so worth it.