How to Get There

From Fort Bragg (1 mi): Head west on E Laurel St toward the coast, then continue to 100 W Laurel St where the depot and boarding area are located near the waterfront.

Overview

The Skunk Train is one of California’s most storied heritage railroads, offering a journey through landscapes that have remained largely unchanged since the late 19th century. Originally built in 1885 to transport redwood logs from inland forests to the coast, the railway now carries visitors on scenic excursions through towering groves, river canyons, and historic tunnels. Riders can choose from multiple routes, including shorter coastal trips along estuaries or longer inland journeys that climb into the rugged terrain of the Coast Range. Along the way, passengers cross trestle bridges, pass through hand-carved tunnels, and often spot wildlife such as herons, deer, and river otters.

Today, the experience blends history with recreation, featuring restored railcars, open-air viewing cars, and narrated rides that bring the region’s logging heritage to life. Seasonal excursions—from pumpkin patches in autumn to festive holiday trains—add a dynamic element that draws visitors year-round. Whether enjoying a short family-friendly ride or a longer immersive journey into the redwoods, the railroad offers a rare opportunity to experience both natural beauty and living history along a route that has been in continuous operation for more than a century.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Skunk Train, which are released under the https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.