Address:
Fort Bragg
100 W Laurel St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437
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Willits
299 E Commercial St, Willits, CA 95490
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Approximate drive time from Bay Area:
Fort Bragg
3 hours 30 minutes
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Willits
2 hours 40 minutes
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Approximate distance:
Fort Bragg
175 miles
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Willits
160 miles
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Fee for Entrance:
Tickets are required to ride the train and I would heavily recommend reserving early.
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Both depots have their own routes that they run.
Diesel #64 pulling into the Willits location.
Diesel #64 parked awaiting its haul.
Our first historical train excursion. We were so young back then...
Diesel #64 pulling into the Willits location.
The Skunk Train was the rail ride that started our fascination with the wester rails. Over ten years ago we had planned the trip out, drove up and stayed the night in Fort Bragg, and proceeded to the train the following morning. The morning was misty, the trees majestic, and the ride magical. The skunk train departs its depot and takes you on a journey through the dense redwood forest to their junction in the trees. Here you can get off and have a brief picnic as they turn around or you can journey the trails for roughly two hours and wait for the next train. The ride back is equally as amazing. Though many things have changed over time (when we first took this train ten years ago in February we were able to sit by a log burning fireplace to keep us warm – global warming has changed this) this ride will always have a special place in our memories. As a bonus some rides allow dogs. Keep in mind prices have drastically changed over the years, but I am 100% sure this ride is still worth it.
Please see a link to their website by clicking the The Skunk Train logo above.