| Name | Skunk Train |
| Brief Description | Tourist Train |
| Type | Attraction |
| Category | California Excursion |
| Description | The view from the train today is pretty much unchanged: towering trees, deer drinking from the Noyo
River, an isolated cabin peeking from the forest. With occasional whistles as it chugs over rustic bridges and through tunnels and open meadows, the Skunk Train follows the coastal “Redwood Route” that it has traveled since 1885. Built as a logging railroad, the Skunk began as a logical vehicle for moving massive redwood logs to sawmills on the Mendocino Coast. Steam passenger service began in 1904, was extended to Willits in 1911, and was discontinued 1925 when the self-powered yellow “Skunk” rail cars we inaugurated. The trains were quickly nicknamed for the original gas engines which prompted folks to say, “You can smell ‘em before you can see ‘em.” More “modern” equipment was added in later years, many of which can still be ridden. The vintage 1925 M-100 motorcar — the only remaining train of its kind in use anywhere today - runs on the line year-round, as does the 1935 M-300 motorcar. They are joined by three 195 diesel-powered engines and the famous Old No. 45, a majestic 19 Baldwin steam engine — the kind that kids dream about when they think of “trains.” Moving at leisurely pace, the trains pull covered cars and open observation cars — perfect for photography. The Skunk line runs 40 miles from Fort Bragg on the coast to Willits Highway 101. Along the way, tracks cross 30 bridges and trestles and pass through two deep mountain tunnels, with stunning scenery in between. |
| Address | Laurel Street |
| CSZ | Fort Bragg, CA 95437 |
| Phone 1 | (800) 866-1690 |
| Phone 2 | (209) 848-2100 |
| Email | info@sierrarailroad.com |
| Handicapped Accessible | Yes |
| Time Allowance | 3-3.5 hours |
| Website | www.skunktrain.com |
| Last Updated | 1/5/2005 |
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