Skunk Train, Fort Bragg, California
Posted by: 
Squirreleen
N 39° 26.744 W 123° 48.412
10S E 430571 N 4366552
A slow, picturesque ride through the redwoods on an historic logging train.
Waymark Code: WM66X9
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 04/14/2009
Views: 14
The Skunk Train was a logging train operating between the coastal town of Fort Bragg and the inland town of Willits. It travels very slowly up narrow redwood and douglas fir forested river valleys providing transportation to the small logging communities in the Coast Range Mountains. The Skunk Train got its nickname because the train operators burned a smelly oil stove to keep warm in the cool redwood valleys and the train moved so slowly that people said you could "smell it before you saw it."
Now it operates daily tourist excursions from each of the cities stopping for about 45 minutes in the middle of the route to turn around. The route passes giant redwoods, numerous river crossings, and small shacks and historic structures. During the summer months, two trains operate a day and the end stop operates a food concession and occasionally a barbecue. Apparently it still occasionally picks up local travelers.
Note: Separate excursions run from Willits and Fort Bragg. I suppose, another waymarker could waymark the Willits route.
Engine Type: Tourist line has more than one engine of various types
Gauge of Railway: Standard Gage
Approximate Adult Fare: 47.00 (listed in local currency)
Approximate Child Fare: 22.00 (listed in local currency)
Type: Spur (out and back)
Length of Route: 40 (total)
Dates of Operation: From: 01/01/2009 To: 12/31/2009
Frequency of departures: 1
Key Attractions:
Historic structures, giant redwoods, picturesque scenery.
Does this Scenic Railroad Provide: Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Trains?: yes
Railroad Website: [Web Link]
|
Visit Instructions:Provide a picture of something with the train. Possible photos include the entertainment on board the train, the train itself at any location along the route, a picture of the scenery with part of the train in view, the kids borrowing the engineer’s hat. Show us you had a good time visiting the train. If the train isn't running when you visit get a photo of one of the many railway related items that can be found in locations like this.