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California keeps teasing us with the idea that one day in the near future, the West Coast will be navigable by bullet train, but with so much red tape in a state where Manhattan-sized chunks of major cities burned to a crisp, are we really believing that’s ever coming to fruition?
No matter which side of the fence you’re on, sometimes the old-school way was the best way all along.
I mean, they do say not to reinvent the wheel, right?
Well, maybe reinventing the rail isn’t meant for California…
But one lesser-known train ride recently caught the attention of the New York Times and was named one of the 6 most beautiful train rides in North America.
As a decade-long California resident myself, I hadn’t heard of this fun adventure taking passengers from postcard beaches of Fort Bragg and immersing you in some of California’s most astounding scenery — in the midst of world-renowned Redwood forests.
The oddly named Skunk Train may seem like a Disneyland ride featuring Pepé Le Pew, but it’s actually one of California’s most unique attractions with multiple routes through stunning scenery.
California’s Historic Train Route Is Reemerging
Dating back to 1885, the “Skunk Train,” as it’s known today, has gone from primarily being a log transport rail and numerous commercial freight purposes to now being a time capsule, offering scenic journeys through staggering trees and kaleidoscopic beaches (more on that to come!).
With a name like Skunk Train, you’re probably wondering, just as I did, why it carries such a name.
Well, the good news is it’s not due to a furry, striped situation gone awry, but is related to a certain aroma much more tolerable than a skunk’s backside defense mechanism.
The name was given later on in the 1920s when the rail line transitioned from steam engines to gas power, resulting in an unmissable pungent odor.
Fast forward to today, this local favorite adventure has kept a low profile since we Americans tend to hone in on flashy new toys, such as everyday city transit and Amtrak’s more modern wifi-equipped carts, for example.
But us Americans are also a complicated bunch because when we fed up with the city grind we seek out rustic towns and slower-paced hideaways to unwind and the same appeal applies to the Skunk Train, recently reemerging on travelers radars (with the help of New York Times too).
While prices aren’t what they once were (and what is?), what’s really magical about the Skunk Train is the experience hasn’t changed all that much over the decades as you’ll pass the very landscapes passengers have been witnessing for over a century.
From Fort Bragg: Visit Postcard Beaches On The Pudding Creek Express
What often deters travelers from taking trains over planes is the amount of time it takes to get from A to B, but that’s not a worry on the Skunk Train.
The year-round Pudding Creeks Express is only 7 miles round-trip (1.5 hours), setting off from downtown Fort Bragg into the vibrant Pudding Creek Estuary and further into redwood territory in Glen Blair Junction, where you’ll de-board to explore the area for approximately 45 minutes.
Before boarding the train, you have to visit Fort Bragg’s Glass Beach, a truly postcard-worthy spectacle.
Rather than gleaming white or sun-kissed gold sand most vacationers seek out, here you’ll find an array of kaleidoscopic heaps of sea glass shimmering like scattered jewels.
Tickets start at $56.95
The new VIP Ticket offers advanced boarding privileges, priority concessions, lunch at The Glen, and a complimentary souvenir.
Get Lost In A Sea Of Trees On The Wolf Tree Turn
The Wold Tree Turn is a 2-hour round-trip ride departs from Willits bound for the highest peak of the rout, which is over 1,700 feet high.
You’ll traverse lush landscapes and tunnels and ultimately discover Noyo River Canyon’s redwood-laden forests, which the Skunk Train’ describes as ‘an amazing ecological wonderland’.
The Wolf Tree is the highlight of the trip and you’ll get to witness it up close and personal on a 45-minute stop in the town of Crowley.
One recent passenger left a 5-star review stating,”The train was so charming it felt like we were transported back in time. The train had wooden interiors, complete with large windows. Once we started moving the gentle chugging of the engine added to the authentic experience.”
Tickets start at $64.95.
VIP tickets and dog tickets are available. Trains run year-round rain or shine.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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