Skunk Train: Pudding Creek Express from Fort Bragg
Overview
1 hour 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
This relaxed and scenic 7-mile roundtrip journey departs the Depot in downtown Fort Bragg year-round, traveling along the beautiful Pudding Creek Estuary and passing into primeval ancient redwoods to the tranquil setting of Glen Blair Junction.
Trains will stop at Glen Blair Junction for 15 minutes, allowing you to get off and stretch your legs and explore. Or, if you’d like to spend more time walking our trails amongst the redwoods, you can remain and catch the next train (roughly two hours later). Plenty of time to explore. Feel free to bring a packed lunch (no alcohol, please) to enjoy at one of our picnic tables.
These were some of the first tracks ever laid down by the California Western Railroad in 1885, and we've been carrying passengers on them ever since.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
Enjoy a scenic 75-minute, 7-mile, round trip along the beautiful Pudding Creek Estuary – home to blue herons, ospreys, egrets, and more. This short trip departs from our Fort Bragg depot, with a brief stop at Glen Blair Junction. It’s a great way to spend the morning or early afternoon.
Mendocino Coast Model Railroad & Historical Society
10. Mendocino Coast Model Railroad & Historical Society
What‘s Included
No other exclusions. All tickets include an 8% Historic Preservation Assessment.
Admission to the Mendocino Coast Model Railroad & Historical Society
Options
Skunk Train
Reviews
270 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Deceptive and Expensive
Gayatri D,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Upsetting case of false advertising. The website describes the journey as a 7-mile, 45 minute loop, but they don't tell you that the train ride itself is only less than 10 minutes long in one direction. It takes you to a covered bar area where you can either lounge and play games, or cross over a tiny bridge to go on a tiny little hike through the trees. They leave you there for 45 minutes to "explore" and then drive you back down the tracks. We felt so scammed. It was not an experience worth $60. We went on a particularly rainy day so we couldn't even enjoy the trail or the outdoor seating despite the few heaters they had placed around the area. They didn't even offer any free drinks or snacks or consolation to make up for the miserable weather. Not worth it AT ALL please do not waste your money. I'm sure you can find better hikes nearby for free, you don't need an expensive train ride to get you there.
awesome experience at skunk train
Vijin V,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00As the train eventually wound its way back toward the coast, there was a shared sense of rejuvenation. It wasn't just a train ride; it was a reminder of how massive and ancient the California wilderness really is. We left the "Skunk" behind, but the memory of that cool forest air and the sight of the girls looking up in awe at the massive redwoods stayed with us long after the tracks faded from view. It was one of those rare days where the pace of life finally matched the pace of the scenery.
Physical Boarding Pass is a great souvenir!
blancalJ3905WW,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Skunk Train to Pudding Creek was a very pleasant experience, from the staff, to the ride, to the stop at the Pavilion to walk the trails and enjoy the beautiful natural environment. Don't forget to arrive early to check-in as you need a physical ticket to board the train. Also make time to visit the Model Railroad Museum next door and see the miniature train exhibit.
1st Skunk Train experience
134kurty,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed the trip. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time. Will do it again one day.
Fun to be had!
Kathryn J,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Short train ride to a lovely hike. The hike, pavilion and bar area are nice as well. Loved walking in the trees
Wonderful
Holly H,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun experience for both young and young at heart. Easy ride through the woods and ponds. A nice area in the middle of the ride just to kick back in the woods, take a little hike, or play corn hole with some refreshments. A nice experience all the way around. Don’t forget to visit the train museum at the Fort Bragg station.
Maddiegirl
Augustine G,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was Fabulous just like the post on IG. The only thing that was negative was how dirty the windows are , This is a scenic tour the windows should be clean .
a slow moving train a 25 minute ride to a train station jump off go hike a trail up into the woods make your way back
Kathy W,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s a $50 ride on an authentic train. You can ride inside the car or stand outside on the open car once you get to the train station hop off go take a beautiful hike through the woods. Come back have a little lunch and then hop on the train for an easy ride back. It is narrated in some of the cars so you can hear historically why it’s called the skunk train . (it has to do with skunk smelling cabbage plants that grow around the train area.) He crosses over bridges , makes all train, old train noises and squeals. Snacks are available on board or at the next train station
Once in a lifetime, but not again
Hieu N,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00The train ride was nice just be worn. It is extremely cold at the campground. The fire pit was not lit. The heater was not on just to be known that it is extremely cold.
Great, relaxing and enjoyable train ride. Good for families of all ages!
jcsmith77,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We rode the skunk train out of Fort Bragg to a place called Glen Blair where we got off the train and hiked just under a one mile loop. While on the train, we were educated on the history of the skunk train and railway system in the area and more about the trees we saw. The train went along pudding creek
From US$53.95
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