Skunk rail bikes prices went from $79.00 to $250.00 per bike. Good job! Please take full advantage of people during SIP. read more

I really wish I could leave a better review as we were so excited for this experience. But for the price my fiancé paid for this experience, we were definitely underwhelmed. The experience definitely does not match the photos on the website. The not so good: - Unfortunately, the redwoods were only about 25-30 seconds of the 30 min ride out (you go through one or two small groves at the end of the ride). For the price we paid, we expected the Redwoods part of the experience to be much more impressive. We had chose this over going to one of the Redwood state or national parks. I would NOT recommend that to anyone else. Do the parks instead if you need to choose between these options. This does not get you a true Redwood experience. Also, you are with a bunch of other people, not peddling though a forest with you and your partner like the pictures show. - The 45 min break, where we brought a picnic to eat, ended up being only about 30 mins due to the amount of talking the guide did. - Most of the ride in and out, there was a bunch of construction going on with the trails they were building for the Rail Bike/Skunk Train company, which is nice for them and future guests but definitely took away from the experience for us. There was also a lot of trash from people (public maybe) along the route, and a few homeless in tents down by the swamp water, which took away from the experience. Not necessarily something the tour company could control but unfortunate, just the same. The good: - The hike in the woods was easy and pretty. We did get some good pictures in there but didn't leave us any alone time to eat our lunch. - The tour guide was very nice and funny. He did a good job with his corny jokes (I mean that in a very positive manner - they were cute jokes). He did a great job considering what he had to work with. He was positive and informative, and kept us all on time. So, overall, it isn't a terrible tourist trap, but definitely more of a tourist trap than what it seemed. If we paid $100 per bike ($50 each) I would have likely been very pleased. But $250 per bike for what we got ($125 each), we felt very duped. So, be aware its not exactly as they like you to believe, though they never really lied in their descriptions. Just good with photography to make you feel like you will get more than you actually get. Same with the train ride its self as well. The bikes and train share the same route through the same woods, but less of a layover time on the train. read more

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This past weekend a friend and I did the two-hour "Wolf Tree Run" through the redwoods, departing from and returning to the town of Willits. It was a lovely, relaxing ride with an opportunity to get off the train and walk among the redwoods for approximately 20 minutes at the turn-around point. There were no amenities at the place where we turned around, just a meadow with a few picnic tables, surrounded by the huge majestic trees. But the train had bathrooms aboard, and a concessions stand that sold popcorn and a variety of beverages. There was also live music aboard. The fact that the conductor and musician wore "old-timey" clothes added to the picturesque, vintage feel. On the way back I was so relaxed I dozed by an open window. We live in a fast-paced world, so you need to be prepared to slow down and live in the moment while having this experience. Take it all in. Be present for it. Internet connection was spotty on the ride, and nonexistent for much of it. Put your phone away (except for taking pictures) and just soak in your environs. Very enjoyable overall. read more

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This was for the short train ride. So the price alone is enough for me to give this one star. My five year old had a good time so I'll give it two. The ride scenery was nothing to boast about. Red woods? Where? Then after a 20 minute, bad scenery, ride you're dropped off at some platform and told you can explore for 20 minutes. Explore what??? We paid to ride an old train! So we sat and just waited to then go backwards thru the same terrible scenery for 20 minutes. Pretty much a scam for the price. Had it been more reasonably priced I wouldn't consider the owners greedy bastards. I say save your money and do something else!!! read more

It was a neat experience, but definitely not worth the $250 plus tax so $265. We rode 30 minutes out, hiked around for 45 minutes and then rode 30 minutes back. The scenery was nice, but just not worth $250...at best $125 and even then that's pushing it! I made a "joke" to the front desk girl that they can at least offer a bottle of water to each rider since we pay so much and she ignored me. LOL! read more

So everything about this experience was grand... from the conductor to the lively crew on board serving tasty snacks and mimosas to the amazing scenery.. it was perfect! Buuut our trip was special. My daughter dropped her new stuffed seal out the train window into the middle of the red woods. The conductor saved the day by calling the railroad bikes and having them look for. Sealy the seal, long story short they found the seal and made my daughters whole trip thank you thank you thank you! read more

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The rail bikes are too noisy with defects to enjoy the peaceful experience , and at $285 totally NOT worth it don't waste your hard earned money, it's a rip off read more

The Skunk Train was supposed to the the highlight of our Fort Bragg trip, but that experience was seriously challenged by the beauty of the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Our entire ride lasted about 5 hours. We got to the station at around 8 AM before the station opened at 9 AM. We were third in line. Good thing we arrived early because a line quickly formed behind us. Everyone needs to get in this line regardless if a reservation was made or not, so the line gets huge. After purchasing our tickets (about $50 per adult and half that for a child) we browsed the nicely stocked store which is open until 3 PM. The store also has nice bathrooms. Next we went outside and waited to board the train. We got stood in line early, afraid that we wouldn't get seats together. We boarded the train and quickly found seats near an open window. Another passenger showed us that the seats easily shift direction to allow passengers to face each other. The ride up to our destination, Northspur, was exciting. We had never ridden a train before, let alone a steam train. The train had to stop several times to let passengers off which was an interesting experience. I explored the train a bit. The open car was packed! No chairs - just standing. Only once was I able to get up to the railing. They also have a car which serves food. A person on the train narrates part of the journey on the way to Northspur. Another person also provides musical entertainment. Upon reaching Northspur, our seats close to the door enabled us to get out of the train quickly and get our food fast. This was another good thing because the food line was HUGE. After eating, we wandered around a bit. They sell crafts and stuff at the Northspur stop, but we were more interested in watching the steam engine collect water and turn around. The entire lunch stop was about an hour. After lunch, we boarded the train and headed back to Fort Bragg. Again we were one of the first ones on the train. Unfortunately we sat next to a family who chose not to supervise their kids. That said, the trip back was - quite honestly - boring. Lots of people slept on the train. We didn't, but we did sit on the opposite side of the train to see different scenery. Overall a fun trip, even for my 8 year daughter who's more into fairies and princesses. Lots of photo opportunities and a nice experience. I want to try the train they have in Colorado. read more

Skunk Train - Skunk Train getting more water in Northspur. Wallpaper size photo here: http://flic.kr/p/aavd6J - Tours Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

Been wanting to check the rail bikes out for some time. It was an overall fun time but the drawback would be the little time on the bike (about 1 hour) and cost. Staff was awesome and super helpful. The 10-15 minute hike was cool too. Also I'd suggest trying to get a bike near people that know how to work the bikes. We were stuck behind an older couple each way that didn't know how to navigate. I'd do it again if it was more affordable or the trip went longer. read more

This is a review of the Rail Bikes. It was a fun experience, but 50 dollars fun not 250 dollars fun. When you arrive they helmet you up, instruct you on braking and the battery assist, and then start the tour. It's a pretty ride through the Mendocino redwoods for about 25 minutes, then the tour lead signals you to slow down and then stop. Our guide told us we were welcome to bring our helmets or not, which I took to mean it was a quick water break and before continuing on to three or four additional legs before turning back. I'm glad we left our helmets. There were no other legs, that was the end of the tour. They told us to hike for forty minutes then return to the bikes for the ride back. For $250 you get a 25-minute ride there and back. Although it was a pretty ride and the guides were kind I feel scammed by the price and wouldn't recommend this to anybody. If you do book the rail bikes arrive 30 minutes early. This was our second try, the first time we arrived 6 minutes late and were told that the tour had started. I'm guessing skunk train can charge whatever they want because this is a one-time purchase for most customers. Don't fall for it. read more

*This review is for the Pudding Creek Express route* This was a really fun thing to experience with kids of any age and really fun to go with your dog! The staff were very friendly and there was plenty of fresh popcorn and treats for all. Definitely recommended for the whole family. read more

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What a fun experience! The guide was great with a sense of humor and had some great facts about the beautiful redwoods. We got to bring our dog along for the ride, he was a little nervous about the ride but I know he enjoyed it. I would absolutely do this ride again! read more

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The Rail Bikes are so much fun! I'll start off by saying we were supposed to get married yesterday. However, due to COVID-19, that was not the case. We wanted to do something fun and new, so we tried the rail bikes! The ride is awesome. Going a bit over three miles into the redwoods, you get great views and only have to worry about pedaling and not turning. The bikes are electric power assisted so you can make the ride easier or harder. You stop and can go hike around in the redwoods for about 20 minutes before heading back. The crew that you ride with was very friendly and knowledgeable and kept everything clean. The entire trip was about an hour an a half. It went by too quick because we had such a good time! We stopped in at the gift shop and while we could not look around at everything, due to the pandemic, the staff was kind enough to look around for something we might like. They were so accommodating. Thank you for still help making our day a memorable one! read more

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The Rail Bikes activity was very fun. You get beautiful scenery, informative tour guides, a workout (if you want, else you can just use electric assist), and a peaceful pause in the middle of the trip to enjoy nature. A quick heads-up: Make sure you read the website carefully - the ticket you get reserves 1 bike, which seats two people, so make sure you don't book more tickets than you need to! I did this, and thankfully the team was able to refund my extra ticket. read more

Great ride on the Skunk Train custom rail bikes! read more

Skunk Train - Riding the skunk train rail bike! - Tours Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

I really wish I'd read all the bad reviews before spending any money on this, and I suggest anyone considering the trip do just that. The degree to which this experience is oversold in the advertising would almost be funny if it weren't so overpriced. At best, it'd be some mild family fun for maybe $15, but $50 per ticket is completely insane. For that price, you get a boring ride through a generic forest route to an uninteresting pit stop where you just mill about aimlessly, waiting to leave. Then it's back on the train for another painfully dull ride in the direction you just came. I would've left an extra star out of the understanding that this might hold some value for someone interested more in historical trains than scenic views, but the manager was so smug and unhelpful that I really can't say anything good about this experience. Stay away, unless you're just really, really, into historical trains, and even then, there has to be something better out there. Total rip off. Just comically underwhelming. read more

This ride gives you some local history of the area and there is a platform or area at the end that gives you a place with fire pits to relax by and games to play with. You can walk through the redwoods and there is a great little train car to take pictures by and a tunnel to explore. The railroad is an old one from 1875 so older parts of the track are closed off and the tunnel is one of these areas. Recommended. read more

We did the rail bikes which was very cool experience. However the price is really steep.. $150 for 2 people for an hour and 50 minutes. I probably won't do it again at that price point but it was fun. The price needs to be around $80-100 for 2 people. Your really only on the rails for 1 hour out and back (30 mins each way). They stop at the end for a 45 minute hike if you want. You can and should bring beer. Just saying, cheers read more

Such a unique and fun experience. If you visit the Fort Bragg area pack a lunch and sign up fir this. We had a wonderful time.

I was so excited to surprise my husband with the rail bike experience for his birthday. I'd rate this 5 stars if it were more reasonably priced. $250 per bike that seats 2 is pretty steep! However, the crew were a lot of fun, knowledgeable, friendly, and sanitized everything we touched, and most of all, this was an incredible experience, with the street barriers going down for street crossings, biking along the actual, active train rails, and the beautiful redwood trees as the backdrop of our ride. The fresh air was delightful, too! At your stop, you have the option of picnicking or taking a nice hike through the forest. All-in-all, a nice, bucket list type of experience, and a nice break from city living. read more

We took the 1 hour Pudding Creek train. It was just the right ride to introduce my kids to a train and a nice ending for our Fort Bragg 2 day adventure. The staff are all very nice. The ride went by quickly. We learned some new things from the conductor giving history over the speaker. I could see how this could be somewhat of a snooze fest though. The scenery isn't spectacular and it's quite uneventful. If you've never been on a train it's a great first ride. But we won't need to go again. Maybe the ride all the way to Willits is more fun? read more

Skunk Train - Choochoo - Tours Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

We went on the railbike ride through the redwoods with Skunk Train, and it was an amazing experience! It was beautifully scenic, and I was truly impressed by the railbikes themselves and the staff members' friendliness and efficiency. Because we had to drive up to Fort Bragg from the Berkeley area and just did a day trip, we were cutting it kind of close for our scheduled ride. (Note to self: make it a weekend trip next time). Skunk Train was even kind enough to call and try to get ahold of us when they thought we hadn't gotten there yet (we had, we were just using the restroom before heading out to the meeting spot). Probably my only constructive note is that the railbike my husband and I used had the parking brake on when we got going, and we did not receive any instructions about taking off the parking brake. And trust me, we checked with others who went on that ride with us. As a result, the first couple of minutes were excruciatingly painful because we tried to power through the parking brake to get to a safe area to stop. The first couple of minutes, we are taken through a few railroad crossings on the street, maybe 3 or 4, and since we were near the head of the line, if we stopped then everyone behind us would get stuck on the streets. The chain was making a horrifying noise and we thought something was wrong for sure. Luckily, a staff member at the end of the line came to help us when we got to a safe area to stop (read: almost pass out lol) but it would have been nice if we were just told as part of orientation to check the parking brake. I didn't even know there WAS a parking brake on the bike. In the end, still had lots of fun but was definitely exhausted for the rest of the first half, since we had exerted so much energy initially. I'd also recommend going earlier in the day during fall/winter months if you don't want to get caught in the dark on the way back. An email from Skunk Train told me that while the sun would be down, there would be lights, but that wasn't the case. It was basically pitch black (good thing we didn't have to steer because the bikes are on a rail). The only light we could really see were the tiny LED lights shining from people's motors; otherwise we almost hit the bike in front of us a few times because it was so dark. read more

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It was a great experience however, a bit of a slow pace. Perfect for kids but it seemed as though we were moving at 5mph. The views were amazing though and my kids really enjoyed it. read more

Skunk Train - Tours Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

Wow we rode the Famous skunk train,they say its tracks are the oldest tracks in California. The name originated in 1925 when the old timers nicknamed it that. They said you, could smell the train before you seen it. The self propelled motorcars had gasoline powered engines for power and a pot belly stove burning crude oil to keep the passengers warm. The combination of the two created fumes that was a very pungent. The train doesn't stink any more it smell like popcorn. When we boarded the train,they had snacks fresh popped popcorn drinks and alcohol. The passenger cars were built in 1919 just think of all the people who might have rode in that passenger car. You could walk freely while the train was running. The car in the center was opened they used to haul army tanks on it. On the train the conductor pointed out were they use to log on the river and talked about the trees and plants. One hour round trip $25.00 for adults it's well worth it. read more

My family and I went this past weekend and we had an amazing time! The rail bikes was a beautiful ride. We are from LA and we do not get to see so much greenery like Fort Bragg. The air is clean , the trees are beyond beautiful to be honest it felt majestic! We chose the early ride at 8 am and I am so glad we did because it was only us and another couple so we got to ask questions and just have more personable time with the tour guides. The young men who guided us were helpful, knowledgeable, patient and very informative about how to maneuver the rail bikes and the skunk trail history . If you are ever in fort Bragg I 100% recommend the pudding creek rail bike tour. Next time we are going to do the Noyo one . read more

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Awesome, though a bit pricey, the Rail BIkes are one-of-a-kind! The old timey train depot and trains are lovely and they have a nice gift shop and some historical stuff there and in the small restaurants right next door. The rail bikes were super cool 2 person electric bikes (so you don't have to pedal at all if you don't want to!) on the railroad tracks. We were in a group of about 10 or 12 bikes, but everyone had masks on the whole time and were all pretty well spaced out (on the track and in the gift shop and depot as well), so things felt pretty safe. The rail bike ride was *only* about 20 minutes each way and it flew by, but was so much fun. Going through the forest is beautiful and it was fun for the first couple minutes as we left downtown Fort Bragg and waved at all the cars stopped at the railroad crossings! At the end of the trip out, there were spaced out picnic tables so we brought sandwiches from nearby Laurel's Deli and ate out there. We got a little talk from one of the guides about the area and the history and future of the railroad out there. Then we stood next to the track to watch the train come in. Then we did a nice little hike around the forest and hills nearby. Then after an hour or so it was time to bike back! read more

Skunk train rail bike through pudding creek was a blast. Efficient training for using the bikes. Nice bike ride through beautiful scenery. Really helpful & great staff. Midway through there is a stop where you can choose from three hikes and the guides provide a little history on redwoods and the skunk train. Serene hike, goose hike & the hike up the large hill to see the entire junction station. The hike up the hill was awesome, a little less than a mile. Lots of great photo opportunities with the beautiful redwoods. There is a picnic area if you want to bring lunch. Definitely a cool and one of a kind experience , be sure to check it out ! read more

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Cool unique experience. I would recommend. Lil pricey but fun. Shorter than I thought the ride would be. read more

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Had an unforgettable experience yesterday on the skunk rail bikes. I mean who wouldn't want to peddle down an old railroad and hear amazing jokes and history from the guides! Then there is an optional mile hike once you get to where you're going. All in all so much fun. We were giddy with laughter the whole time. Thank you for a once in a lifetime, fun ride read more

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My boyfriend & I did the Railbikes at Skunk Trail. The ride was smooth. My only complaint was that it was a short ride. I thought there would be more sceneries & a longer ride. But once you hit the dead end, it turns into a mini Hike & then you ride back to the station. I was prepared for a long and joyful ride. But it was pretty short. & our railbike SQUEAKED a lot. It was nice enough for the guide men to try to fix it while we went on the hike. But In the end it still squeaked. The tour guide People were AMAZING & FRIENDLY. Definitely gave us a happy & excited vibe throughout the trip. Maybe once they finish construction & expansion, we will come visit again. read more

This review is in regards to the Rail Bikes. We enjoyed our ride on the Noyo River Rail Bike ride very much! Definitely a unique experience for sure. Yes it's a bit pricey and perhaps a bit OVER pricey but none the less, we enjoyed ourselves. It's not really much of a work out so just about anyone can do the long ride. The hike down to the bikes is easy and easy back up too. We would recommend doing this trip during warmer months of the year as there is enough speed generated to produce a chilling wind which would feel great in the warmer months but in March, it was down right cold! Go for it and forget about the cost!!!! read more

My review is for the 1 hour ride departing Fort Bragg. It was a very comfortable ride. They tell many interesting stories on the way. Landscape views are beautiful. Inside the train there was plenty seating space, snacks and drinks sold onboard at low cost (bottle of beer for $4!). The train drives slowly, and it is possible to stand all the way on the cart without roof. Live music by a guy with a guitar. Overall, great experience worth of it. Also, a must see is the train models at the kunk train station in Fort Brag. It's free, behind the station. Excellent job done. read more

Skunk Train - Tours Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

I booked this for my husband's birthday & man was it fun!! Kian & Ashton were great guides, so knowledgeable and friendly. They took great care to make sure all of our bikes were comfortably adjusted. Lunch was delicious! It's a great tour, but definitely pack & dress accordingly - it will be breezy since you're pedaling. Hiking boots/thick warm socks,hat & gloves made all the difference for our comfort level! Thanks,Skunkies! read more

We had so much fun. Everyone was so kind to and interacted with our toddler. 10/5 stars would absolutely do this again!

We rode the rail bikes out to Glen Junction and had a great time. Our guide was Johnny, and he kept up a patter of details on the railroad and the forest. The forest walk at the turnaround was worth the climb. We were lucky to get good weather along the way, or it could have been miserable. Bring a coat. read more

We had a wonderful and most informative time on our hike out and train ride back. Jordan and Scott were so helpful and knowledgeable throughout the entire venture. On the hike out, we saw an abundant amount of flowers and plant life. Being out among the majestic Redwoods was awesome. Once we arrived at the Glen, we had a very tasty lunch. When finished, we took a short, circular mile hike on a well manicured trail. The train ride back to the depot was fun. Jordan and Scott made it a very special day to remember. read more

We chose the rail bikes it was a great trip. The two guides were very funny and fun really enjoyed our ride. We did order the lunch it was made right before we left everything was so fresh the tomatoes and the lettuce there was a Lot of meat and cheese it was a great sandwich it also came with a drink and chips. Would definitely do this again read more

We did the long rail bike ride to Camp Noyo, and had an absolutely amazing time! Loved it! Highly recommended. Be informed there is a very steep hike down to the bikes at the start, and this is not to be minimized as you will also hike back up this trail after 3 hours of pedaling your rail bike (tho you have ebike power assist the whole way, but still). The lunch: sandwich, kettle chips, beer, and dark chocolate bar were top notch and very appreciated after the 1st half of the excursion. Gorgeous redwoods, trestle bridges, and views. Hope to do it again sometime. It felt free and unencumbered - a wonderful ride through the redwoods. The rail bikes steer themselves, so tho you are pedaling, you are free to look all around all the time. It's a real joy. read more

Such a great time on the Skunk train! Loving that dogs were allowed & for only a small charge of 10.95! We went on Friday and couldn't check into our hotel until 3 PM so we were so excited to experience this trip with our pup! We loved the views, the bartender made great drinks, met some great couples, and the narrator on the train informational and funny. Couldn't have asked for a better time. Would definitely do this again! read more

Skunk Train - Tours Near Me - Fort Bragg, California

We tried the rail bikes today! Our guide, Ezra, was very kind and had great information to share. The experience was so positive. It was a beautiful chilly morning (layer up!). The ebike/petal free option was a nice addition when we got tired. A small hike at the end of the tracks was great. We will be back! read more

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