Mendocino Travel Guides (Updated September 2026)

The Excursion: We did the Skunk Train Rail Bikes, and it ended up being such a memorable experience. This is a 24-mile ride—about 12 miles out and 12 miles back—on electrically assisted rail bikes. There are several trip options, and we chose the longer one. The route winds through the forest, alongside and over the Noyo River, with beautiful views of redwoods, pines, and peaceful stretches of nature. You cruise at a comfortable 9–12 mph pace, which feels just right: not too fast, not too slow, and perfect for taking in the surroundings. The bikes let you provide the level of effort you want to put in as the peddle assist is simply amazing. It all depends on how much effort you want put in, so don’t let the peddling intimidate you.Our tour was full, meaning all available bikes were booked, but it never felt crowded. The team spaces each bike out, so every group gets its own personal experience, and that worked really well. You do travel together in a few spots, but there is still plenty of room to enjoy the ride at your own pace. There are several stops along the way where the guides share history, point out interesting details about the trees and plant life, and give everyone time to enjoy the forest. There is also enough time to step away briefly and enjoy the quiet, whether by yourself, with your partner, or with your group.Our guides were incredibly friendly, helpful, and happy to answer questions. They shared great information and personal experiences that made the tour even more enjoyable. The lunch provided was also better than expected: a deli-style lunch with a good-sized sandwich, chips, water, soda, and a snack. They even let us keep the reusable lunch bag, which was a nice touch. It did not feel like an afterthought.You meet at what first seems like a random location, where the group checks in with one of the guides. From there, everyone hikes down a switchback trail to the railroad and rail bikes. The trail is narrow but manageable for most people going down. Just keep in mind that you will hike back up the same trail at the end of the tour, so anyone with physical limitations should plan accordingly. Once you reach the starting area, the guides give a quick overview of how to operate the rail bikes and make any needed adjustments before heading out.When the tour begins, a lead guide starts out front while each bike leaves at timed intervals to keep everyone comfortably spread out. A second guide follows from the rear. Along the way, you stop several times, including at a railroad crossing and at the final destination where everyone has lunch before heading back. The return ride feels just as special as the ride out. It is a great time to relax, settle into the ride, and enjoy the quiet sounds of the bike and forest. If the tour is full, plan for it to take up most of your day. In my opinion, a larger tour actually makes the experience even better because you get the privacy of your own ride while still having chances to chat with the guides and other visitors at each stop.Our guides were Atlas and Travis, and they were absolutely wonderful. They were friendly, helpful, and made the whole experience feel easy and welcoming. We cannot say enough good things about them. Talk with them for a few minutes and you will know exactly what I mean. Overall: There is simply no better way to enjoy this environment than by rail bike. The experience was even more enjoyable than we expected, and I genuinely think everyone should try it. I have seen other rail bike tours that travel through open hills, but the Skunk Train offers something truly unique. Riding beneath the canopy of trees, following the Noyo River, crossing old bridges, and feeling immersed in such a beautiful setting made this tour unforgettable.Atlas and Travis really put the cherry on top. They kept everyone engaged, entertained, and comfortable throughout the day, and their friendly approach made the tour feel less like a business transaction and more like spending time with good company. They worked hard, made the experience special, and absolutely deserved more than the standard tip. We highly recommend this tour and would happily encourage anyone visiting the area to give it a try.

Amazing experience. Johnny and Windsong were the best. Windsong offered a guided hike and we are glad to have taken it. Love their enthusiasm

The VIP treatment on the Noyo was amazing. We went out for the Flynn Creek Circus. The whole experience was like stepping into an alternate universe.

My friends and I had a great experience. Everything was convenient and easy. The train ride was short and smooth and there were lots of snacks and drinks available. When we arrived in the redwoods, it was beautiful and again food and drinks were available as well as fire pits for making s’mores highly recommend for locals and visitors like.

The old train cars were charming and take notice of the light fixtures in the cars. There was a nice narration of what we were seeing and riding through the redwoods was truly a great experience. We would highly recommend.

A very fine nostalgic train ride. Scenery was interesting. Good historic commentary during the ride. Good food at the end stop. Our conductor is a fine musician playing the guitar and singing. Overall a wonderful ride.

The skunk train was super fun. I definitely would do this again.

Easy planning and booking. Causal trip . Train was clean and comfortable. Although I prefer more of a historical experience , the entertainment aspect was welcomed. Would be great if they maybe could recreate some of the buildings of Crowley to heighten the experience or maybe even a site map. Then again maybe no records exist. Will explore the Fort Bragg route on a later date. Snacks and limited alcohol available on train. Perfect time to enjoy your beer or wine and snack is when they switch the tender at Crowley picnic tables and fire pits are available. Not sure when the fire pits are lit though.

It was fun we had a good time it was nice walking around trying to answer the questions and enjoyed ft Bragg

Although a bit shorter than we expected, the whole experience was great! The guides were fantastic and everyone was extremely helpful. My wife and I are in our 70’s and did just fine!! Recommend for sure!

Just a fun afternoon trip. Rode the train out of the fog of Fort Bragg into the sunshine of the pudding Creek Station. Had refreshments, played Jenga and listened to all of the railroad songs of the delightful conductor Malachi (thanks for taking my requests. Will do it again.

Had an awesome time my family and friends enjoyed this event will definitely do this again.

Loved the ride! The music and fire pits in the evening made everything special. Thank you for a magical experience!

Outstanding value for the cost. Beautiful ride with excellent information from our guide.

We had a lovely train ride both going and coming from The Skunk Train station. I had no idea how beautiful Glen Blair junction was. Well equipped with fun games , clean rest rooms and a very Cool Bar where we tried Skunk Beer. Excellent🍺

My friend and I were on a girls getaway. Such a fun experience and beautiful trip into the Redwoods. Great music & drinks and fun games.