This Californian Redwood Forest Allows Its Visitors To Explore The Park Using Railbikes

Back in 1885, lumbermen C.R. Johnson, Calvin Stewart, and James Hunter constructed the Fort Bragg Railroad in Mendocino County, California, to make the transportation of lumber a little easier. This railroad paved the way to what would later become the California Western Railroad, nicknamed The Skunk. It got its nickname because of the unpleasant odor produced by the gasoline-powered engines that powered the motorcars and the crude oil burners that warmed the passengers’ cabins. In fact, people said the smell produced by the trains was so bad, you could smell them before you could see them.

Back in 1885, lumbermen C.R. Johnson, Calvin Stewart, and James Hunter constructed the Fort Bragg Railroad in Mendocino County, California

Image credits: skunktrain

Sometime in the 1960s, Arizona-based company Kyle Railways took over the management of the railroad and eventually purchased it in 1987. Then, 9 years later, it was purchased by a group of investors from the Mendocino Coast.

The railroad was initially used to transport lumber

Image credits: skunktrain

Since regular trains no longer run on the tracks, the investors turned the railroad into a tourist attraction, offering various themed rides, such as the Pumpkin Express in fall or Magical Christmas Train during winter.

In 1996, the railroad was purchased by a group of investors who turned into a tourist attraction

Image credits: skunktrain

The Skunk runs across the beautiful redwoods of Mendocino County, offering breathtaking views – and there’s no better way to enjoy them than by sitting in a silent electric railbike.

Nowadays the railroad is no longer commercially used and offers electric railbike rides to park visitors

Image credits: skunktrain

In a recent interview with Bored Panda, Robert Jason Pinoli of The Skunk said that the trains on the railroad have been continuously running for the past 135 years.

What better way to enjoy the scenic views than from the comfort of an electric railbike!

Image credits: skunktrain

The man explained that apart from the redwood trees that are unique to this geographical location, visitors can also spot some animals, including otters, egrets, turtles, and sometimes even bears.

Image credits: skunktrain

Of course, this pleasure does not come cheap – the ride costs $250 per bike. However, even despite the high price, the company still attracts many customers, both young and old.

 

Image credits: skunktrain

Image credits: skunktrain

Image credits: skunktrain

Image credits: skunktrain

Image credits: skunktrain

Image credits: skunktrain