California’s Magnificent Redwood Forest Can Be Enjoyed Via Railbike, And It Makes For An Astonishing Trip

The Mercury News

California is a state with several tourist attractions. One of the more natural and scenic is the famous Redwood Forest, with giant sequoia trees, which grow over 200 feet tall, and measure over 20 feet in diameter. The largest currently is known as General Sherman, which stands around 275 feet, and is over 36 feet in diameter. The forest is a stunning and magnificent attraction, and can now be enjoyed via railbike, which makes it easier and more accessible to enjoy the scenery. Let’s go back in history to understand how this came about.


It all began in the early 1880s, with lumbermen James Hunter, C.R. Johnson, and Calvin Stewart. They joined forces to expand timber operations in Mendocino County, California. Not long after, in 1885, the Fort Bragg Railroad was formed to make transporting lumber less difficult. Basically, this was the origin of what would eventually become the California Western Railroad, also known popularly as The Skunk. The nickname started in 1925 when motorcars were introduced, now also called railbuses or railcruisers. These were self-propelled motorcars that were powered by gasoline engines for power, with stoves burning crude oil to keep the passengers warm. This combination of fumes created a distinct odor, hence the nickname Skunk, and old-timers living along the line swore that you could smell them even before you could see them.

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The California Western Railroad was originally operated by a division of the Fort Bragg mill, but by the mid-1960s, was managed by the Arizona-based Kyle Railways, which eventually purchased it in 1987. By August of 1996, a local group of Mendocino Coast investors bought California Western, making the 111 year-old line an independent business for the first time.

Using railbikes to pedal through parts of the Redwood Forest easily became a popular attraction. Even more popular than the Magical Christmas Train during the yuletide season, or taking a ride on the Pumpkin Express. The railbikes fit two people, so you can have a private tour with your loved one. And the custom-built electric railbikes are comfortable and practically silent. The historic track goes through a scenic route along Pudding Creek, over awesome wooden trestle bridges leading into the heart of the ancient redwoods of Mendocino County.

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“Chief Skunk” Robert Jason Pinoli, explained that redwoods only grow naturally in a certain area…from Big Sur to the California-Oregon border. There are several parks that showcase these magnificent giant trees. These trees are hundreds of feet tall and are each a unique monument to the very forest they make up. The tracks of the Skunk Train date back to 1885, and trains have been running over them continuously for 135 years,” Pinoli explained. In an interview, the “Chief Skunk” also proudly said, The Redwood Forest is a dreamlike place, particularly on a rainy or misty day, it’s like a scene from Jurassic Park.” Truly a magnificent scenic sight to behold. Pinoli further added, Common sightings  are otters, egrets, a lounging turtle, deer, and on the early morning trip, an occasional bear too.”


The railbikes were originally presumed to entice more millennials to experience the route of the Skunk Train, but apparently, it attracted people of all ages, as the railbikes were perfect for people with mobility issues. Plus there is no need to steer, and you move at your own pace. You can venture on your own (two people), or gather into groups should you have more friends or family you want to share the trip with. There are also stopovers, like at Glen Blair Junction, which have picnic tables, and a redwood loop trail. The cost per railbike is $250, which includes the 8% Historic Preservation Assessment. And the tour is surely worth more than the price.

A magnificent forest with incredible trees and scenery. And an astonishing way to enjoy it all. So next time you are visiting California, make time for the Skunk Train route via railbikes, and enjoy the Redwood Forest.

 

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