Skunk Train – A Historic Railroad in Northern California
Mendocino Railway’s California Western Railroad / Skunk Train is a Class III common carrier public utility railroad, offering both freight and passenger services through the breathtaking redwood forests of Mendocino County. Operating since 1885, the railroad has evolved from a vital freight route transporting redwood logs into an iconic passenger experience, consistently ranked as one of the “10 Best Rail Tours in the Country” (USA Today) and a “Top 10 Family Activity in California” (National Geographic Traveler).

Two Scenic Rail Routes for Productions
The Skunk Train operates two distinct filming-friendly routes, each offering stunning natural scenery, historic rail infrastructure, and unique on-location set opportunities:

Fort Bragg to Glen Blair Junction (7 miles ): A scenic journey along the Pudding Creek Estuary that stops at Glen Blair Junction, a secluded location deep in the redwoods.
Willits to Crowley (16 miles): This route winds through the rugged Noyo River Canyon, crosses over trestle bridges, and passes through Tunnel #2, offering stunning backdrops of towering redwoods and untouched wilderness.

Filming Assets & Unique On-Site Locations
Glen Blair Bar Pavilion – A one-of-a-kind outdoor bar and event space tucked deep in the redwoods at Glen Blair Junction. The pavilion offers a fully operational bar, ambient string lighting, fire pits, and seating areas, providing an intimate, rustic-chic atmosphere perfect for campfire scenes, romantic settings, or adventure-themed productions.
Vintage Railcars & Historic Locomotives – A diverse fleet of passenger coaches, freight cars, and open-air platforms available for production use.
Freight Services – As an active freight carrier, the Skunk Train provides an authentic industrial setting for period and contemporary rail-themed productions.
Pudding Creek Railbikes – Electrically assisted, pedal-powered railbikes offering a unique, adventure-style filming opportunity along the historic Fort Bragg route.
Seasonal & Specialty Trains – The Skunk Train hosts various themed excursions, including Mr. Skunk and the Giant Christmas Tree, Easter Express, Days of Steam, and many more holiday train experiences, offering built-in set designs for seasonal or narrative productions.

Additional Rail Filming Opportunities
Mendocino Railway also operates rail lines in Ventura with the Sunburst Train, and Sacramento with the River Fox Train, offering additional filming locations and expanded rail access.