The Skunk Train — Attraction in Willits

The skunk ride STUNK!

disclaimer; the employees who greeted and assisted us on the train were all very kind and helpful. My issue is more with management

There were several issues my family and I had with the skunk train ride. The first of which is the price point. At $60 a head (it was even $60 for our four year old), you simply do not get your moneys worth. It is way overpriced. Sure, they give you ‘free hot chocolate and cookies’ but those expenses are clearly. covered, and then some, by the price per rider.

Our second issue was the relentless, over amplified music blaring the entire time. The songs themselves are written for children, so they come across as uninteresting and repetitive at best for adults. By the end of the train ride my ears were ringing and my sister in law was seriously weighing the option of taking her own life. We had to talk her down, and the promise of a new episode of ‘all creatures great and small’ was the only thing that seemed to snap her out of this comatose state the music had put her in.

Thirdly, we were promised a stop at ‘the worlds largest Christmas tree’. The brochure clearly stated that we would get off the train so everyone could get a good look at this (admittedly impressive) redwood. However I think we were behind schedule as the train stopped only momentarily before began its journey back to the station. Given that we had already been relentlessly blasted by the youth-centric Christmas music (Waco style), I was honestly relieved that we weren’t spending more time on the train.

We later learned that our tickets included snacks when we were on the train. This was not conveyed to any of us, however, and even if it was we would have had to walk 4 cars up to reach the car that contained the food and beverage. It came across as the company intentionally being vague about the food and beverage accessibility so to save where they could on overhead.

All in all, the skunk train ride fell short given the price point set by the company. However it is worth noting our 4 year old did seem to enjoy it, but he also really enjoys looking at street drains, so you...

From start to finish, we had a fabulous time on this trip. The staff at the ticket counter / gift shop was super friendly, and of course you can't go wrong with a train ride through beautiful trees... but conductor Malakai Schindel makes it extra special, with his incredible knowledge of the railroad itself, the local history, and the scenery you're passing through. Those paying extra close attention (like my wife) will also notice that he painted all of the artwork adorning the station! This is a man who truly loves his profession, and it shows. The only bit of advice I would give those traveling for the first time, especially if you're choosy about where you sit (it's open seating and they don't give you any explanation of the arrangements before boarding) is that the front car is standing only, so don't go rushing up there to "get a good seat." The middle car contains the very well-stocked snack bar, which can make it a bit crowded if you want to get up and walk around; and at least on our trip, most of the families with a lot of small (read: noisy) children were in there. We found the rear of the train to be quite comfortable and relatively quiet. Also, they switch the locomotive to the opposite end of the train for the return trip, so the cars are then going "backwards." Fortunately the seat backs can simply be pushed to the other side of your bench (no complicated mechanism to deal with) but if no train veterans are in the car to show you that, you may end up riding backwards against your will! All in all, we were very happy to have chosen this excursion as part of our anniversary trip, and will absolutely be riding again next time we're in the area. Highly recommended for avid ferroequinologists and train...

There seems to be some confusion in certain ways. There is the Skunk Train from Willits, then there is a Skunk Train out of Fort Bragg.

This site is in Willits and my review is for the Wolf Tree Turn - the only train leaving Willits right now. It's a 2 hour round-trip excursion.

Expectations: The train doesn't cover a lot of terrain. It moves slowly and allows you to enjoy the scenery. The first 20 minutes and last 20 minutes are generally in developed areas. There is a 20 minute period in Crowley (not far away, as the crow flies).

Do the math on that and you get 30 minutes on the train travelling through the woods, 20 minutes to wander some and 30 minutes of the woods on way back - same track.

If you look at where Crowley is, compared to the length of the rail line... you don't go far. I feel some of the literature keeps this honest and deceptive all at the same time. They'll tell you where you'll disembark, than then show a rail line that goes much, much further.

Advice: If you face the engine, I recommend sitting on the left. Better views generally and you'll be positioned to see the Wolf Tree. The seats (except the first and last ones) are reversible. If you want your party to face each other, go for it. If that's not your thing, but you want to face in the direction of travel, this works too. The popcorn is good and you get a refill - the bucket is a good keepsake.

It's memorable, but it may not be what you remembered as the trip (since tunnel 1 collapsed). This is why I started with a clarification - and then setting...