All aboard the Mendocino skunk train

By: DogTrekker Staff

A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Skunk Train. Photo by Brendan McGuigan.

One of the most entertaining ways to experience Mendocino County’s majestic redwoods is aboard the historic (and dog-friendly) Skunk Train, so named because the self-propelled, gasoline-powered “railbus” cars introduced in the 1920s stunk to high heaven.

Today, four-hour, dog-friendly round trips out of Willits dive deep into the woods, while one-hour round trips out of Fort Bragg give a taste of the environment while repairs are being made farther up the tracks. For a larger adventure, book reservations at Camp Noyo, a wilderness campground on the Noyo River accessible only by train.