The California Western Railroad, or "Skunk Train" was originally built in 1885 to carry coast redwood trees from the dense forests to a newly built lumber mill on the coast at Fort Bragg, California. In 1904 passenger service was added, and in 1911 the route was extended to its total length of 40 miles roughly following the Noyo River , ending in the inland town of Willits.
Gas-powered, self propelled passenger motorcars were added in 1925. They were nicknamed "Skunk Trains" because people said "You can smell 'em before you can see 'em." The line also has a steam engine that runs out of Fort Bragg.
The line is no longer used for freight, but passenger service is still available. Maintaining the railway through such rugged terrain is a major undertaking, both logistically and financially, and service is not always available for the full trip from Fort Bragg to Willits. However, there are shorter trips to halfway points running year-round.
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