One of the most peaceful and breathtaking adventures you can take is found in the Redwood Forests of Northern California.
Whether you want to see the redwood forests of California or are a cycling enthusiast looking for a new adventure, you may want to check out this unique biking trip.
Featured here is a unique attraction that allows adventurers to explore the majestic redwood forest like never before. Thanks to these rail bikes, you can completely immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the redwoods, and you’re bound to love every minute of it. Try something different and consider a ride on these rail bikes for a memorable outing!
This ride is not on a path or trail. It’s on the historic California Western Railroad track in Fort Bragg and the only way to ride the track is on a rail bike. The pedal powered locomotives are operated by the World Famous Skunk Train.
Northern California’s historic Skunk Train is a popular train ride that departs from Fort Bragg. This scenic train ride follows the very first tracks that were laid down by the California Western Railroad in 1885, but the train isn’t the only way to experience this awe-inspiring region.
Recently, the Skunk Train unveiled a new way of exploring the vast beauty of Fort Bragg’s world-famous Redwood Route. The experience allows visitors to roam through the forest on the train tracks via a two-person pedal-powered contraption called a rail bike.
Each custom-made rail bike seats two per bike and literally whispers through the forest with pedal power. The bikes are safe on the tracks with no trains or other traffic to disrupt the journey, guaranteed! Low noise electric motors fitted to the bikes give tired legs running low on ‘steam’ to take a recharge break, without disrupting the peaceful surroundings.
These unique little vehicles will lead you on a 1.5-hour-long trip with a half-hour stopover at Glen Blair Junction. Unlike the train, these rail bikes allow you to explore at your own pace.
Along the way, you’ll closely follow Pudding Creek Estuary. The area is filled with wildlife like osprey and blue herons. You’ll find yourself in complete awe as the majestic redwood trees tower over you.
“This railroad was finished in 1911, it ran 40 miles and this train line went to Willits and what’s behind me is tunnel number 1, which was taken out by a huge land slide,” says tour guide Rick Hinman.
The rail bike ride is just a seven-mile roundtrip. Thankfully, Hinman turns the rail bikes around on the way back so you can have a second chance at taking pictures you may have missed.