You Can Pedal Through The Redwood Forest On Rail Bikes In California – and it’s Gorgeous

These rail bikes in California are the best way to see the redwoods!

Sequoia sempervirens, more commonly known as the California redwood, is the last remaining species of the genus Sequoia in the Cypress family. The species currently includes the tallest living trees reaching up to 115.5 meters and the oldest living trees at about 1 200-years-old. 

Pedal through the great California redwood forest on a rail bike made for two

The historic Skunk train from northern California is a trendy ride that leaves Fort Bragg station and travels along the first tracks laid by the California western railroad in 1885. It is not the only way one could travel through the woodlands. 

In order to modernise these historic railway lines, Skunk Train, have built rail bikes in California’s most beautiful vista, the redwood forest. 

On an electric-powered rail bike, you and a friend will begin your guided tour from Fort Bragg, just off the coast, then meander along the railway through Pudding Creek and along into the ancient and majestic redwood forest of Mendocino County. Your destination is Glen Blair Junction, where you will have time to take in the sights and enjoy a picnic or explore the land on foot. 

With no need to steer or drive, you and your partner can sit back and take in the sights at your own pace. “You’re unbound, able to look around at the wonder of this untouched stretch of natural world. You can spot blue herons, osprey, an occasional lounging turtle, perhaps a playful otter, a deer munching on the foliage, and during peak berry season, maybe even a bear.” said a representative from Skunk Train.[1]

Read: New Glass-Domed Train Offers Breathtaking Views From Colorado Rockies to Utah’s Red Rocks

Rail bikes in California are the best way to sightsee

The rail bikes in California’s redwood forest are the perfect activity for nature lovers. Easy to use and with optional motorized assistance, anyone can use it, from the elderly couple seeking a low-impact way to stay fit to the family of four who are just spending their day together. 

Submerge yourself in the untouched natural wonder of the forest with pristine landscapes that have not changed over a century and a unique opportunity to spot all kinds of wildlife. The experience will leave you feeling closer to nature and more grounded in the enchantment of natural splendor. 

Rates and fares

• Rate is $250 per bike, with room for two 
• There is no discount for single riders
• Fares include an 8% historic preservation assessment. 
• Facial covers are mandatory. 
• Social distancing must be observed.
• Clean hands

All passengers are required to fill out a rail bike participant release of liability and assumption of risk agreement before receiving their boarding passes. Riders should be capable of bicycling recumbently for 30 minutes at low exertion.

Dog trailers and crates are now available for your dogs (total weight) up to 150 pounds. $30 per trailer includes a complimentary dog bandana and treat. Subject to availability.[4]

Visit the Website for more info.

A train called Skunk

The nickname “Skunk” originated in 1925 when motorcars were first introduced. These single unit and self-propelled motorcars had gasoline-powered engines and pot-bellied stoves burning crude oil to keep passengers warm. The combination of the various fumes created a miasma of odor that could be smelt for miles around. “You could smell them before you could see them,” said one local man who lived near the railway. Nowadays, the smell has been greatly reduced, but the nickname has stuck.[2]

The California redwoods are some of the most incredible living beings on earth; here is a list of interesting facts:

• As old as the dinosaurs – The earliest redwoods showed up shortly after the death of the dinosaurs and have been around for about 240 million years.
• Tallest trees ever recorded – The redwoods can grow up to 300 feet easily, with the tallest being 360 feet. Their root system, however, is only 6 – 12 feet deep. 
• One place only – The redwoods grow in one place only, the pacific coast from Big Sur to southern Oregon. Many millions of years ago, the redwood had a much larger territory, including other countries such as Europe and Asia. 
• Climate change hero – Studies have shown that the giant redwoods absorb more carbon dioxide from our cars, busses, and trucks than any other tree on earth. [3]

Keep Reading: Couple Restores Hundreds Of Animal Species To Forest By Planting 2 Million Trees