Skunk Train Railcoaster Railbikes: A Guide to the Newest Redwoods Experience in Willits, CA

If you’ve been looking for a new adventure to explore Northern California’s towering redwoods in a way that feels both adventurous and completely unique, the new Railcoaster Railbikes experience from the Skunk Train in Willits is exactly that. This isn’t your typical scenic train ride. It’s part bike ride, part outdoor adventure, and part immersive journey through one of the most beautiful landscapes in California.

Located in Willits, the Railcoaster Railbike experience takes the historic Redwood Route and transforms it into something interactive, exciting, and surprisingly accessible for families, couples, and anyone looking for something different.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from what the Railcoaster actually is, to what you can expect on the ride, who it’s best for, and tips to make the most of your visit.

What Are the Skunk Train Railcoaster Railbikes?

The Railcoaster is a brand-new railbike adventure that launched as an extension of the historic Skunk Train experience. Instead of sitting back on a traditional train, you’ll ride on a specially designed railbike that runs directly on the train tracks.

Each railbike seats two people side-by-side and is designed to be easy to use, even if you’re not an experienced cyclist. The bikes are powered with electric assistance, so you don’t need to worry about intense pedaling—just enough movement to feel involved while enjoying the scenery.

What makes the Railcoaster unique is that it combines:

• A scenic redwood journey
• A guided outdoor adventure
• A hands-on riding experience

As I can tell you from first-hand experience, this is a multi-hour expedition that includes a scenic lunch stop and a full out-and-back journey through the landscape.

Our Family’s Firsthand Experience

Firstly, we decided to turn this experience into a 3-day weekend getaway by driving up from Sacramento the day before and spending time at the beach and hiking around Fort Bragg. The next morning, we headed to Willits for our 9:30am ride on the Skunk Train Railcoaster.

We were actually invited to try one of the very first inaugural rides of the Railcoaster Railbikes before they opened up to the public, which made the experience feel even more special. It was myself, my husband, and our two kids (ages 5 and 7).

I was a touch nervous at first, just because I didn’t know how it would work with the kids. The ride ended up being very family-friendly thanks to the electric assist and easy to pull break. The kids loved feeling like they were part of the ride rather than just sitting and watching!

The built-in stop was also a highlight for our family. It gave everyone a chance to reset, have a very nice sandwich lunch, and explore a bit before heading back. For kids especially, that break makes a big difference and helps the experience feel fun rather than tiring.

Overall, turning this into a long weekend trip—with a beach day in Fort Bragg followed by the Railcoaster adventure, plus some exploring around Willits, made it feel like a full family experience worth the drive.

A Quick Look at the Historic Skunk Train

Before diving deeper into the Railcoaster Railbikes, it helps to understand the history behind it.

The Skunk Train has been operating since 1885, originally built to transport logs through Mendocino County’s dense forests. Over time, it transitioned into one of California’s most iconic scenic railways, offering passengers a way to experience the redwoods without hiking or driving.

The railway runs between Fort Bragg and Willits, passing through:

• Redwood groves
• Mountain tunnels
• Old wooden bridges
• River canyons

The Railcoaster builds on this legacy—but adds a completely new hands-on layer of adventure.

What Makes the Railcoaster Railbikes Different and Unique?

1. It’s Designed as a Full Adventure Experience

Unlike most shorter railbike rides that last under an hour and focus on a quick out-and-back experience, the Railcoaster is designed as a much longer, multi-hour journey that feels more like a half-day adventure.

One of the standout features is the built-in midway stop, where riders can get off their railbikes, stretch their legs, and enjoy a dedicated break for rest and lunch. Our kids especially loved the wide outdoor spaces to run and play, along with a friendly game of cornhole.

2. It Departs from Willits

Most railbike tours in the area depart from the coast, but this one begins inland in Willits. Once considered a “passing through town”, Willits has become a destination within itself for those looking to enjoy the slow and relaxing small-town atmosphere. See our travel guide to Willits here!

3. It Combines Effort and Ease

The electric assist allows you to enjoy the ride without exhaustion, making it accessible for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. If you’re feeling intimidated by the amount of physical exercise required, allow me to put your fears to rest. You can easily coast my manually using the electric throttle if needed.

4. It Feels More Immersive

Because you’re riding low to the tracks and moving at a slower pace, you feel more connected to the forest compared to a traditional train ride. It really gives you the chance to see the scenery up close!

What the Railcoaster Railbikes Experience Is Like

Getting Started

Your adventure begins at the Willits depot, where you’ll check in, sign a waiver, and get a quick safety overview. Riders should be comfortable with light physical activity, like pedaling at low effort for short periods. Once you’re set, you’ll board your railbike with your partner and begin the journey.

The Ride Through the Redwoods

As you start moving along the tracks, the first thing you’ll notice is how quiet everything feels. Unlike a train, there’s no loud engine—just the soft hum of the railbike and the sounds of nature.

You’ll travel through:

• Rolling hills and elevated terrain (on the downhill return route is where it really feels like a “railcoaster” because it’s a lot of easy coasting!)
• Dense redwood forests
• Scenic stretches of track with wide-open views
• A long dark tunnel which came as a fun surprise!

Scenic Lunch Stop

One of the highlights of the Railcoaster is the midway stop at Crowley, the highest point on the rail line. Here you’ll find a very large and grassy clearing, picnic tables, lawn games and Redwood forests to explore.

At Crowley you’ll have time to:

• Rest and stretch
• Enjoy a provided lunch
• Take photos among the redwoods
• Explore a short walking area

This stop breaks up the ride nicely and turns the experience into more of a half-day outing rather than a quick activity.

The Ride Back

After your break, you’ll hop back on your railbike and make the return journey. By this point, most of the hard work has been done coming up the mountain, so it’s a breeze coming back down. As I mentioned earlier, the return ride is a lot of coasting, making it feel like the namesake “Railcoaster”.

Who the Railcoaster Is Best For

The Railcoaster is surprisingly versatile and works well for different types of travelers.

Families

With electric assist and a guided structure, it’s manageable for older kids and teens. It’s a great alternative to hiking if you want something more engaging. Our kids are 5-years-old and 7-years-old and they really enjoyed it!

Note: The minimum age for children is 3 years old. Single riders must be at least 16 years old to operate the motor-assisted vehicle.

Couples

This is honestly one of the most unique date ideas in Northern California. You’re sharing a ride, working together, and experiencing something memorable.

Adventure Seekers

If you’ve done traditional train rides before, this offers a more active and exciting version.

Visitors Exploring Mendocino County

It pairs perfectly with a weekend trip that includes both inland and coastal stops.

How Long Does It Take? – Planning Your Day

The Railcoaster is designed as a multi-hour experience, typically lasting four hours depending on pacing and stops. This makes it more of a half-day activity, so plan your schedule accordingly.

Physical Requirements and Difficulty

You don’t need to be super athletic to enjoy the Railcoaster.

• Pedaling is light and assisted
• You should be able to ride a bike comfortably
• Riders must handle about 30 minutes of low exertion cycling at a time

This makes it accessible for most people, but it’s still more active than sitting on a train.

What to Wear and Bring

Clothing

• Comfortable activewear (do not wear a dress or skirt)
• Layers (redwood areas can be cool and shaded, especially as you increase the elevation going up the mountain)
• Closed-toe shoes
• You will be wearing a helmet, so you can’t wear a hat at the same time. Just an FYI.

Essentials

• Water bottle
• Sunscreen (even in shaded areas)
• Sunglasses

Optional

• Small backpack (you will have a small basket to put belongings)
• Camera or phone for photos

Tips for Planning Your Trip

Book in Advance

This is a newer attraction and can sell out quickly, especially on weekends. Buy your tickets here!

Arrive Early

Give yourself time to check in, park, and get oriented before your ride.

Pair It With Other Activities

Since you’re already in Willits, consider:

• Exploring Downtown Willits to shop and grab a meal
• Taste test a beer flight from North Spur Brewing Co.
• Daytrip to Fort Bragg and have a beach day

Pricing for the Skunk Train Railcoaster Railbikes

The Railcoaster Railbikes are priced as a premium experience, and once you understand everything that’s included, it makes sense why. This isn’t just a quick ride—it’s a half-day guided adventure through the redwoods with a built-in stop to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Note: The Railcoaster is priced per railbike rather than per person, which is important to know when planning your trip.

Current Pricing

• $557.45 per railbike (seats two people)

This means you’re essentially splitting the cost between two riders, making it about $278 per person when shared.

What’s Included

This price reflects a full, premium experience—not just a short ride. Your booking includes:

• A multi-hour railbike journey through the redwoods
• Electric-assist railbike use
• A guided and structured experience
• A midway stop to rest and recharge
• A built-in lunch break component
• A picnic lunch of your choice (food is included in the ticket price)

Railcoaster vs Traditional Skunk Train Ride

Both experiences are worth doing—but they’re very different. When deciding which experience to book, consider the below points:

Railcoaster

• Active and interactive
• Smaller groups
• More immersive
• Longer time commitment

Traditional Train Ride

• Relaxing and passive
• Larger groups
• Great for all ages
• Easier for younger kids

If you can, try both—they complement each other really well.

Why This Experience Is So Unique

There are a lot of scenic tours in California, but the Railcoaster Railbikes stand out because they let you participate in the journey instead of just watching it. You’re not behind glass. You’re not just sitting. You’re moving through the redwoods at your own pace, feeling the air, hearing the forest, and actually being part of the experience. That’s what makes it memorable!

Final Thoughts

The Skunk Train Railcoaster Railbikes are one of the most exciting new additions to Northern California travel experiences. It takes a historic railway and reinvents it into something modern, interactive, and genuinely fun.

Whether you’re planning a family trip, a weekend getaway, or just looking for something different to do in Willits, this is an experience that stands out.

It’s not just about seeing the redwoods—it’s about experiencing them in a completely new way. And honestly, that’s what makes it worth the trip!