Journey through the heart of Mendocino’s fall redwoods
on the Skunk Train’s legendary Pumpkin Express

While driving toward the Skunk Train Depot in Willits on Highway 101, just north of Santa Rosa, there were signs that fall has arrived. Festooned in seasonal décor, the 1915 redwood-built depot structure is a testament to the mighty lumbering industry that once dominated the region. I was welcomed by staff and could almost make out the Conductors call which rang down the platform. Was it really, All Agourd!? Stepping on to these passenger coaches is literally stepping back in time.

With the final boarding call and the Conductor’s okay, two short toots on the whistle and we’re off. As the train snakes its way through the Willits yard, one can’t help but imagine how many railcars have moved through here over the past century. Leaving Willits behind the train begins to climb the east face of the Coastal Mountain Range, this steep ascent will have passengers traveling through Tunnel #2 before descending into the redwood thick Noyo River Canyon.

Sit back and enjoy a seasonal snack, and maybe an adult beverage for the grownups, while we journey through the Douglas Fir and Coastal Redwood forest, where the trees hold tight to secrets and stories of Pumpkin Expresses gone-by. Here, it’s the summer and fall fog producing a coastal drizzle that keeps this forest thriving.

Fear not – when you see the birds take flight, it’s the friendly scarecrows doing their job to protect the Skunk-sized pumpkin patch. It’s not every day you emerge to a meadow of bright orange pumpkins waiting for you to make one your own. Sure, you’ve seen a pumpkin patch before – but not one like this!

On the day I rode it was chilly and there was a light drizzle, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. I zipped up my jacket and headed straight to get that perfect pumpkin. I climbed back aboard got a warm cider and nestled into my seat with my new orange gourd. Be sure to learn its personality – you must carve it an appropriate face after all!

Don’t wait! – Trips and tickets (and pumpkins!) are limited. So, grab your camera and jump on the Pumpkin Express for a fall adventure you will enjoy.

Experience is 2 hours and a pumpkin.Friday through Sunday and Wednesdays in OctoberMultiple times during the day.

skunktrain.com/pumpkin-express