Hidden Gems of Mendocino: Glen Blair Bar and Christmas Tree Ride On The Skunk Train

Tucked up in Mendocino County is the world famous Skunk Train, a once-functional but now tourist railroad that takes passengers deep into the coastal Redwoods for a magical experience. 

After hearing whisper of the Glen Blair Bar that’s hidden in the Redwoods and only accessible by the train, I grabbed my husband, Robin, and headed up to Fort Bragg. Spoiler alert:  I had such a wonderful time, a couple months later I found myself back on the Shunk Train to see the Tallest Christmas Tree in the World.

Skunk Train History

Yes, it’s a funny name, but it has a historical meaning. Established in 1885, its primary function was to transport towering redwoods from the dense forests to the bustling mills in Fort Bragg.

As the logging industry evolved, the train’s role shifted, and in 1925, it transitioned into a passenger service. The nickname “Skunk Train” emerged during this era due to the pungent odor emitted by the early railcars. Today, the Skunk Train offers a nostalgic journey through time, inviting passengers to experience the magic of the Redwoods in a truly unique way with multiple tours and offerings. 

Glen Blair Bar: A Hidden Bar In The Redwoods

On Halloween night, we boarded the Skunk Train at their Fort Bragg station with other passengers, many in costumes or with dogs in tow. 

As the light started to fall over the horizon, the train pulled out and headed into the forest to Pudding Creek. I had a big stupid grin on my face as the train chugged further and further into the trees, and the energy of the train was giddy. We were all excited to see this secret bar.

About 25 minutes of winding through pitch black forest, we saw something glowing in the distance: we have arrived to the Glen Blair Bar. 

Party In The Redwoods

We pulled up to the depot and walked into a cozy, magical haven under the trees. A large, barn shaped pavilion was adored with hundreds of string lights, twinkling in the night. 

Fire pits with chairs were scattered around, and live music was playing next to the bar. We grabbed seats by the fire and mulled wine – the chilly autumn night was starting to nip at my fingers. 

Soon we got hungry and pulled out our pre-booked snack pack filled with cheese, crackers and olives. Dining under the stars in the middle the Northern California forest was a date night I won’t soon forget. 

There’s a lot of fun things to do in Mendocino, but this tops them all. 

How To Book Glen Blair Bar Tickets

On select Friday and Saturdays, you can buy tickets to the Glen Blair Bar. Tickets for this Fort Bragg train ride are $50 a person, with a $10 dog ticket fee if you wanted to bring your pup. 

Trains run continuously between 6:30pm-10:30pm.

If you aren’t looking to go to the bar, you can book the Pudding Creek Express for the same experience in the daytime, just no drinking. Ride past the Noyo River Canyon and into the Glen! 

The Christmas Train

Fort Bragg isn’t the only train station. Willits, California also offers trips into the woods and their Christmas Train is by far the most unique holiday experience in the state. Where else can you ride a historic train into the Redwoods to view the tallest decorated Christmas tree in the world?!

Last December, we drove up to Willits, a small Northern California town with a downtown strip you can walk in an afternoon and find yourself some antiques, books and other local goodies before boarding the Shunk Train. 

Grab hot chocolate first, and stand in the open car to watch the sunset dip beyond the trees as you wind deeper and deeper into the Redwoods. 

At some point, they’ll probably bring the Mr. Shunk mascot out to take photos with the kids (or kids at heart like we are). 

The best part is when the whole forest is dark and then all of a sudden you see a glimmering between the trees. The train inches closer and closer to their giant Redwood Christmas tree until it stop in front of it.

I think I single-handedly healed my inner child when seeing the world’s largest Christmas tree in person. Full on Santa magic right there. 

After the train ride ends, I recommend you grab dinner at the Northspur Brewing Co. and then pop over to the Shanachie Pub for a drink and live music to close the day. 

How To Book Shunk Train Christmas Train Rides

The Shunk Train has their giant Christmas tree ride available from the Saturday after Thanksgiving through New Years Eve. They have rides in the afternoon and also one that leaves at 4:30pm, the latter is the ride I recommend as you get to see the tree in the dark after the sunsets. 

The train ride is 2 hours long. Tickets are: