NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mendocino Railway
04/10/2025
TAME TARIFF TRAUMA WITH TANGIBLE TRAIN THERAPY!
Skunk Train, River Fox Train, and Sunburst Train Railbikes offer 50 percent off as a playful escape from rising costs
Sacramento/Mendocino/Santa Paula, California – April 10, 2025 — Feeling confused by tariffs? Is your wallet working overtime while your sanity’s stuck in neutral? We get it. That’s why the Skunk Train, River Fox Train, and Sunburst Train Railbikes are offering something a little different right now. From now through May 3, 2025, guests can enjoy 50 percent off select train rides and Railbike adventures across California. It’s a lighthearted but sincere effort to give people a break and offer what we call “train therapy.”
Because when life gets expensive and confusing, a beautiful ride, good company, and fresh air can work wonders.
Guests can access all discounts directly HERE!
“On a brisk morning walk I got to thinking about how tired everyone is of the back and forth,” said Robert Jason Pinoli, President of Mendocino Railway. “We’re not here to debate trade policy, but when everything feels like it costs more and makes less sense, we figured why not offer people something real? A little joy, a little relief, and a chance to feel connected again.”
Whether you’re cruising under the redwoods, sipping wine in the countryside, or pedaling past citrus groves in the sunshine, this offer is about pressing pause on the noise and embracing the ride.
Participating Experiences:
Skunk Train (Monday through Friday)
- Pudding Creek Express
- Pudding Creek Railbikes
- Railbikes on the Noyo
- Glen Blair Bar
River Fox Train (All departures through May 3rd)
- Refresher Train
- Old Vine Express
- Boba Tea Train
- Murder Mystery Train
- Springliner
Sunburst Railbikes (Monday through Friday)
- Railbikes to the Citrus Groves
» Sunburst Train Railbikes Offer Here!
“At the heart of it, we’re just saying what a lot of people are feeling,” added Pinoli. “We don’t have all the answers, but we do have trains and Railbikes. And we’re inviting everyone to ride along with us for half the price.”
Nature’s calling, the rails are ready, and the price is finally right, all that’s left is to bring your crew and enjoy the ride.
Offer valid through May 3, 2025. Availability is limited. Restrictions apply. Discount applied through the links at checkout.
California Western Railroad / Skunk Train
located in the redwood forests of Northern California’s Mendocino County, is a heritage railroad that has been operating both freight and passenger service since 1885. Initially used to move redwood logs to the Mendocino Coast sawmills from the rugged back country, the Skunk Train has become a beloved institution touted as one of the “10 Best Rail Tours in the Country” (USA Today), and a “Top 10 Family Activity in California” (National Geographic Traveler). The Skunk Train journey covers 40 miles of scenic delights and 30 bridges, all while retaining its original charm—minus the historic pungent aroma that once preceded its arrival. Operating year-round, this multi-generational experience welcomes passengers to bring along their families and even their dog, ensuring a memorable and inclusive adventure.
River Fox Train
Built in 1911 by the Northern Electric Company, the River Fox Train’s 10-mile track originally transported passengers in the Sacramento area. Electric passenger travel ended in 1941, but the line remained active with diesel freight, creating a link between the fertile farmlands of the Sacramento Valley and the rest of California. In 2003, Sierra Railroad merged with the Yolo Shortline, continuing freight and reviving passenger trains under the name of Sacramento River Train. Today, the line is known as the River Fox Train, a sister of the world-famous Skunk Train built in 1885. From events like our Railbike rides; relaxing beer and wine trains; and holiday-themed outings, passengers can enjoy activities while reveling in nostalgic railroad charm.
Sunburst
Sierra Northern Railway (SNR), a subsidiary of Sierra Railroad Company, was formed in 2003 through the merger of Sierra Railroad and Yolo Shortline Railroad. In 2022, SNR, along with its sister company Mendocino Railway, became the operator of the Santa Paula Branch Line after being selected by the Ventura County Transportation Commission. The Santa Paula Branch Line was originally constructed as a standard-gauge railroad by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1887. The track was used extensively by Southern Pacific as late as the 1950s to haul citrus from packing houses to communities along the Santa Clara River. The line was purchased from Southern Pacific Railroad by the Ventura County Transportation Commission in 1995 and rented for many years to the Fillmore and Western Railway, which hosted excursion trains and film shoots. Today, Mendocino Railway operates the Sunburst Train and owns and runs the California Western Railroad/Skunk Train in Mendocino County, as well as the River Fox Train in Sacramento.
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For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Kimberly Preciado
Public Relations Manager
Mendocino Railway
kpreciado@sierrarailroad.com
