Heart of Mendocino County

Willits Depot

Depart from the Willits Depot and discover the beauty of Mendocino aboard our trains and Railbikes.

your adventure starts here

trips departing from Willits

Plan Your Visit

Willits

Drive times:

  • San Francisco: 2.5 hours
  • Santa Rosa – 2 hours
  • Bay Area – 3 hours
  • Sacramento – 3 hours
Get Directions

know before you go

  • Review trip email confirmation details
  • Arrive 30 minutes early
  • Dress for the weather
CURRENT WEATHER

At The Depot

  • Free public parking across the street
  • Check in upon arrival
  • There is no smoking on the train, Railbikes or at the boarding station
  • Explore the gift shop
Online Gift Shop

Explore The Inland community of Mendocino

Located in the heart of Mendocino County, Willits offers a laid-back small-town setting with local shops and restaurants surrounded by open landscapes and the beauty of Northern California. Known as the “Gateway to the Redwoods,” this small town retains a rich heritage tied to logging, ranching, and early western rail transport. Surrounded by towering redwood forests and rolling hills, Willits provides a tranquil, rustic backdrop for travelers seeking an authentic slice of Northern California’s timber history.

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Riding The Rails Since 1885

A Railroad History Still In Motion

In the early 1880s, lumbermen C.R. Johnson, Calvin Stewart, and James Hunter joined together to expand timber operations in Mendocino County. By 1885 the Fort Bragg Railroad was formed to make transporting lumber easier. This would form the foundation of what would eventually become the California Western Railroad, more commonly known as The Skunk Train.

1800s

Expansion of timber operations

1885

Fort Bragg railroad was formed

1925

The Skunk gets its name

TODAY

Preserving a living railroad