Take A Vintage Train To A Secret Bar In California’s Redwood Forest

All aboard for a true adventure, taking the vintage Skunk Train through the towering redwoods to Mendocino County’s best-kept “secret bar.” It is often said that traveling by rail is a vacation all in itself, but in this case, the journey is really special. Hidden among California’s towering redwoods is Glen Blair Bar, set to be “your new favorite late-night watering hole.”

Take the Skunk Train through the redwoods to Glen Blair Bar

The bar was first established in 2022 in the heart of a redwood grove in Mendocino County. What makes the bar so special is that the only way to reach it is on a vintage train ride through the glorious landscape.

The outdoor bar is in a location previously only used for special events, but now anyone can visit, but only if they board the Skunk Train. This vintage train has been running since 1885 and isn’t stopping yet. Moreover, the train goes from the Skunk Train Depot in Fort Bragg, California, all the way to Glen Blair Bar.

When does the train run?

Every Friday and Saturday evening, the train schedules a number of departures starting at 6:30 pm. Guests can enjoy a beautiful sunset ride through Pudding Creek, traveling under the redwoods canopy for an amazing 25-minute ride.

Once at the end of the journey, passengers hop off and are welcomed to a beautiful scene of twinkling lights, loads of fun and games and live music.

While obviously the bar offers beer, cocktails and wine, guests can preorder charcuterie plates for two. These include a choice of meat and cheese, or salmon and cheese, and are perfect for snacks between fun cornhole matches with other bar-goers.

What makes the place even more special is that the train and bar are both dog-friendly. However, there is a limited number of train tickets available for pooches to come along for the ride. Important to note, however, is that the Glen Blair Bar does stress that only good dogs can come out for the fun.

Year-round fun in the redwoods

The Skunk Train and the Glen Blair Bar plan on operating year-round, as they have plenty of outdoor heaters and firepits. However, they recommend visiting in the fall, when the weather is perfect and the autumn foliage is in full force. Around that time the bar also offers two seasonal events: a cornhole tournament on October 16 and a Halloween party on October 28.

Who can ride the Skunk Train into the redwoods?

Potential guests should note that the Skunk Train is reserved for adults of drinking age only, so only those 21 years and older can come. Meanwhile, a round-trip ticket costs $49.95 per passenger, while locals get a discount during special events.

The last train departs at 10:30 pm, offering guests an equally beautiful journey through the redwoods and stars.

The Glen Blair Bar also has other exciting options available. These include taking electric rail bikes to Camp Noyo, as well as redwood walking tours. Book your tickets and find out more on skunktrain.com.