The legendary Chiggen steam engine returns to Fort Bragg earlier than ever before for the 2026 season of Days of Steam, operating on select weekends from June 27 through August 30 out of the historic Fort Bragg Depot.
For a limited number of summer weekends only, guests can experience the romance and nostalgia of rail travel aboard the legendary Chiggen steam engine as it winds through towering redwoods and along the scenic Pudding Creek Estuary.
Because Days of Steam operates exclusively on select dates throughout the summer, guests are strongly encouraged to review the calendar in advance when planning their visit.
2026 Days of Steam Operating Dates:
June
- June 27–28
July
- July 11–12
- July 25–26
August
- August 1–2
- August 8–9
- August 15–16
- August 22–23
- August 29–30
Pulled by the historic Chiggen steam locomotive, also known as Santa Cruz Portland Cement #2, Days of Steam offers a rare opportunity to experience railroading the way it once was. Originally built to support the cement production used in the construction of the Panama Canal and rebuilding of San Francisco following the 1906 earthquake, the locomotive later became part of the early industrial ventures of Henry J. Kaiser and Warren A. Bechtel. Today, the Chiggen pulls authentic passenger cars of the era, including an open-air car, on a scenic 7-mile roundtrip journey through Mendocino County’s redwood forests and along the Pudding Creek Estuary.
Departing from Fort Bragg, the approximately 1 hour and 15-minute experience includes a stop at Glen Blair Junction and travels over the first tracks ever laid down by the California Western Railroad. Along the way, guests may spot blue herons, ospreys, egrets, and other wildlife while taking in the sights and sounds of historic steam railroading.
Guests can choose from several onboard experiences including standard seating, VIP service with advanced boarding, picnic lunch, commemorative gift, and priority concessions, or the elevated 21+ Presidential Class experience aboard The Redwood.
The premium offering for Days of Steam, the Presidential Class experience aboard The Redwood features reserved lounge-style seating within a restored vintage railcar, two included cocktails, first-class onboard service, and priority boarding and deboarding. Blending historic rail travel with a more refined and comfortable atmosphere, Presidential Class offers guests an elevated way to experience the sights, sounds, and nostalgia of steam travel through the redwoods.
“Days of Steam has become one of the most anticipated traditions on the Mendocino Coast, and this year we’re excited to welcome guests aboard earlier than ever before,” said Efstathios Pappas, General Manager of Skunk Train. “There’s something unforgettable about hearing the Chiggen whistle echo through the redwoods and experiencing a living piece of California railroad history.”
The full schedule and tickets are available now for purchase at https://www.skunktrain.com/days-of-steam/.
California Western Railroad / Skunk Train is a Class III common carrier public utility railroad located in the redwood forests of Northern California’s Mendocino County. This heritage freight railroad, which has been operating since 1885, added passenger service after its founding, initially moved redwood logs from the rugged back country to Mendocino Coast sawmills, later transporting finished lumber out to the national railroad network. In 1925, the railroad became known as the “Skunk Train” and, since that time, 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’s journey covers the same 40-mile route that its freight trains use, crossing over some 30 bridges, all while retaining its original charm—minus the historic pungent aroma that once preceded the train’s arrival. Freight, passenger, and excursion trains operate year-round. For tickets and more information, visit www.skunktrain.com or call (707) 964-6371.
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