Redwoods Railbike Along Pudding Creek: Electric pedal tour
Pedal the rails through redwoods, stop halfway to hike, return on your own power
Pedal electric-assisted railbikes along historic California Western Railroad tracks through the Pudding Creek Estuary for two hours, spotting wildlife among towering redwoods. You pedal 3.5 miles to Glen Blair Junction, then have 50 minutes to explore hiking trails and a redwood deck before pedaling back to the depot. Helmets and water are provided; the minimum age is 6.
The Experience
Two hours on the rails means 3.5 miles out to the halfway point, then 3.5 miles back. The electric assist does the heavy lifting—you pedal, but the motor carries the grade, so the focus stays on what's moving through the trees instead of on your legs. No steering required. That's the whole point: your hands are free to point out the osprey diving for fish, the blue herons standing in the shallows, the occasional river otter, deer, turtles, and during peak berry season, bears. The tracks follow Pudding Creek through a stretch of the estuary where the redwoods open onto water and the light comes down in pieces through the canopy.
At Glen Blair Junction—the halfway point—you step off the bike and have 50 minutes to move around. There are hiking trails threading into the redwoods, a redwood deck overlooking the water, picnic tables, and fire pits if you want to sit. Most people walk the trails or lounge on the deck and eat the lunch they brought. Then you pedal back the same 3.5 miles to the depot, this time with the current of the day behind you and the return journey shorter in the mind because you've already seen what's coming.
A live guide in English rides with the group and points out the animals and the history of the railroad. Helmets are provided, or bring your own. Bottled water comes with the ride. The activity suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. Children as young as 6 can ride.
What’s included
- Helmet and bottled water.
- live guide in English.
- electric-assisted railbike for the full two-hour round trip.
- 50 minutes to explore trails and the redwood deck at the halfway point.
Operated by Mendocino Railway - Skunk Train
Is this one for you?Glide through redwood canopy on gentle rails without steering—your hands stay free to spot herons, otters, deer, and the occasional bear while electric assist handles the hills.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
What animals might I see pedaling along Pudding Creek?
River otters, blue herons, osprey, deer, turtles, ducks, and geese live along the estuary year-round. During peak berry season, bears occasionally appear in the redwoods near the tracks.
How long do I actually pedal, and how much of the ride is electric assist?
You pedal for the full two hours—3.5 miles out to Glen Blair Junction and 3.5 miles back—but the electric motor handles the hills, so the effort stays manageable and your attention stays on the scenery instead of the climb.
What happens at the halfway point, Glen Blair Junction?
You have 50 minutes off the bike to explore hiking trails through the redwoods, sit on the redwood deck overlooking the water, use the picnic tables and fire pits, or simply rest before the return ride.
Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, children ages 6 and up can ride. The electric assist means kids don't need to generate power on hills, and the no-steering design keeps the focus on the wildlife and the trees.
What's included with the railbike rental?
Helmet, bottled water, and a live guide in English are included. You can bring your own helmet if you prefer. The ride covers the full 7-mile round trip on the historic California Western Railroad tracks.
Redwoods Railbike Along Pudding Creek: Electric pedal tour
2h · EN
from US$ 286 per group
★★★★★★★★★★4.66283 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
