Things To Do

Skunk Train

Leave today’s world behind and take a day trip along one of the most scenic railroads in North America. Stretching along 40 miles of spectacular scenery, the California Western Railroad, more commonly known as the Skunk Train, takes you along the renowned Redwood Route, originally built as a logging railroad in 1885. This train hauled the massive redwood log harvest from the back-country to the saw-mills that dotted the Mendocino Coast. The “Skunk” name came about when motorized rail-buses were introduced in 1925 to move workers and passengers along the route. These railcars had gasoline powered engines to move them along and pot-bellied stoves to warm passengers. The pungent fumes omitted by these mechanized people movers earned the famed Skunk Train moniker. Today you can ride along this historical line without any worry of getting “skunked”. There are daily trips and excursions for all ages taking you from Fort Bragg to points along the 40 mile route.

Point Cabrillo Lighthouse Museum

The Point Cabrillo Lighthouse is the centerpiece of the California Point Cabrillo Light Station Historic State Park, a 300 acre nature preserve set along the windswept bluffs of the Mendocino Coast. The Lighthouse is one of the few intact sea stations remaining on the Pacific. The Lighthouse was built in 1909 to provide safe passage in an area that had been plagued by shipwrecks.  A visit to the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse is a visit back in time, when the ragged shoreline could spell disaster to intrepid seafarers. The Point offers visitors a great opportunity to see whales making their annual migratory journeys. There are also historical exhibits with information on the area’s marine life as well as about the history of this unique California outpost. The gift shop contains collectibles and original works by local artisans

Toulouse Vineyards & Winery

Navarro Winery

Only about a 30 minute drive from Elk. Great wines!

Husch Vineyards & Winery

Roederer Estate

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

Beautiful gardens and a great cafe to visit!