I highly recommend the Skunk Train! I took my family, including the kids, and we all had a great…read moretime. The whole experience was about two hours, and we went during Easter, which made it even more special. About an hour into the ride, they stopped so the kids could enjoy an egg hunt. I really appreciated that they even had a designated area for children under 3 years old--my grandkids had such a great time! They sell water, snacks, and even wine on the train, and having a bathroom on board was definitely a plus. There was also live entertainment, with someone playing guitar and singing, which made the ride even more enjoyable. 10/10, I definitely recommend!

All aboard the Skunk Train at the Skunk Depot! I chose to ride the Skunk Train from the depot on…read moreEast Commercial Street in Willits a few times while living in California. The first time, I made the approximately 2 hour drive each way just to ride the train. I was so happy with my experience that I later bought tickets for me, my mom, and my dad as an anniversary present for them. Both rides I greatly enjoyed. Live music was featured on the first ride, a 10:30 a.m. Wolf Tree Turn ride on Thursday 8 August 2019, which really brought the ride alive. The ride is an out-and-back with a stop at an area named Crowley. The train, from the 1880s, has an intercom system over which information about the trees, history of the area, and Willits is shared during the ride. A concessions area offers beverages and food items. When I went the first time, I got popcorn and beef jerky, which I thoroughly enjoyed. One very neat aspect is that there is an outdoor car where one can stand. It has no windows, so one can take in the smell of the old growth Redwood trees. Found the ride to be therapeutic each time. Parking is available across the street from the depot and I found the parking lot to be easy to navigate. A gift shop is also located as the depot and is where I picked up the physical tickets/got them stamped.

My wife and I booked the 25 mile Noyo River rail cart excursion and it was an amazing and fun…read moreexperience. Our guides, Travis and Atlas, provided an educational and interactive experience. At the same time, they gave us our space to explore and just take in the beauty of the redwood forest. I do recommend dressing in layers as the morning half of the ride was cold and the return trip was warmer than expected. Bring gloves if you plan to be the driver because your hands will be exposed to the cold morning air due to controlling the speed of the electric assist controls. Make sure to use the bathroom before you leave. The only stop with a bathroom was at Camp Noyo, which is 12.5 miles from the start. It took my group of 3 rail bikes about 2 hours to get there. Don't be scared of the 25 miles because the electric assist made it an easy ride. I think we were able to pedal, with the assist on, for 90% of the trip. We used the full electric option for about 3-5 minutes total because we wanted to relax our legs. Overall, I recommend the experience, especially if you like being outdoors and surrounded by nature.

I've made the trip up to Fort Bragg several times over the last 10 years and had always seen the…read moreads and signs for the Skunk Train. With the full length of the tracks not currently open to Willits, it didn't seem worth it to partake in the shorter train rides. However, once I learned about the rail bikes, I was in! There are two options for the rail bikes. The shorter, two hour excursion is to Glen Briar from their downtown Fort Bragg Depot (the Pudding Creek route) is about 7 miles round trip. If you want a full day adventure, there's the Noyo route which is 25 miles and departs from Sherwood road and is noted as a more stenous excursion. Given I was short on time, I opted for the Pudding Creek route. However, I would definitely do the rail bikes again and try the Noyo route. For the Pudding Creek route, we arrived about 15 minutes before our 10 am departure time. There's a small lot for guests and a short walk over to where the bikes are. Instructions are easy to follow and the staff is amazingly helpful and thorough. With the motor assist, pedaling along the rails was rather mellow. At the end of the line, we stopped at a scenic pavilion in the redwoods and had the option of a short guided hike or to just chill and enjoy the picnic area. I had time to do both and it was a really enjoyable way to spend the morning. There's a basket on the front of each bike to store your backpacks and drink holders for your water bottles. Back at the depot, there's a cute gift shop and behind it, a model train exhibit that was pretty cool. I love a good kitschy attraction and this was a fun, touristy thing to do while visiting the area. I enjoyed it so much, that I do wish the route was longer (hence my hope to go back and do the longer Noyo trip.) Sure, it's pricey, but if you can swing the cost, come in with the right expectations and you'll have a fun day, while also learning a bit more about the area from your guides.

A great train ride into the Redwoods. Dogs are allowed! The snack/beverage car along with the live…read moremusic, makes it a very fun experience. The local knowledge from the conductor is very informative. I'd highly recommend taking a ride on the Skunk Train if you're near Willits.

A lovely trip on this train. We had booked it accidentally thinking this was the ride in Fort…read moreBragg, but the drive was not too bad and the Wolf Tree ride was very cool.

Stopped here on a rainy day and we had a great time. Very informative and larger than we…read moreanticipated. It was a great experience and taught everyone the interesting history of Mendocino County.

Fun little museum about the old and recent history of Mendocino County. Surprisingly interesting…read morefor people of all ages.

Willits is a fun town to explore on foot or by car that is located inlands from the coast. When…read moreliving in California, I started exploring cities inwards from the water, including Willits, in 2018 and 2019 and found Willits to be a gem. It has a variety of offerings including the Skunk Train. I found coming through on weekdays to be the best time to visit, though restaurants were busy during the lunch hour. The Willits arch was easily spottable and one of the sights to see on the Skunk Train rides I took. I also drove underneath it in my automobile.

Welcome to Willits - Heart of Mendocino County…read more ... while the other side of the arch says "Gateway to the Redwoods" since it is the beginning of Mendocino county's extensive redwood forests. The arch actually reminded me of an old Reno arch (maybe in the 1970's) where the U.S. flag on the Willits arch once had the star in the Reno arch? Anyway, we passed by the town of Willits on our way to Fort Bragg on Highway 101. Willits is about 3 hours from Roseville. On our way back from Fort Bragg we stayed here overnight. Main Street has plenty of restaurants. If you love Mexican food there are at least five that I saw on our way to the movie theater. We enjoyed a movie at Noyo Theater and on the way back to our motel, which was about 9:30p or so, the whole town was asleep. This was a Saturday night! Maybe some of the pubs on the main drag were open late but mostly Willits is a quiet sleepy town. The gas prices are about the same as Roseville's at $3.44/gal (Safeway)... you may find that cheap or expensive depends on where you're coming from. I've heard of Willits back when I was still living in San Jose (South Bay). I was convinced by my sister to attend some meeting in a restaurant and that there will be dinner served. She got me on the free food. I don't remember the specifics anymore, this was around 1995, but it turned out that they were trying to convince people to move to this town called Willits... like relocate! whoa... I wasn't ready to move anywhere! I liked the Silicon Valley! ... until I fell in love with Roseville LoL! The End. Review #1115

First off, this review is from Summer 2025. This will…read moreexplain why older reviews might be worse. Why 4 stars, not 5, not 3? Let's start with the Locale. Willits is a logical stopping point on the way to the Redwoods, the coast, the Skunk Train etc. However, this is a one horse town pa'tner. In the olden days,The highway used to go right through it and was dotted with motels on it. This motel was here then. You will enjoy this place if you set your expectations correctly. As of June 2025, this is a newly renovated mid century motel. The rooms are very nice and match the website. So, i took a couple of shots outside the rooms. If you have a young family or a pet, it's hard to beat in this town. Location is not walkable to too much, Taco Bell, McDonald's etc. Oh, no breakfast as there is no lobby.

Management was friendly and attentive. The room was recently updated and well appointed. Great…read morevalue and pet friendly!

I do know why I'm barely typing this out but I went to this store cuz it the only one in town and I…read moregot a game form there and got home to play it and when I tried to i found out that the game was broken and at that point I couldn't call as it was closed and then I forgot to call and I wasn't able to go to the store as I lived far away and when I was able to go to they didn't take it back so 50$ I wasn't a to get back as a store how can you sell a broken game and then not give a refund don't go here

Was traveling through Willits and came across this store with my kiddos. Best game store I've come…read moreacross! Great customer service, good selection of games, plushies, and Funko pops! Wish this were closer to our home.

My wife and i has such a great time here. The grounds are beautiful and very well maintained. The…read morecrew and ladies are Super nice and were helpful in every way. Special shout out to Louie for his continuous work ethic. We saw him getting things done no matter where we were on the site, ALWAYS. The hot tub monitor looked after the tub every day we there ensuring water quality and chemicals were exactly as they should be (we had one of the hope tub camps). Hiking, disc golf and an absolute classic old school pee wee golf course was clean and well maintained. Really had fun playing the 18 holes. Public clear water pool and hot tub. The little store is great with many necessities on hand. Well stocked with many things. The Arcade was ridiculous. 6 of the exact. same stuffed animal machines only there to take money. Can't wait till they upgrade it as it will be great when they do The only racecar machine was out of order. Really cool old town buildings. It's got tent, partial and full pull through hookup camp for any size campers or trailers. Public bathrooms, showers, dish wash station and laundry rooms were immaculate They also have a dump station. The grounds include a Skunk train station which is a Must do activity. We're going back for sure. Love it. Oh yeh. If you have an RC Car they have an amazing RC course which is very cool. And also a fishing pond where a license is NOT required Thanks Essie and Ashley and Louie and the rest of the crew for treating us so well. See you in Spring Matt & Stacy

What a cool campsite! Small and uncrowded. Great facility. Clean, well maintained and friendly…read morestaff. Good playground and pool area. Would definitely recommend!! You even can have an open fire!

Had an unfortunate encounter today. I've lived here 30 years and have supported Sparetime since and…read morealways have had a good experience. Today I pulled in with my truck that happened to have a utility trailer attached. I pulled in and backed carefully out of the way near the Uhaul trailers. An employee rushed over yelling at me that I needed to park outside for loading. He didn't greet me or even ask me what I need. (A few bags of manure). I said I just happened to have my trailer and he just continued yelling to park outside. Employees need to be trained better than this. I pulled outside and drove to Mendo mill to complete my purchase. Again I wasn't blocking any spaces and was already parked. Not a shining moment.

Been on the Mendocino scene for decades now doing what's it's done best for years. Providing top…read morequality products, service and supplies to the green community. Sparetime is the premiere dirt store of Northern California. Anything and everything the gardener needs to succeed can be found here including decades of knowledge and advice for the novice and professional alike. If you're ever in other "garden shops" you often see the Sparetime logo on the shelf. This is the source. Bulk by the yard - implements, mushroom composts and blended soils, bulk fertilizers, raw nutrients, a plethora of containers from tiny to gigantic, row after row of warehouses full of "dirt" supplies. These guys start where other shops stop. Drip irrigation systems large and small, every conceivable part you might need too in the parts department, trellis and caging systems in all kinds of sizes, pretty much anything garden related is here. A knowledgeable staff in all types of gardening - hydroponic, soil, soilless, organic, wild craft, container, dry farming, these folks are well versed. I've been trading with Sparetime for better than 25 years now, and whenever I can't find it at home - this is the place I come to, they always have what I've needed. 4.5 Stars - rounded up for being the perennial leader it's been for decades 00582

Just called, they said they don't operate in Willits... because they're in Ukiah. And they'd charge…read moreus $150 just to come to Willits. I understand it's a super small town, but this is insane. We only need to go on a 5 minute car ride in Willits to the Skunk Train.

I am so grateful for Redwood Taxi!! They have always been there when I needed them most! Most…read morerecently I thought it would be a good idea to enjoy the sunshine by walking across town with my 8yr old to get dinner at Rolands. Great fun on the way there but when we sat down, I got nervous about the walk home. I called Redwood taxi and left a message. Just moments later I got a call back and set up a ride for after dinner. He told me to call him when we would be ready. I did and he showed up a couple minutes later to "rescue" us. :) We seriously need to support having this local service. Much needed and much appreciated!