A packrafter's dream? While it's not the only train shuttle available to boaters for an overnight trip (see the Truckee for that), it is the only one available for the Coastal Range as far as I know.
Unfortunately, the
Skunk Train that operates the shuttle up to the Northspur put-in can no longer make it past the South Fork tunnel due to a big landslide in 2015. As of February 2023, they are working on those repairs but 'it's a big project' and sounds like it will take some more years. The operator did say it was legal to walk up a well-maintained trail from the Fort Bragg train depot to the South Fork tunnel and then walk up the rail line to Northspur, though, if you're looking for a 3-day trip. Keep in mind there is a landslide somewhere along that stretch, though, and hiking could be treacherous or unsafe.
Other information sources:
-
CACreeks
- Cassady & Calhoun
-
Schwind