Visiting an 1800s Railroad Camp in California (+ Redwood Trees!)
One of my favorite hidden gems in Northern California is the town of Felton. It’s a small town tucked into the redwoods with an incredible railroad camp from the 1800s! You’ll find old buildings, a blacksmith, general store, great food, and of course, trains.
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History
Roaring Camp was named back in the 1800s by Mexican authorities (yup, back when California was still part of Mexico!) because of Isaac Graham’s “wild settlement.”
Isaac Graham was a mountain man, but he also traded fur and owned land grants. He also built one of the first water-powered sawmills in California – the first west of the Mississippi!
The redwoods here became the “first virgin stand of coastal redwoods to be protected from logging” in 1867. The railroad here is the first established in this area and it began running in 1875, carrying passengers from the redwoods to the beach.
If you want to learn even more about the history, you can read the book Roaring Camp Railroads.
How to Get There
📍Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road Felton, CA 95018
If you’re coming from the East or South Bay, you’ll take Highway 17 and take exit 3 for Mount Hermon Road. From there, turn right onto Mt Hermon Rd, then left onto Graham Hill Rd.
Follow Graham Hill Rd. for about half a mile. Stay slow on this road because you’ll take a sharp left onto Roading Camp Rd. You’ll see a big sign for Roaring Camp!
If you’re coming from South of Santa Cruz, you’ll also follow Graham Hill Rd. and take a slight right onto Roaring Camp Rd.
Things to Do
Watch a Blacksmith Work
If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a blacksmith at work! I’ve been a few times and only got to experience this on my most recent visit. If there isn’t a blacksmith there, take advantage of the photo op!
Ride the Trains
The star activity of Roaring Camp is definitely the trains! We took the Redwoods Train and it was magical. They stop part way through the redwoods so you can get out and walk around a bit. Highly recommend it! Be sure to book your train tickets in advance as they can sell out quickly.
Redwoods Steam Train
These are true 19th century steam trains and what I recommend if you’re trying to decide between trains. It’s open-air through the gorgeous redwoods to the summit of Bear Mountain. It is a truly enjoyable experience!
Beach Train
This train goes from Roaring Camp to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and back (depending on the train you take!). It is a 3-hour round trip – one hour each way and a one-hour stop in between. The beach train will return in Spring 2022!
Visit the General Store
Stop in the General Store to check out the toys and train memorabilia or to grab some tasty snacks.
Rent Bret Harte Hall
Want to host an event here? Roaring Camp is a great spot for weddings or special events! Bret Harte Hall is an 1800s barn that can be rented out for all kinds of different events.
Check Out the wagon Top boiler
There’s a true, vintage wagon top boiler on the property that was “turned out” in 1912. It arrived at Roaring Camp in 1964 and was in use until its retirement in 1976. It now sits on the property for everyone to admire!
Explore a Train Car
When you walk through the Roaring Camp entrance, the bright yellow train car is hard to miss! You can’t go inside, but you can walk right up to it and walk around. It also makes for some great photos!
Walk Through Henry Cowell State Park
Just next to Roaring Camp is the redwoods-filled Henry Cowell State Park. It’s much cooler and quieter than the hustle and bustle of Roaring Camp on the weekends. It’s a popular camping spot with many visitors staying at the campground. Walk through the trails to see some old growth redwoods, with the oldest being about 1,400–1,800 years old.
Kids Club
Kids can buy a Passbook Guide To Adventure from the General Store or Depot and complete various activities to fill out their passbook. Below are all the activities available!
Redwood Forest Steam Train
Santa Cruz Beach Train
Printing Press
Hand Car
Gold Panning
Candle Making
Marshal
Craft Station
Blacksmith
Face Painting
Where to Eat
Georgie’s Cookhouse
Classic American food like hotdogs and hamburgers. It’s open daily during spring/summer and on weekends in the winter.
Chuckwagon BBQ
While they do have classic outdoor BBQ dishes, they also have vegan/vegetarian options! You’ll enjoy live music if you visit during summer or while they host a special event.
Bring a Picnic
There are plenty of picnic benches to bring your own food/drinks and hangout. There’s a large grass area where your kids can run around
