Scary ride up the Northwestern Pacific Railroad along the Eel River years after the railroad closed

2007 footage of crazy washed out tracks, stunning river gorges, and a redwood trestle. The first part includes a short trip up the first section of track north of Ft Seward with my daughter. This was the easy part, a straight and safe section about 1 mile. The next day the footage continues where we left off. The young girl did not venture down the unsafer sections of track with us.
This footage is of the historic closed railroad taken from a modified Suzuki Samurai "rail cart". it starts north of the Fort Seward Railroad Depot and goes past the 226 mile marker north of Eel Rock (The "Begin South Fork Block/End Fort Seward Block" sign is where we start here).
The Northwestern Pacific Railroad was one of the most scenic and expensive sections of railroad in US history because of the awesome scenery it offered between San Francisco and Eureka. This footage goes over a redwood trestle bridge at Brock Creek, with stunning river views around the 222 mile marker - then over tracks hanging in the air. The Samurai plows blindly and boldly through 10 foot high vegetation in a thrilling ride better than Disneyland. We were the very last "car" ever to venture up this track and it's some interesting footage. The track has long since further deteriorated with landslides and mass movement of the hillside, and the overgrowth has made it completely un-passable. Here, we had on and off track capability as some sections were subject to landslides (or a missing piece of track!) and we had to 4-wheel around some areas. On this occasion, I took the most video and we went the furthest we ever did. Cool stuff for rail buffs. There is very little record of this storied rail line on video.
00:00 - A quick look at the Samurai
01:40 - Start traveling north at 1/2 mile north of the Fort Seward Train Depot
18:22 - Redwood trestle bridge at Brock Creek
19:28 - Stunning river views around the 222 mile marker
20:30 - Tracks hanging in the air from mass movement of hillside
26:30 - Pulling a log off the tracks with a winch
28:53 - Passing the old bulldozer
30:00 - Continuing North
38:30 - Plowing through high vegetation south of Eel Rock
40:38 - Eel Rock Rd.
45:54 - Big landslide blocking the tracks after mile marker 226 north of Eel Rock. We couldn't get around it, so we headed back to Eel Rock Rd, where the video ends.
The Samurai was originally built by local legend and friend Johnny B. That vehicle had nine lives.

[@tomproctor.archive]

At 45:37 - 45:40 exactly, and in a few frames after that, you can just see the entrance to Tunnel 34 (3 miles from Eel Rock) that we never made it to because of the rockslide we encountered here. Look just to left of the big tree and down river. Do you see it? It's very hard to spot and I only know about it from a comment here. I'm so bummed we never made it to the tunnel. We would not have gone in without exploring it's length and condition since we could not turn around.

[@childofgod6860]

@TomProctor WOW.. WOW The only video I have ever stopped midway just to comment. I can’t explain it, I feel it. This rattles my core..thank you for sharing this beautiful piece of history.

[@xerravon]

Yes, really cool video. how'd you find the track? Oh, one thought "metal detector"

[@xerravon]

@26:05 the reason, if you dont know, you dont get "power" off on all wheels is because most 4x4's have. "limited slip" differentials. some 4x4's have "locked differentials". all 4 wheels pull thats great for 4 wheeling but bad when turning on dry ground or pavement. when turning or steering the truck will jump, tires chirp, at least the Toyota trucks ive had did. my 85" had limited slip then I got a 88' and it pulled all 4 wheels.

[@liquidfur2]

Did the Samurai have a name?

[@balkibartokomouz]

...It's good to have a Krazy Daddy. 😉 Most excellent. I can't believe how well yer Zuk mod rain through the shrubs etc. Ain't doing that on no rail bicycle. I have an old VW. Puts my mind to it. Good stuff. Great area. Tire pressure...?

[@michaelodonnell8209]

In 1977, when this line was still active, I jumped aboard an empty freight car in Eureka and rode all the way to Willits, a distance of about 150 miles. This entire stretch had speed restrictions, so it was a long but quite beautiful ride with lots of tunnels. It is unlikely this line will ever be repaired because the maintenance costs were huge with constant rock slides/washouts, and there are no longer any timber products to move. A number of the tunnels also have now collapsed. I feel fortunate to have caught out while this line still existed. You video brought back memories. Thanks.

[@daves.9673]

well done mate. good job.

[@John-wm6fg]

I Had a Friend who Told me a story about Him and His Brother Worked For a Railroad Line at one Time , basically Just As Laborers Cleaning out Boxcars or Unloading Freight by Hand , Well His Brother Had Fallen asleep in Some Type of Railcar , and Woke Up Confused as Hell and 4 States Away !!! Needless to say The Rail Line Company Didn’t appreciate that at All Because They Had to Send a Vehicle To Where He Was For A Return Trip Home , I Guess Legally They Had To Or Something , But as Soon as He Arrived Home , They Fired His Butt !!! HaHa !!!

[@tomproctor.archive]

Priceless trip 🎉

[@HumansAreBots]

I bought my first box in Willits in 2018. What a cool place.

[@raym1811]

I used to hop the NWP (SP) from Napa to Cloverdale in the mid 80s while in high school. It was my dream to ride to Eureka but never got the chance. I always held out a slight hope to manage it somehow, until the tracks finally washed out in 98 and that was it. Congrats on the memories - I'm envious!

[@SPDDTI354]

That little girl will remember that ride her whole life

[@Mikefngarage]

she is a young lady now. ha ha.

[@PhunkBustA]

im gonna remember this video for my whole life xD

[@mankihonda983]

What she shouldn't forget was the scolding she received for touching rotating machine parts... Sadly no such scolding was given or it was done off camera.

[@DeuceGenius]

​@@mankihonda983I'm sure any scolding was done off camera. People did not film that kind of shit back then.

[@tomproctor.archive]

Doh! Life used to be so simple back then.

[@Bad-Idea-Network]

This is going to be one of those memories for her that she will question if it actually happened or not.

[@ljpublic3938]

unfortunately you are assuming that she'll look back at that day with an adults. perspective. but she won't. sadly she probably won't even remember the day. :(

[@Bad-Idea-Network]

@@ljpublic3938 Well speaking for myself I have many things I kinda remember as a child and wonder what actually happened. Like an old lady I was convinced was a witch but was actually just a nice old lady.

[@John-xb9dn]

😻 That little girl is so blessed to have such an adventurous father!

[@_Lazare]

I agree

[@terrystewart2070]

Hello Tom: Old Willits boy here, my parents and grandparents were long time residents back in the 30's, 40's, and 50's, so I have known about the NWP and the abandoned line since I was a youngster. Even though you shot this 17 years ago, I'm so appreciating the fact that you posted it. Most of us will never see any of that right of way, so it was way cool. Thank you!

[@my89scottsdale67]

I was thinking this looked like old footage

[@whatugonnadu]

Had family in Willits. I'm from Fortuna personally. I sure miss that river and those mountains!!

[@AMCguy]

Elk CA person here. Wonderful area. Miss the skunk train. Heard a Chinese conglomerate bought the eel river right of way to ship coal to a port in eureka

[@j.k.asbill6131]

Had ancestors in that area. My great-grandfather, a Missouri pioneer, built the first horse race track in Willits...but it was called Little Lake back then I believe

[@koltoncrane3099]

AMCguy I live in central Utah. After 50 years of two major trucking companies having the coal hauling rights to a mine a new bid changed everything. A new company got the contract and the other two companies lost and now are subcontractors to the new bid winner if they want to haul coal. The reason why is the coal mine is part owned by Chinese and the new trucking company that won the bid owns a train loading station and port in California. The coal mine needed to get a partner to help export coal. Some people hate China owning things, but I think it’s better for China to own things and keep them running. Otherwise politically the government would probably have already shut down the coal mines in central Utah. They employ a lot of people and basically keep the economy of the area alive. Without the few remaining coal mines property values would continue to crash and like six counties would die. It’s definitely interesting even the U.S. military depends on inputs from China. Maybe one day things will change if the debt bubble ever collapses in the U.S. Social security needs a bailout in 2034 cause social security can only buy government bonds. But bond yields pay way less than inflation. Shadowstats.com shows inflation today vs using inflation metrics from the 1970s. Using real estate for the inflation rather then consumer surveys for rent is one big reason the government can under report inflation today. My mom I had to explain all this to her when they only adjusted social security by 6% the one year when reported inflation was 8% but using 1970s metrics inflation that year was 15%.

[@rolux4853]

A video of better days for society. Thank you for uploading!

[@cdnbaconeh7321]

Wow really, oh you mean the days when civil rights were non existent. When there were less advances in medicine. When we could freely polute the environment. No smoke detectors or CO2 monitors. When domestic abuse ran unchecked for fathers and priests. When residential schools were killing indigenous children. No thank you.

[@nexarian2523]

Brings back a fond memory, walking along rusty tracks. Long abandoned & almost forgotten if not for the curiosity of a boy who followed ties & timbers hidden by the tall grass; lured by the faintest scent of creosote carried on the summer breeze. The rail stretched on & the tall grass turned to young trees as the rust grew thicker on the old steel. Alas it was getting late & I had to turn back or I'd get into trouble. The tracks may have disappeared as the forest reclaimed them but my curiosity remained. Thanks for taking me along for the ride 🥲

[@87mini]

My boyhood line had a "trestle" over a gully that was probably 10 feet below, but to us young'uns it could have been the grand canyon! The smell of hot creosote in the summer sun as we carefully stepped from tie to tie on that bridge will be with me forever, and the memories of my little gang of fellow travelers.

[@arlenbell4376]

Poetry!

[@Handles-R-Lame]

​@@87minisounds like a "Stand by Me" scene lol

[@frankhaywood709]

Good job!

[@richceglinski7543]

Beautiful antidote. Thanks for sharing.

[@StrikeTheRoot]

Don't know how this ended up in my algorithm, but I'm glad it did. Cool video. great idea to get out and explore.

[@InOppositiontotheNewWorldOrder]

Every now and then, y/t throws us a bone to keep us coming back, hoping for another bone. How many of my fellow Americans are dumbed-down to the point that they can't/wont see what's about to drop on their head's?

[@charlesbireland1780]

​@@InOppositiontotheNewWorldOrder Best comment so far tonight.

[@artieb997]

That’s crazy how vintage this footage looks. Mesmerizing stuff!

[@fivespeed42]

It was filmed 17 years ago

[@BilltheTulaneGuy]

@@fivespeed42I wonder how it looks today?

[@Hondaone1]

I thought maybe they used an old camera lol​@@fivespeed42

[@markaoslo5653]

@@fivespeed42 - Add to that, there was smoke in the air (especially the first trip).

[@MichiganPeatMoss]

Yes, good old (most likely) analog video tape.

[@mikehawk2003]

Even if it was built in an awful location, the amount of lumber traffic in the 50's and 60's justified keeping up such a maintenance headache. After the 1978 tunnel fire, lumber shipments dried up overnight as the NWP was closed for weeks unable to put out the fire.

[@danielmenten4403]

The floods and subsequent landslides in 1997 were the kiss of death for this line. The canyon is so heavily erosive that many of the old tunnels are collapsed and stretches of the railway look like a rollercoaster now.

[@lucafagg1]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@cageordie]

@@danielmenten4403 Even 101 was hard to keep open. It's funny driving on the new section that bypassed the rock slide area and looking at where the road used to be and is completely covered in places. I never expected that when it closed. We were up there one time when 101 was blocked by a big land slide, north of Garberville if I remember right. We had to go round through Alderpoint and Blocksville to get back on 101, as we were doing that we saw another very big landslide coming down into Larabee Creek. I wish we had taken video but we were afraid we'd get trapped.

[@jimprice1959]

I remember big floods in 55-56 and 65-66. One of them took out the Island Mountain bridge. It's tough terrain for a railroad.

[@llMarvelous]

This is very interesting and all, but .. more encouraging is that.…. Dudes just living their lives )) and good at that Think about it: you mount appropriate wheelset on more or less alive off-road vehicle … And now you can visit so many places inaccessible by ground transportation period (nearly exclusively), that’s so cool, at least as an idea

[@saltchuckinvic]

Your front wheel apparatus for your Jeep is nothing short of genius, I gotta say. This is something I've been wanting to do for most of my life .(60yrs) living here on Vancouver Island and as of yet never made it happen. I've toyed w/so many ideas over the years but when I saw this my brain exploded. Wow!!!!....thanks for sharing and if you ever want to bring that rig to the island, I'd be honored to have a ride. So cool!

[@stephenrocks7004]

My”M 38 A1 was exactly the same size and all that was needed was to lower the air pressure. It was designed.that way,

[@Patataf]

I had a Samurai, not on rails , but on Québec's trails...with my young daughter. She mentions the adventures to her friends to this day, 30yrs later😊. Good job!

[@PeterCieply]

I had an SJ410 which I flipped on cote de liesse in the late 90's. Hydroplaned..road was flooded I wound up on my side in 2 feet of water,,in a winter ice storm ..

[@makaveli087]

@@PeterCieply Every Peter I know drives like a maniac. *Slow Down, Peter.*

[@nhmtrhd]

This brings back a memory of my off roading days in the early 80’s. One Sunday morning I was wheel’n in my early gen 1 ‘77 Bronco along a recently abandoned RxR line. I was crisscrossing from side to side over the rails negotiating the tough brush and terrain. Then all of a sudden the steering wheel felt kinda odd then the entire truck was pulled up on the rails by itself! I was only going 2 to 3 mph. I advanced along about 50yrds with my hand off the steering wheel. It stayed on the rails all by itself! If I approached 14 to 16 mph the steering wheel would wobble and the truck would derail onto the ties. So I climbed up on the rails again. And the eire extreme smooth auto pilot feeling returned. My rider and I were very surprised. We stopped and got out of the Bronco to check out the new found discovery. The tires were purposely low on air for better all terrain traction. The truck’s wheel width and track was perfectly centered for the rails and the low air pressure let the tires hug the rails! We rode for about 10 miles on the rails before we rolled into town. Funny how we never went back before the rails were torn up 😢 What a fond memory…..🚂

[@BustaBunny3045]

You definitely win the best Dad award bruv this is awesome❤

[@Zach-sg5uu]

@duckiest4332 Translate to English!

[@jimprice1959]

It's amazing how redwood and douglas fir trees can actually grow back on their own.

[@Smokkedandslammed]

"Its ok Humans, take what you want. We were here before you and we will be here after you."

[@jimprice1959]

Yep. That's what I've always thought when I walked in the redwoods. @@Smokkedandslammed

[@JD-sh8ub]

What an amazing memory she will carry, having done this with Dad. Very cool.

[@moparmissile]

At least you know there is no Amtrak blasting towards you.! Train ride of a lifetime . What fun.

[@70montess]

Tom, 25 years of youtube watching, best ever! Watched the whole video, nail biting! Beautiful views, treacherous washout ties, relentless plowing trees. Great job

[@jwfinley7808]

No shit!

[@KB-rm6pt]

Awesome! ... Great Dad you are ! She will remember this time and cherish it forever ...Cheers!

[@LetsGoBrandon_]

Iconic part of America right there. Outstanding!

[@respektetoutlavi714]

I have an abandoned Union Pacific line & ancient bridge running through my property, never considered this over walking the tracks! Active trains 24/7 on adjacent tracks still shake my house daily. Amazing video, you just unlocked a new life goal to solve ❤️🤠

[@Jarda_B]

This is the most freedom and fun man can ever achieve, this is exactly what I as europian imagine america beeing 👍👍

[@moseyballad7954]

Freedom is going to make a triumphant return world wide. Over there ill start in France and spread. Be ready. The best is yet to come

[@GMoney-B]

American here. I thoroughly enjoyed your comment, seeing it through your/an outside perspective. When I think of the US I just think of some national parks but mostly the big cities, even though I love the outdoors and go to west Yellowstone often. America really is great when you visit these types of places that are so wild and raw. Especially the PNW in my opinion. Endless open space and adventures to explore. And for me personally, building and making your own contraptions is another avenue of my idea of freedom in my spare time, kinda like this guy and his rail mobile but definitely not to that level…. Yet. 😏

[@danielcarroll3358]

Thanks for the view. I rode from San Rafael to Eureka and return back in the day. I'm an old fart.

[@theglassseadragon]

This takes off-roading to a new level! Great video!

[@kenbarwick3853]

The best backyard playground ever!

[@johnmac4094]

Based dad, I would love to have this experience. Thanks for sharing.

[@allancron1936]

Hello from New Zealand, what an adventure, absolutely enjoyed this video, great home built machine for this rail exploring, I am surprised at how good a condition the track is in for having been closed for so long in a tough environment 're weather, A 6 ton or 8 ton excavator rail adapted would open the section you traveled on easy , it's sad to see it getting over grown , great potential here for light train or cars such as your for tourist potential etc, beautiful looking countryside for what I could see of it 're smoke, no doubt bush fires burning somewhere, At 70 years of age I am still working during the Northern Territory of Australia dry season operating a caterpillar 16 H grader in the outback on a large 1.2 million acre cattle station, this season we have had numerous fires which are started by dry lightning, we fight them with graders, bulldozers and loaders cutting breaks in front of them then back burning into main fires, all flat country , so I'm well used to smoke , Have subscribed to you and looking forward to seeing more of your videos , Chèers from NZ

[@tomproctor.archive]

Thanks for the wonderful comments. I believe that when I shot this footage it was smoke from fires, as you noted. The fires weren't as common then as they have been in recent years. The big problem with the rail line is the obvious maintenance on a large scale that would not only impact the line regularly, but would be expensive and hard for the operators to justify the expense. The geography of northern California always challenged those who wanted to develop the redwood empire in its early days. Only 3% of land in Humboldt County (where this is) is flat. It's one reason why Eureka didn't ever really become a major California city like San Francisco or LA. I love the mental imagery of your Caterpillar in the Northwest territory and the rugged Australian country. There is a cattle ranch all around where this footage was taken, a very large land holding by California standards. the Fort Seward Ranch, but is tiny compared to 1.2 million acres at a mere 28,000 acres. Stay active! Cheers.

[@notsorare]

Hi Also from nz I wonder if you fitted an horizontal v shaped blade on the front side bogies to clear those saplings as you traveled

[@telescopebuilder]

My allergies would be off the chain riding on this.

[@Aotearoa_Kiwi]

Most of our old, unused rail lines are ripped up and the rail bed is used for cycle & walking tails. It is a shame, but at least people can still access them.

[@bobbylibertini]

This was surprisingly satisfying to watch!

[@lanefrank6208]

Outstanding video. That Suzuki is amazing. You put the shine back on those rails.

[@StickySyrupEverywhere]

The ride was inexplicably soothing.

[@rxcalvosa]

Epic! My father-in-law, Ralph Aubrey worked this section for years. Him and his wife would ride it into Fortuna every Friday. When the baby came along, one would hop on the slow moving train while the other one handed-off the baby. It's a damn shame that this line was shut down.

[@jimprice1959]

He and his wife.

[@aribpm]

@@jimprice1959did you just assume his pronouns?

[@jimprice1959]

"Me and him" just frys me. Our 5th grade teacher told us it was "he and I" I hear many semi illiterates use objective pronouns as subjects.@@aribpm

[@aribpm]

@@jimprice1959 I was making light of your corrections and the current state of affairs in this world. Also, I am horrible at proper English.

[@jimprice1959]

No problem. It's just that my grandmother was a teacher and she (her) and my mother hammered proper English into us so we would be influenced by dust bowl migrants. 🙂@@aribpm

[@skypilotace]

So cool... this is one of those experiences that a child will never forget.

[@billt6116]

Creating forever memories with Dad... what could be better?

[@mcjibbo6100]

That is like the coolest thing a dad can do with his children.

[@rpwolfe72]

What an absolute amazing adventure. I would pay good money to go on this beautiful ride. So very cool. Thank you for sharing this.

[@Fvpigpen26]

I was just thinking that.

[@adriennez6246]

You can rent rail bikes not too far away and pedal the rails

[@cageordie]

Thanks for posting this. It really shows what northern California is like in the summer. I can feel and smell that just looking at it. For twenty years while I lived in the Bay Area I had the run of a ranch out behind Willits. I regret not spending more time there now.

[@markwandrey2937]

Yes, I too imagine the aroma and dry heat. Freshly abraded vegetation of the coastal CA woods has a memorable scent.

[@IO-zz2xy]

All I can say is Awesome. To think it was 17 odd years ago, increadable. What an adventure. That young girl has probably experienced something that very few have but many would have given anything to do that trip. Thank you for sharing an increadable adventure. Regards from South Africa

[@tyson31415]

Quality family time right here. I wish my dad had taken me on adventures like this.

[@Nick_B_Bad]

Good choice using the Samurai those things are great little trucks

[@charlesc.6767]

Huell howser would have loved to put this on californias gold! Miss that guy.

[@redgarcia1427]

I'm so jealous! I've ALWAYS wanted to ride the rails like this! In my own vehicle to see places in the country only a select few have seen and just get off in any town I choose to eat and get gas and so forth! Thanks for sharing this!!✌🐢

[@Fvpigpen26]

As a kid school project I wrote to the state capital and got tons of information about the state access to everything from the trails to the bike paths and everything in between. I believe that there is a national route map available online somewhere.

[@chrisylink]

This is so cool. Thank you for sharing this piece of history with us!

[@Shoota45acp]

Very cool, I couldn't look away. You guys can go where nobody else can...that's what makes it so captivating. Now I want rail wheels on my Jeep.

[@cecilyt006]

Best. Dad. Ever.

[@bristleconepinus2378]

Great you took advantage of that resource...could have been a billion dollar tourist industry if folks in power had the vision and the balls to do it. What a beautiful ride, and a hell of a waste.

[@dijitul3]

Could have even had plenty of timber had they managed it well. With the port and the railroad, if there was some forward thinking in Humboldt County, there'd be plenty of business and work up there - even in non-manufacturing/fishing.

[@dongillihan3329]

That's one of the best rail carts I have ever seen it gives you a choice when you run out of track.

[@markbroad119]

Awesome. I like how part of the track is still clear then other parts are so over grown. Thanks for the video. I miss my Samurai 😢

[@SamwiseOutdoors]

Gosh, I remember poking around those old abandoned tracks and railbeds around the Eel when my uncle lived up in Willits. Gotta say, a Samurai-turned-rail speeder is a classy way to explore up there.

[@matthewanderson7766]

Just imagine a hundred years ago being on a locomotive riding through those hills ❤

[@RyanLovesReds]

Such a cool video. Stuff like this is what makes KZbin still bearable. Thanks for posting!

[@dirtberger4533]

Amazing, I grew up in PA, really miss it. Always loved everything trains, tracks and exploring them.

[@bobbaker9545]

Great Video! Thanks for giving all the details in you description area. Most video people never give the viewers all the Facts like you did. Looking for more videos from you Tom..thanks..BB

[@richardcallihan9746]

That was cool glad I watched! Next, mount a bush hog to keep those evergreen trees from growing up and destroying the tracks. back in the late 70s, a friend had an old strip-down car and we would let the air out of the tires. On active two trains a day track. Brings back memories.

[@roboticunclephil]

holy heck

[@johnbeaulaurier6267]

You needed the Mach 5's twin saw blades for that one section! 😄

[@GruvenHaus]

Rock On Speed Racer!!

[@roscoe454]

thank you for the ride along! 👍👍

[@CRUZER1800]

What a Cool adventure!! Back in the day, I made a couple of Motor Cycle trips down 101 and then to California highway 1 from Tillamook Or. to San Francisco. Great memories and beautiful country and I remember traveling along the Eel River. Thanks for posting and bringing back some great memories. Russ

[@user-gg8gr1lk8k]

Love the Suzuki Samurai those little warriors will run forever if you take care of them ❤

[@tomproctor.archive]

They run and run even if you don’t take care of them. Those guys never change the oil on that rig for years and it just kept going. It finally died, but it put in nine lives of service that’s for sure.

[@joegrabowski6011]

The young lady has been on a true once in a lifetime ride! I sure would like to speak with her,The positive affect on her life this has been would surely be reflected in her personality ! Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. I'm looking for a Suzuki to make my own adventures with!

[@thra5herxb12s]

That was a truly great ride. Thanks for taking us along 👍

[@mr.edplayssimgames1836]

Thank you for sharing your adventure with those that would never see the great trip!

[@patwilson707]

Very cool adventure!..That samuri with the front wheel attachment worked great!

[@hammerton1]

Why is no one talking about that Samurai? What an incredible machine. Little beast.

[@toddalford3155]

Aww, man. My old stomping ground in the 80s n 90s. Humboldt to Reno. Some of the best memories

[@deanlarkins5858]

I'm 57 I was born and raised in reading my dad was a logger. The most beautiful place on Earth as far as I'm concerned.

[@deanlarkins5858]

Redding

[@chir0pter]

this is actually incredible. views that we may never get again

[@joev6261]

Thanks for the ride along you are the man!! ever since I was a little kid? I always wanted to have a vehicle that you go on the tracks as well, born and raised on Union and Southern Pacific tracks.

[@timsmith6772]

That's a real DAD right there, these moments she will cherish forever !!🎉❤😊

[@mikepage9520]

Brings whole new meaning to owning a weekend track car

[@DG-kq8zf]

I'm amazed it's in this good of shape. At the Scotia trestle it would be impossible. Sections near the PG&E plant are completely undermined. Cool video! Glad to see videos of our area. Thanks for posting.

[@Kilen81]

Well... I doubt it's in this condition today. 17 years later. Would be interesting to see and compare.

[@ryanreeves70]

What a Awesome ride, thanks for letting me tag along for the ride in this video.

[@JakeBor]

an

[@mattjware]

Scary not having any rail wheels on the back! Awesome footage though.

[@unclesam4565]

Awesome Video. All the crap that you went thru to make a great vid. Also love your set up. great for riding the rails. Great job again.

[@bkgshop]

In an even of an EMP, and highways backed up with cars, this would be a great way to get around the country in a 12 valve Cummins.

[@tomproctor.archive]

Thanks for the visuals!

[@PunaRebel]

I used to drive a lumber truck from Reno & hauled Redwood back from Willits and Branscomb in the 1970's. I love your rig ! Great video.

[@raymondkb2nzo788]

Soooo cool bring back my days on the railroad.

[@Buce-ku9vx]

Too cool. Even though it's a dated, must be great memories. Thanks for sharing.

[@Carnie74]

Brilliant! What an awesome idea and journey, thank you!

[@haroldsmith45302]

That was a most excellent adventure! Thank you so much for recording and sharing this epic ride.

[@danielmenten4403]

The best way to see the canyon and historic rail line is from the river, in a raft. The modified railcar is pretty cool though!

[@tomproctor.archive]

Actually, it's the only way to go now that the tracks are overgrown with trees, and in terrible shape otherwise. It's a nice trip if there's enough water in the river. Plenty of great little beaches to stop and not too many people out there.

[@MRGOLD99.999]

That was cool as hell 👍🇺🇸

[@EJ.Quarry.Dweller]

What a great ride thank you for posting bring back memories of train car days as a teen abandoned in Wisconsin.Makes me think of the story the boxcar children .

[@Eric98683]

Really amazing, imagine walking along the tracks and hearing you come along, would be pretty scary

[@raiderofthelostcoast]

This is amazing! I first hiked to Tunnel 34 at Eel Rock in 2006. The tunnel can be seen in the distance at the end. This video is as close as I’ll ever get to seeing footage of what my hike back then was like aside from memories. It also answered my question of if my family could have hiked to Brock Creek the same year. The answer is an overwhelming no. Is there any way I could talk to you about this expedition? I’ve documented most of the NWP between Willits and Eureka over the last ten years. I’m happy to report that the Brock Creek trestle still stands and is walkable. I last visited two years ago, and it hasn't changed much. I would love to send photos. Thanks for sharing this! You and your rig are an absolute warrior!

[@tomproctor.archive]

t at proc.us is my email.

[@raiderofthelostcoast]

Also, the video begs the question of if you made it on foot to the tunnel.

[@tomproctor.archive]

@@raiderofthelostcoast We weren't aware of the tunnel actually. At the point we encountered the last landslide north of the 226 mile marker, we turned around.

[@user-zy3eh8wh9f]

I’d like to get in on that as well.

[@darrenbaillie98]

Wow what an incredible vintage footage brother! Thank you for spending the time and energy to bring this to the world.

[@geraldneville2733]

Now that's a real adventure in a very clever rig. Thanks for the video!

[@realDesertRat]

Wow that makes me want to get out like this more. Thanks for sharing this gem, brother.

[@mikeashely8198]

That was nice. I do remember the old railroad. It was a sad day when it got abandoned.. The last time I known there were two locomotives in eureka

[@devanwheeler3426]

They’re still there! About a quarter mile from the decommissioned rail yard

[@donbryan9005]

​@@devanwheeler3426❤

[@stevet8121]

Man, that's crazy. Crazy cool! How did you get permission to do that? You don't have to answer that. My dad worked on that line from 1950 to 1983. Eureka to Willits one day and back the next. I rode with him many times. He would drop me off at milepost 188 to steelhead fish and pick me up the next day headed back to Eureka. That Samuria is a beast. Thanks for sharing.

[@tomproctor.archive]

Permission, who needs stinkin' permission? We had easy access and there wasn't a soul for miles in any direction related to the railroad. I'm sure it would have been an interesting liability consideration to give "permission", lol. Now it's a moot point. No one is going anywhere on them tracks.

[@stevet8121]

Right on!@@tomproctor.archive

[@hellohello8556]

What a great adventure. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@clintbump7353]

That is so cool I never new those tracks were even up there awesome sight

[@JanetWilham]

CAN YOU IMAGINE SOME GUY IN A BOAT BELOW THEM SEEING THIS????!!!!!--LOL🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@GoogsMindbent]

awwwwwwwww @39:00 shoulda looked backwards at the path you guys carved! 😂 GO DO IT AGAIN!!!!🤣🙃🙂

[@tomproctor.archive]

Woud love to do it again, but it's impossible now. The low vegetation in this video became full trees, and the track has deteriorated much more due to the movement of the slope the tracks are built on. One reason the tracks were retired was the incredible maintenance cost of keeping them usable in this challenging environment. I'm pretty sure we were the last vehicle of any type to use this section of the tracks. Glad you liked the video.

[@growingtomatoesfroms]

The sad part is that " no one will hel to help maintain that line but everyone will enjoy the work that many people put in before them.

[@drewt1081]

Dude, I would love to cruise that. The sights are amazing something your kids will remember for a long time.

[@neveregretprojects6163]

I would LOVE a walk around and explaination of how you built your front wheel set up. Great video. I hope this is not the last rail video you do.

[@haroldreardon1407]

If the camera had been on the subject, you would have seen how the assembly on front works.

[@arnoldanderson1501]

It's so weird when you can't even see the tracks because of the small trees!

[@GERRYMALONEY47]

Thank you so much for posting this there is no other HD footage of this track in particular this is some great footage

[@donfowler5117]

Awesome and thank you for sharing this moment from 2007😄

[@calibrais]

One word, "Respect"!!

[@ekapus]

"Look at this washout" "Send it"