The actual name of the railroad is the California Western.  Built in 1885 to haul lumber, it eventually connected Fort Bragg to Willits, and then to the outside world via the Northwestern Pacific Railroad.  The line runs along the Nolo river and then climbs the canyon to Willits. 

There are places along the line that can only be reached by train.  There are other places along the line that, when your 4 wheel drive breaks down, can only be reached by train.  Residents along the line still take the train to town for groceries and errands.  And, the California Western retains a contract with the Postal Service to deliver mail along the route. 

This is part of California you can't see any other way than by rail.