FORT BRAGG, Calif., Dec. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The reconstruction of the old logging train trestle over Fort Bragg's Pudding Creek has created a new link between the city's famous Glass Beach and the ruggedly beautiful Ten Mile Beach to the north.

For years the trestle bridge had been in disrepair, forcing visitors and locals to brave traffic on Highway 1 or drive to nearby staging areas before walking, horseback riding or bicycling along the ocean-side trail.

With sweeping ocean views, the 44-foot high, 545-foot-long bridge over Pudding Creek creates an uninterrupted pathway between hundreds of acres of protected lands for viewing wildlife, picnicking or exploring and historic downtown Fort Bragg, which is experiencing a renaissance with art galleries, restaurants, shops and museums.

Haul Road -- A Bit of Logging History

Locals refer to the four-mile road used for hiking and biking only as the "haul" road. For decades, it was the route used by logging trucks to haul ancient redwoods to the Georgia Pacific Lumber Mill for processing on the west side of Highway 1.

Although the haul road trail was probably used by the local Pomo and Coast Yuki people for centuries before the arrival of European settlers, a trail route was first documented in 1857.

In 1915-16 the Union Lumber Company built a logging railroad parallel to the trail and just inland from the beach. The first train carrying logs from the Ten Mile River to the mills in Fort Bragg ran on January 3, 1917. Pudding Creek is the only remaining trestle of the five that once spanned this old logging route.

In the summer of 1949 the railroad was paved over in just 21 days to allow trucks to carry logs over the same route. Later, the lumber company opened the road for public access on weekends. In 1995, the route became part of MacKerricher State Park.

Today, you can look for beautiful colored glass at popular Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, explore dozens of coves or watch the crashing surf as you walk for miles along ocean bluffs and wide sandy beaches. From various points along the way, you can see harbor seals, sea lions, deer, and a variety of birds.

CONTACT: Bruce Lewis, +1-707-964-3844, for City of Fort Bragg Promotion
Committee