Northern California Town Close to Mount Shasta Boasts Reputation as "Hub of Exceptional Water Quality"
Nestled in the heart of California, south of Mount Shasta and north of Redding, lies the charming town of Dunsmuir. Known for its outdoor adventures and excellent water-related attractions, Dunsmuir is a premier destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
One of the town's key attractions is its collection of stunning waterfalls. Some of Northern California’s best waterfalls are located near Dunsmuir, such as Hedge Creek Falls, Faery Falls, and McCloud Falls. These natural wonders offer beautiful spots for visitors to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature.
For those seeking more extensive hiking opportunities, Castle Crags State Park is a must-visit. Featuring impressive granite spires, the park offers 28 miles of hiking, including the popular Crags Trail to Castle Dome with breathtaking views of Mount Shasta. The Sacramento River flows through the park, providing swimming and fishing opportunities. The park also has campgrounds, picnic areas, and a pedestrian suspension bridge over the Sacramento River.
Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens, a peaceful location for an easy picnic or walk with beautiful views along the Sacramento River, is only a short walk from Cave Springs. Mossbrae Falls, just outside Dunsmuir, is another major draw. The nearby Lake Siskiyou offers lakeside strolls and mountain views, popular for relaxation and photography.
Outdoor recreation and shopping are also a significant part of Dunsmuir's appeal. The town has local shops offering fishing and outdoor recreation gear, making it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities like fly-fishing, exploring local trails, and dining in picturesque settings are popular.
The Sacramento River running through the area is known for excellent fishing, swimming, and scenic riverside trails usable in parks like Tauhindauli Park in Dunsmuir.
After a day of sightseeing, visitors can refuel and unwind at the Dunsmuir train hotel, also known as Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge. The resort offers lodging options in retrofitted train cars, cabins, and campgrounds. The caboose rooms, styled like old train dispatch hubs, are atmospheric and popular, but reservations can be difficult to secure. The resort's campgrounds feature 20 tent campsites, 24 RV camping spots, and complimentary showers.
The resort's restaurant, The Dining Car, is located inside an 1800s luxury caboose and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour. The menu offers a variety of options, including the popular Rail Car Breakfast and blueberry waffles for breakfast, Railcar Burgers, salads, and entrees from Starwalker Ranch for lunch and dinner. The Dining Car also offers a selection of wines, house lemonade, kombucha, ciders, beers, cocktails, and mocktails for alcohol-free travelers. Reservations are recommended due to its popularity.
Visitors should consider visiting Dunsmuir outside of peak fire season (June through November) and review safety tips for vacationing in wildfire country. Dunsmuir's water, considered some of the best in the world, requires no additional purification due to its origin as melted snow and purification by volcanic rocks. The Castle Rock Bottling Company in Dunsmuir has earned awards and first-place rankings for the quality of its water.
Dunsmuir's top attractions center on its waterfalls, extensive hiking especially at Castle Crags, river activities, and charming botanical gardens, making it a premier destination for lovers of nature and outdoor adventure. Castle Crags State Park, a majestic and barely visited park, is less than 6 miles from Dunsmuir.
[1] Dunsmuir, California: A Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers and Outdoor Adventures [2] Dunsmuir, California: Where to Stay, Eat and Play [3] Dunsmuir, California: A Small Town with Big Adventures [4] Dunsmuir, California: A Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers and Outdoor Adventures
- After a day of exploring Dunsmuir's stunning waterfalls and hiking trails, travelers can immerse themselves in a unique lifestyle by stayimg at the Dunsmuir train hotel, blending retrofitted train cars and cabins with campgrounds, offering an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventure seekers.
- For those craving a change of scenery, Dunsmuir serves as an ideal travel destination, offering not only an impressive collection of waterfalls and extensive hiking opportunities but also breath-taking views of Mount Shasta, lakeside strolls at Lake Siskiyou, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities perfect for travelers looking to explore and appreciate the beauty of Northern California.
