DUNSMUIR, Calif. — Just a stone’s throw from this Northern California town lies Mossbrae Falls, a breathtaking waterfall that locals say rivals the beauty of Yosemite and Yellowstone. City officials and residents alike describe it as “the most beautiful waterfall” they have ever seen. Fed by glaciers from Mount Shasta, the falls cascade over mossy cliffs, creating a magical display of mist and rainbows.
Mossbrae Falls has long been regarded as a sacred site by Native tribes. Over a century ago, it was a popular destination, with the Southern Pacific Railroad even offering special train services for visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty and a natural spring at the top. Now, Dunsmuir officials view the falls as a key tourist attraction that could help boost the local economy. The City Council plans to vote on declaring Dunsmuir the “Waterfall Capital” of California later this spring.
However, there’s a catch. Despite being less than 2,000 feet from the city limits, there is no legal way for the public to access the falls. For decades, efforts to create a safe route have stalled due to property rights and bureaucratic hurdles. Currently, about 30,000 people visit the falls each year, often trespassing along the train tracks that run beside the Sacramento River. This dangerous trek has led to injuries, with at least two people struck by trains since 2012.
The city is now prioritizing the development of a safe hiking trail from an existing park to the falls. However, creating this path has proven to be a complicated process. John Harch, a retired surgeon and president of the Mount Shasta Trail Association, has been advocating for access for years. He emphasizes that the need for a trail is not just about convenience; it’s a safety issue.
The land where the falls are located is owned by the Saint Germain Foundation, a religious group that views the area as sacred and opposes public access. The foundation was established in the 1930s by Guy Ballard, who claimed to have met a spiritual guide on Mount Shasta. Although the foundation has been approached to sell a small piece of land for a trail, they have not agreed to do so.
On the opposite side of the river, Union Pacific Railroad owns the land where the train tracks run. While the railroad has not outright rejected the idea of a footbridge and trail, they have not given a clear approval either. After years of negotiations, Dunsmuir city officials are now taking the lead in discussions with the railroad, hoping for a breakthrough.
City Councilman Matthew Bryan believes that the city’s status as a government entity may help in these negotiations. Recently, the railroad has given “conceptual approval” for a proposed trail, but the project could cost upwards of $2 million, which is a significant amount for a small town like Dunsmuir. To fund the trail, the city has started a donation campaign, raising about $4,700 so far.
If the trail is built and brings in more tourists, it would be a significant win for Dunsmuir. The town has a rich history tied to the railroad, which helped establish it in the 1880s. However, this relationship has been strained over the years, particularly after a 1991 train derailment that polluted the Sacramento River and devastated the local ecosystem.
Today, as the river recovers, Dunsmuir is looking to shift its focus toward tourism. The city promotes itself as an excellent base for exploring Northern California’s natural beauty, boasting numerous waterfalls and an emerging culinary scene. With the potential new trail to Mossbrae Falls, local leaders hope to enhance the town’s appeal and create a safer environment for visitors.