Dunsmuir, California, is at the center of a growing movement to make Mossbrae Falls a legal and accessible tourist destination. This stunning waterfall, fed by glaciers from Mount Shasta, is famous for its breathtaking beauty, cascading down moss-covered cliffs into the Sacramento River. Locals often compare it to the natural wonders found in Yosemite and Yellowstone.
Despite its proximity—just under half a mile from Dunsmuir’s city limits—access to Mossbrae Falls is a challenge. Currently, visitors must traverse over a mile of train tracks, which is not only illegal but also dangerous. Since 2012, there have been incidents where people have been struck by trains while trying to reach the falls, prompting city officials to seek a safer route.
Dunsmuir’s City Manager, Dustin Rief, and other local leaders are advocating for a designated hiking trail that would connect an existing city park to the falls. This project aims to provide safe access and potentially boost tourism, which is vital for the city’s economy. The City Council is expected to vote on declaring Dunsmuir the “Waterfall Capital” of California, a move that reflects the community’s desire to embrace its natural attractions.
However, the path to building this trail is fraught with obstacles. The land near the falls is owned by the Saint Germain Foundation, a religious group that considers the area sacred. They have resisted efforts to create a public trail, believing that limited access will help protect the site’s beauty. Negotiations with the foundation have been ongoing for years, but progress has been slow.
On the opposite side of the river, the Union Pacific Railroad owns the land where the tracks run. While they have not outright rejected the idea of a footbridge and trail, they have also not given definitive approval. The city has received “conceptual approval” from the railroad, which is a positive step forward but still leaves many details to be worked out.
City officials estimate that creating the trail could cost around $2 million, which is a significant amount for a small town like Dunsmuir. To raise funds, the city has started a donation campaign, displaying signs at Hedge Creek Falls that feature Mossbrae Falls and a QR code for contributions. So far, the campaign has raised about $4,700.
Local leaders believe that if the trail is built, it could not only enhance tourism but also serve as a point of pride for the community. Councilman Matthew Bryan expressed optimism about the city’s ability to work with Union Pacific, highlighting that the city has a better chance of success than previous nonprofit efforts.
Mossbrae Falls is just one of many waterfalls in the area, with more than a dozen notable sites within an hour’s drive. However, locals view Mossbrae as the crown jewel. The city hopes to reclaim its connection to nature and boost its economy through this project. As plans move forward, the community remains hopeful that safe access to Mossbrae Falls will soon become a reality.