Outdoor Adventures

Waterfalls

Mossbrae Falls

Cool, clear, pure water erupts from springs breaking forth on the side of the Upper Sacramento River canyon. Photographs do not do Mossbrae justice, but the beauty awaits you after a short mile walk from the Shasta Retreat area. Since the walk takes you along the railroad right of way it requires you to be very cautious. We urge you to contact the Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce before starting on your trek. We will give you clear instructions on getting to this bit of Shangri-La safely when you go.

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Hedge Creek Falls

Located at the end of an easy 5-minute walk down a beautiful mossy, wooded trail. The quiet beauty of the falls grows until it completely overtakes the viewer. While you are here, explore the small "cave" behind the falls. Legend has it that stagecoach robber, Black Bart, hid out there from a posse. Cozy Hedge Creek Park is the starting off point for your walk to the falls. Bring a picnic and a camera! The park offers spectacular views of Mount Shasta, the Upper Sacramento River, our canyon, trees, and trains... everything that makes our area special.

Campgrounds & RV Parks

Click here for a list of campgrounds and RV parks in the area.

Golf in the Shadow of a Volcano

Awe-inspiring vistas form the backfrop for golfers in southern Siskiyou County. Visitors to Dunsmuir have four golf courses to choose from — all within a quick drive from town.

• Lake Shastina Golf & Country Club — 530-938-3201
• McCloud Golf Club — 530-964-2535
• Mt. Shasta Resort — 530-926-3052
• Weed Golf Club — 530-938-9971

Climb a Mountain... Explore a Cave

Experienced rock climbers and mountaineers can find all the challenge they desire within a ten-mile radius of Dunsmuir.

The Castle Crags 3 miles south of town, offer a wide variety of technical climbs.

Mt. Shasta rises to 14,162 feet and offers experienced and novice mountaineers and exhilarating challenge. The top of this volcano provides a view of at least four states and the Pacific Ocean. However, the climb is very challenging. People interested in tackling this challenge should plan on using the services of a guide. Please contact the U.S. Forest Service at 530-926-4511.

Mount Shasta and the Medicine Lake shield volcano have formed the most fascinating and some of the largest caves to be explored. Earning the recognized scenic byway status called The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, which stretches from Mt. Lassen, California to Crater Lake, Oregon.

Pluto Cave — to reach the Caves, go through Weed, out Hwy 97 approximately 12 miles to Road A12. Turn left (west), and go 3 miles. Watch closely on the left for a telephone pole with "Pluto Caves" in silver letters. Turn left down the dirt road and drive a little ways to the dirt parking area. Follow the rock edged walkway to the Caves.

Medicine Lake — Stop by the Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce for your copy of the Self-Guided Roasided Geology Tour of the Medicine Lake Highlands.

Lava Beds National Monument — 530-667-2282 or visit www.nps.gov/labe. Part of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway All-American Road.

Lassen Volcanic National Park — Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in Northeastern California at the southern terminus of the Cascade Mountains, approximately 50 miles east of Redding, California. Part of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway All-American Road.

Crater Lake — Crater Lake is widely known for its intense blue color and spectacular views. During summer, visitors may navigate the Rim Drive around the lake, enjoy boat tours on the lake surface, stay in the historic Crater Lake Lodge, camp at Mazama Village. Part of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway All-American Road.

Hunting

The wilderness areas surrounding Dunsmuir offer some of the best hunting in the west. Bear, elk, deer, and antelope are plentiful. Bird hunters will find their fill in Siskiyou County including quail, band-tail pigeon, duck, geese, and grouse. Some best areas for these birds are in the north part of Siskiyou County in the Tulelake, Lower Klamath, and Surprise Valley areas.

Hunting regulations change often, so be sure to check with the California Department of Fish and Game for information about hunting near Dunsmuir: 530-225-2300 or visit www.dfg.ca.gov/regions/region1.html.

Rafting, Kayaking, & Water Fun

The rivers and creeks in Siskiyou County and northern Shasta County offer river enthusiasts spectacular and thrilling river adventures ranging from leisurely Class 23 to hear stopping Class 5 and 6 runs. For a more complete guide to all 50 California Whitewater Outfitters running the Upper Sacramento River and other rivers throughout the west, call California Outdoors Hotline 800-552-3625.

If you seek more sedate water adventures, you can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming on nearby Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort. They rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, fishing boat, party barges, and fun floatation toys for the kids.

Eight miles north from Dunsmuir and 11 miles west of Mt. Shasta City lies Castle Lake, the largest and deepest of the alpine lakes in the area. During the summer and fall, you can swim, fish, hike, picnic, and camp. An easy hike leads to sparkling Upper Castle Lake and Heart Lake.

Skiing, Boarding, & Winter Fun

Long lines of cars on the highways... long lines of people at the lifts... high prices and low expectations, if this is not your idea of winter fun, then come to Dunsmuir and nearby Mount Shasta Board and Ski Park. Two high-speed lifts take you to 22 ski and snowboard runs appropriate for skiers of all skills.

You can also find yourself sledding for free on a popular hillside just before the turn off to the Ski Park.

You can get your snowmobiling fix at several snowmobile parks just a short drive away from town. Take Highway 97 out of Weed to Deer Mountain Snowmobile area (the first of many parks) — complete with warming hut and restrooms.

Disclaimer

Please note, you are in an area with potentially dangerous wildlife, including bears and mountain lions. Please exercise caution, as you would in any wilderness area.