The Ultimate Guide to Mossbrea Falls in Dunsmuir (Step-by-Step Directions)

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Visiting Mossbrea Falls, located in the wonderful Northern California town of Dunsmuir, is like stepping straight into a fairytale novel. This unique waterfall is fed by multiple springs which flow through a moss-covered mountainside and into the Sacramento River.

Stretching roughly 175-feet across and 50-feet at its highest point, the falls create a lush, living tapestry of water and greenery. It’s an absolute dream for hikers, photographers, waterfall chasers and nature lovers alike.

There’s one caveat to hiking to Mossbrea Falls, though—it isn’t exactly legal. Being at the falls isn’t the problem, rather it’s the route you’ll need to take to get there. Technically, you’ll be trespassing not once, but twice on the way.

Normally, I wouldn’t include something like this on my website, as I like to promote responsible travel and hiking practices. However, all parties involved have seemingly relaxed their position on this. So I decided to promote the responsible way to enjoy this illegal hike (make sense?).

Trail Stats

• Location: Dunsmuir, California

• Fee: None

• Open: Year round, but difficult to access in winter

• Family Friendly: No (potentially)

• Cell Service: Limited

• Restroom: Portable near the trailhead

• Parking: Street

• EV Stations: None, but there are two charging stations down the road at Yak’s

• Difficulty: Easy

• Popularity: Moderate to high

• Mileage: 3 miles, out and back

• Condition: No maintained trail, but simple to follow the worn path

• Elevation: 2,529 feet

• Features: Multiple waterfall streams into a flowing river down moss-covered cliffs

• Best Viewed: Spring, for full flow

• Pets: Allowed

• Drones: No signs stating you can’t

• Hazards: Potential wildlife interactions and walking along an active railway

• My Visit(s): May 2025

Is Mossbrea Falls Illegal?

The short answer…yes. This is because of the route, though. NOT the waterfall itself. There are two points on the route where you’ll be trespassing—once when you walk through Shasta Retreat and again when you walk along the train tracks, which is owned by Union Pacific.

There are numerous signs stating such at both locations but as stated above, these two parties have seemingly relaxed their position. I won’t name names, but I have spoken with a county employee, two Union Pacific employees, and a local about Mossbrea Falls.

Based on what I have been told, the people at Shasta Retreat do not mind people WALKING through to access the falls. However, they VERY MUCH mind folks parking down there. If you do, your vehicle being towed is all but certain.

Secondly, Union Pacific also does not seem to care much about it either. The railroad section is the longest stretch of the “trail”, as you’ll walk along the tracks for just shy of a mile. On my visit, I passed multiple UP employees and passed a train as well.

The UP employees I spoke with stated that their main gripe is people walking ON the tracks as opposed to alongside them. They say people have been much better about it in recent years, so Union Pacific’s stance has cooled.

Evidence of this was when I passed a stopped train on my way to the falls. Instead of a lecture, I received a smile and a wave from the conductor. Additionally, I walked by a parked Sheriffs Deputy on Dunsmuir Avenue on my out and he just waved as well.

As long as you’re being respectful and not parking anywhere you’re not supposed to, you shouldn’t have any issues. That could always change, though, so don’t take my word as gospel. I’m simply relaying my experience and what I was told by key individuals.

Where to Park to See Mossbrea Falls

Parking, as opposed to the trespassing part, appears to be the biggest point of contention as it pertains to getting to Mossbrea Falls. There is free, limited parking available along the west side of Dunsmuir Avenue. However, most of the curbs are either red or white.

The east side of the street (the side closest to Interstate 5) is 100% no parking. Don’t do it. Additionally, there are a couple of tempting dirt pull-outs along the road, but most of them have posted “no parking” or “private property” signs.

Just up the road from Shasta Retreat there’s a large parking lot next to a community ball field. There’s an abandoned building there, as well as a coffee and food truck called Up-N-Running Espresso. This is where I parked.

When talking to a local while getting my morning coffee, I was advised that despite the posted “no parking” signs, nobody would care if I parked there. According to her, it’s rarely ever enforced, especially outside of the summer months.

Sure enough, my vehicle wasn’t towed, nor did I receive a ticket. If you’re visiting during the summer, I would arrive early and snag one of the street parking spots to play it safe. In early spring or fall, you’ll likely be ok in that lot.

Further down Dunsmuir Avenue and right after the I-5 off-ramp across from Chevron and Yak’s on the 5 restaurant is a dirt pullout long enough to accommodate multiple vehicles. Parking down here will add another half-mile or so to your hike.

I must stress again to NOT park at the entrance to or in Shasta Retreat. Please don’t give them any reason to take this access point away. Additionally, don’t put “Mossbrea Falls” into your GPS. This will take you into Shasta Retreat. Instead, use this address to drive there:

• 4727 Dunsmuir Avenue (this will take you to the parking lot I mentioned above)

How to Get to Mossbrea Falls

I’m going to give you the most clear and to-the-point directions to Mossbrea Falls you’ll find anywhere. There will also be many photo references. Be sure to bookmark this post to your device so you can refer back to it later on.

From where you parked, start walking north on Dunsmuir Avenue towards Shasta Retreat. When you get to the arch pictured above, the street going through it and into the retreat is Scarlet Way. Proceed (walking) down that street.

• By the way, they have set up a port-o-potty, complete with handwashing station, near this arch for public use

When you get to the bottom of the road, it’ll become Cave Avenue. Turn right. Soon after, you’ll come to the bridge pictured above. Cross it and check out the gorgeous views of the Sacramento River below.

When you get to the other side of the bridge, you’ll come to the railroad tracks you’ll be strolling alongside of for the next mile. Turn right at the tracks and remain on the east side of them (the side closest to the river).

Much has been said online about this stretch of the “trail” being too dangerous. In my opinion, there was nothing inherently dangerous about it, provided you’re staying off of the tracks and keeping your ears open for oncoming trains.

There is plenty of room to safely walk on the east side (nearest the river) even if a train is passing through. Conversely, the west side is a different story. If you walk on that side, you’re simply asking to get hit.

There’s a well-worn, noticeable path throughout much of this stretch that comes and goes. The rest of the time you’ll be traversing on what I call, “rail rocks”. These rocks, while not huge, are larger than basic gravel and are exceptionally loose.

More than once while walking on a slant, the rocks gave way, causing my foot to slide a bit and threw me off balance. I never fell or anything like that but if you have balance issues or sensitive ankles/knees, I would take it slowly.

Admittedly, there are a few points along this one mile stretch of track where it gets a bit narrow. I didn’t run into any moving trains, but there was one parked and I walked alongside it for probably half the time.

If it were moving, those narrow portions would’ve been nail biters. If you happen to be at the narrow points and hear or see a train coming, simply step as far to the side as you can and wait for it to pass before proceeding.

There are no signs pointing the way to the falls, but thankfully there’s a big tell letting you know when you’re there. When you come to the trestle bridge in the photo above, stop. Don’t cross it. Instead, turn right and head into the trees.

Just on the other side of those trees is where you’ll find Mossbrea Falls. If you’re here in the spring like I was, you’ll likely hear the falls before you see them. There are multiple paths and each one will lead you to the same spot.

Mossbrea Falls

When you get into the trees, the multiple flowing streams which make up Mossbrea Falls quickly come into view. If you’re here in the spring, the Sacramento River will be flowing heavily and fully, leaving only a small-ish shoreline to view the falls from.

As summer progresses and especially into the fall, the river levels lower, exposing more shoreline and allowing you to get closer. Even with a depleted shoreline, though, you’ll still have a close view.

The best time of day to visit Mossbrea Falls, in my opinion, would be morning or closer to sunset. I had minor car trouble on the day of my visit, which delayed my arrival to around mid-day and I had to deal with the harsh sun hitting the river.

As far as best time of year goes, I would recommend either spring or fall. In the spring, both the river and falls are at their fullest. In the fall, Mossbrea Falls is still flowing, but you’ll have the added benefit of lower river levels and the beautiful fall foliage. Both scenarios are great for photography.

When you’re done viewing the falls, simply head back in the same direction you came. Remember to walk in the space between the tracks and river, keeping your ears open for oncoming trains.

Is Mossbrea Falls Family Friendly?

This is a question commonly asked online and honestly, it can only be answered by individual parents. Personally, I didn’t see any kids at the falls or along the trail during my visit. However, I have seen photos online of families at the falls.

If your kids are teenagers, they shouldn’t have a problem. Especially if they have experience with the outdoors. However, I can see smaller children struggling with the rail rocks. There’s also the potential for danger from the trains.

Only you know your children and their abilities. As amazing as Mossbrea Falls is, it isn’t worth it if you have doubts about them being able to get through the trail. There are solid alternatives in the area, such as Hedge Creek Falls, McCloud Falls and Burney Falls Scenic Loop.

Mossbrea Falls: An Uncertain Future

For years, the city of Dunsmuir has been actively campaigning to construct a safer (and…legal) path to Mossbrea Falls. There have been many hurdles, such as money and getting property owners to relinquish portions of land to make the trail possible.

Recently, Union Pacific agreed to sign over a portion of their land, but the city still needs to raise funding. The current proposal involves extending the Hedge Creek Falls trail. A bridge would be constructed, allowing hikers to safely cross the Sacramento River.

On the other side, fences would be built, keeping people away from the railroad tracks. To bridge the gap, a trail (likely a wooden boardwalk or something similar) would connect you to Mossbrea Falls.

The project is estimated to cost well into the millions. I’m not sure how close or far away they are, but the city is actively asking for donations. They’ve placed a sign with a QR code near the entrance to Shasta Retreat. You can view their website, donation page, and proposal here.

Until this idea becomes a reality, we’ll need to be comfortable with committing misdemeanors in order to see what I believe is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. I truly hope the city can make this happen.

For now, please be respectful when on Shasta Retreat property. No pictures of people’s homes, loitering, parking, etc. Pass through as quickly and quietly as you can. Furthermore, keep off the tracks when on UP property.

The point of all of this is to not give either any reason to reverse their decisions to be relaxed on us trespassing. It’s a privilege that either could strip from us without warning. Let’s do our part to keep Mossbrea Falls as accessible as possible for everyone.

EXODUS 13:21