Mossbrae Falls

We visited several falls on our NorCal trip and I would even rate this one higher than Burney Falls. The flow isn’t very forceful, but the lush, mossy backdrop to me is special.
The city of Dunsmuir has been trying to negotiate with the Saint Germain Foundation to allow for public access to the falls, but until that gets settled, getting to the falls means TRESPASSING. People are currently discouraged from going there because you have to walk along train tracks. A woman was injured a few years ago.
We stayed within the Shasta Retreat community just so we could walk to the falls and not have to worry about where to park (also because it was one of the nicer places to stay in the area). The waterfalls are simply one of the most gorgeous falls I’ve ever seen and it’s a mixed blessing that access is restricted. When we were there, we were the only people at the falls. However, we saw some trash and other unfortunate evidence of previous visitors.
The walk along the tracks isn’t long or difficult since it’s flat. You walk on the railroad ties whenever possible (staying on the river side). But a train did pass us when we were walking back. It wasn’t loud but I kept my ears pricked up and there was space for us to stand out of the way. It felt like forever for the train to pass us and when the train conductors saw us, they belatedly blasted the horn. I don’t know what we would’ve done if we were on a bridge when the train came. We ran past sections that didn’t have a lot of space on the side. Also, the tracks don’t run completely straight the whole way. There ARE some bends, so this increases the danger. This is not a trek for little kids or people with significant disabilities!
The city is apparently trying diligently to get a public trail established and they have a strong incentive to do so with the tourist dollars such access would bring, so you may want to wait a few years for that to happen. If not, use common sense, be discreet and respectful of the local residents, and keep your eyes peeled and ears tuned for trains.

Beautiful and worth the risk and the hike on the tracks to get here. The sounds of the rushing water is so loud and the area is beautiful. This is kind of a hidden gem and being so we did not see another person the entire time we were here. You will think you are in hawaii.

In order to reach the falls, you must walk (about a mile) along active train tracks (vary narrow in parts I might add… yikes). There is danger involved… be careful.
Luckily, we did not encounter any moving trains, but we were on constant watch for them.
Once you get to the bridge, the falls are just below you to the right.
We enjoyed the entire experience without running into a soul. It was fantastic!
Finding the falls is an adventure in itself that will leave you starving. Luckily, there is an amazing restaurant in town, Yaks.

This will forever be known as the Forbidden Hike during our time in Shasta!
It’s a really easy walk to the falls but is definitely dangerous as you do need to walk either on or along the train tracks. We went a few days after it had snowed and it was fine. The snow helped a little bit with all the rocks that are placed by the tracks. Definitely try to get to the falls at a brisk pace. I think we heard two trains pass us during our time at the falls but we never had to dodge one.
Read «Maranda C“‘s review for a great detailed review on on to get to the falls. We Google Mapped Scarlet Way and Dunsmuir and parked south on Dunsmuir in the parking lot of an abandoned shop. Shady, I know. Before we left, there was a cop car that passed us but it didn’t stop (thankfully). The entrance is in a private residential neighborhood with signs that say «No Access to Mossbrae Falls». We even got a few stink-​eyes from some residents while walking in.
The falls themselves are 100% worth the trip and are photo and Instagram-​worthy! Not too epic but definitely fall within the hidden-​jewel category.

Maranda’s review on how to get to the falls is spot on. We used her review to hike to the falls today and oh man. It was a long, scary journey, but very much worth it. We met a local who said the train wouldn’t come for another 3 hours but he was wrong. Right when we go to Mossbrae Falls, we saw the trains go by. My bf and I pretty much ran the whole trail to avoid on coming trains and angry neighbors because we were scared HAHA. The pictures on here don’t do justice so just come here in person and see for yourself :-)

Such an easy walk to the falls. I was concerned that a train would come by without me noticing, and I have no idea why people writing reviews are so worried about them. Of course, keep in mind you’re walking along train tracks, but there was no missing one from a ways out because I could hear it coming in the tracks.
Mossbrae falls was exactly what I was hoping for as far as the sight goes. If you’re a fan of meditation I would recommend sitting for a bit and getting your vibe on :). I would recommend this to anyone.

A hidden gem a few minutes walk from my home. A special vortex indeed. You will have to walk along the train tracks a bit but that’s part of the fun! Think Stand By Me:)

A great place to hike to; in the middle of nowhere. If you come any other day than a weekend in summer, you will likely encounter only a few other people.

This place is so amazing and magical! I’ve hiked this a couple times now and this last time encountered what I feared — a train. I was told they move slow through here and not to worry but still… I did, because there’s not really a way to escape from being so close to the tracks at times. We heard the train whistle, which was quite distinct and was not confused with the sounds of big rigs on the freeway… it gave us enough time to wander a bit further to find a little hiding spot before it made its way to us and cruise by — the train was moving slow but still at a steady pace. Anyway, that just added to the excitement of the whole adventure! Also, I was hiking with a geologist major and she pointed out (with excitement) the specific rock formations seen all along the trail which are quite interesting! I think the proper terminology may be «Basalt» (columns) but don’t take my word for it just keep your eyes open! You can feel when you approach the waterfall but if you come to the bridge (with train tracks) you went a few steps too far! Enjoy!

This place is a must-​visit and a hidden gem! We went on a Friday afternoon and encountered one person at the falls and a few people heading towards there as we were heading back. It’s a really private and quiet place. Like other reviewers have mentioned, the falls are closed off due to someone getting hit by a train. There are «No Trespassing» signs and supposedly you’ll be fined for walking down the train tracks. However, we successfully made the trek to the falls without being stopped by anyone.
Finding the entrance to the trailhead was a bit tricky since searching «Mossbrae Falls» on Google Maps will require you to go through a forest (which you can’t even go through due to all the shrubbery and no clear path). You want to drive down Dunsmuir Ave to the intersection of Scarlet Way and Dunsmuir Ave. This is where you’ll find Shasta Retreat (picture posted) which is the entrance to a private residential area. Find parking outside of Shasta Retreat as you might get a ticket for parking in this area. We found parking a bit down south of Dunsmuir Ave on the side of the road. Walk through the archway that says «Shasta Retreat» and turn right when you get to the bottom of the hill. You’ll cross a small bridge that is over the Sacramento River and turn right towards the railroad tracks. Follow the railroad tracks upstream the river for a bit over 1 mile (~20 min. walk). At every ¼ of a mile, you’ll see a sign on the right side of the tracks (closer to the river) that tells you how many miles you’ve walked. When you see the ¾ mile sign, you’ll know you’re close. Once you see the bridge, do not cross, and turn right into the shrubbery and follow the fall’s sounds down the hill. Enjoy nature in all its glory!
Mossbrae Falls is really majestic. Enjoy how peaceful and serene it is there. Sit, relax, and take in all the beauty.
Tips:
–Look out for trains coming on both sides
–Bring comfy closed-​toe shoes, you’ll be walking on rocks!
–Walk on the railroad ties to avoid walking on rocks, but be careful to get out of the way if you see a train (we didn’t encounter any)
–Do NOT bring children! (For obvious reasons such as the risk of trains and the sharp rocks)
–Bring a sunhat or umbrella as there’s barely any shade during the 1+ mile walk. It gets hot in the summer so make sure to slather on sunscreen as well.
–Bring a camera to take pictures of the majestic falls!
–Total time from walking from the Shasta Retreat entrance to the falls and back is ~1 hour.

Mossbrae Falls is by far one of my favorite places I’ve recently visited.
Came here on a cold winter day and honestly I don’t think you can go wrong coming to this place any time of the year. I walked into the neighborhood and ran into a local at the narrow bridge that leads to the tracks. I decided to talk to her and she immediately knew I wasn’t a local. I’ve read that you can get a ticket for trespassing so I played it off as if I was just walking through. After a short talk about Otters in the river to my surprise she actually recommended that I visit the falls. The locals here are incredibly nice and I’m sure that as long as you respect the area that they live in you’d have no problems other than with whomever patrols the tracks and cites you. I didn’t see anybody though so I don’t really think the trespassing thing is a big issue.
After the single lane bridge you immediately turn right onto the tracks. People say it’s a mile+ walk but I noticed little markers on the side which seemed to be quarter mile markers. Shortly after seeing a ¾ marker you reach a railroad bridge and to the right of that bridge through the trees is the falls. It’s not a far walk at all and it’s relatively easy for anyone to do.
I only planned on staying an hour or an hour and a half at most but got caught in the ambience and beauty of the falls that I ended up staying over 2.5 hours. I highly recommend everyone to visit this place.

Mossbrae Falls is one of the most beautiful places I have ever gone — and I have traveled world-​wide.
I had gone been walking those tracks from the time I was knee-​high to my parents. It is true they have manned the rail-​road crossing at Simpson Bridge to keep hikers away although our last trip (Sep 12) there was no one there to stop us from taking this route — even though they had workers up-​stream.
Everyone is right: be mindful, don’t wear headphones, keep your eye out for trains and it’s always a good idea to move quickly when there is less space on the river-​side of the trail — in case a train comes (which is fairly often but I have walked many times with no train either way). Don’t ever drink river water unfiltered; (that’s normal trail wisdom as there is a lot of wildlife in the area anyway) — also, if you are walking in the early morning watch for snakes (yikes) or blue bellied or alligator lizards (fun!). Not scared off? Don’t be — bring your camera and enjoy — I dare you to dive it, the water is fine (if chilly) lol
The trail that runs from Hedge Creek Falls (also pretty) is now blocked with a fence you would have to climb under — not for me; hoping the city will buy that strip of land so that all can enjoy this really gorgeous natural wonder!

Definitely 5 stars if you are down for a bit of risk taking… First of all, the trail is on private property. I entered through hedge creek falls and ducked under the fence where it very clearly states «private property of the Saint Germain Foundation» see photo. Trespassers will be prosecuted? Are they really going to sue me for wanting to take a lovely hike to a gorgeous waterfall in the woods, which was there, as well as the trail, before this religious group bought the property and claimed it as their own religious sanctuary. Pleeeease! I am so glad I bypassed that, because the waterfall was well worth it. I can not believe Saint Germain Foundation asks people not to hike here so they can «express their spiritual practice in private» I could have hiked through there without disturbing a buddhist monk meditating in the middle of the trail! There was no one or anything to disturb, I only saw two other hikers doing nothing wrong except enjoying a lovely hike. Please– take your religion out of it– this should be a sanctuary for everyone!
PS. Only other risk is the train tracks– be smart and aware and you will be fine!

We decided to celebrate New Year’s Day with a hike to Mossbrae Falls. Little did we know we were also in for some law-​breaking, life jeopardizing, adventure action. Hey, what better way to bring in the new year?
The main trail to the falls follows active train tracks and this is where the trouble lies. Someone was hit by an oncoming train recently, and there is an impending lawsuit against the city and the train company, so those two entities are doing everything in their power to keep you off the tracks. There is no parking near the trailhead, and if your car is found, it will be ticketed and/​or towed. You also can be ticketed for trespassing on the tracks.
Want to take those risks? Once on the tracks you have to keep a keen ear out for the sound of an oncoming train. The scenic river flowing nearby drowns out sounds so you have to be actively engaged with all your senses. Maybe try feeling for the vibration? It’s a good opportunity to put your ear to the tracks like they did in the old westerns. Just watch out for the grease smudges If you intend to do that.
If you encounter the train jump! The river side is preferable, since you won’t be pinned up against a small sliver of the wall, with the possibility of overhead rock slides, as the train rumbles by.
Once you reach the waterfall relax and enjoy! You’ve earned it! It may have been the most stressful mile you’ve ever hiked on. The waterfall is breathtaking! Whether a dry season, or wet season, there will be water flowing profusely, because the falls are fed by an internal source and not snowmelt.

One of the beautiful falls in Northern California. Must visit if you are in this place. Like other reviewers said keep an eye for the trains from both the sides, bcz of the nearby river sound, it’s hard to hear the train sound. But we have enough space on the side to stand.
The falls is just before the wooden bridge. So don’t miss it. Parking the car is bit difficult. We parked the car in the city and then started walking along the trail. 2.4 miles one way trip from hedge creek falls. The trail is filled with gravel stones, so it will be difficult to walk. Inspite of all these difficulties this is a must visit place.

Despite the treacherous hike, speeding trains and dangerous terrain, this hidden jewel is definitely worth a visit. Hidden up the UP railroad right before the old wooden bridge lies the small sanctuary of Mossbrae Falls. As other pathfinders before me has pointed out, the path is quite dangerous (should you have young ones) and do not park in Shasta resort. What you can do is actually park within the city of Dunsmuir and hide your car there, then treck up the railroad through the bridge located up Dunsmuir Ave, but just note that you cannot park in the gravel area as it’s now been blocked off.
Once you start on the path just be careful not to walk on the train track, but there are definitely enough room on the right hand side of the track to walk upon without falling off the side into the river. Lastly, be sure to have good hiking shoes, the rocks are quite dangerously sharp without the proper footwear, and can cut into your shoes should you not have a solid sole.
Nonetheless, we survived, and definitely enjoyed the scenic view of the falls =]

As the past reviewers have stated, you will need to be VERY careful when hiking on the tracks. Also, parking is tricky since it is in a private road. But it is sooo worth the parking and the hiking.
* If you hike on a hot day, bring inner tubes and float back down to your parking spot.

BEWARE!
Despite the single tracks, trains go in BOTH directions. Just because you saw two trains in a row going southbound does not mean that there are no northbound trains. This very assumption almost got me killed here one beautiful spring morning 20 years ago. When the river is roaring with spring runoff, you might hear that train coming from right around the bend. Just be cautious, and keep an eye on kids and others who are easily distracted.
With that said, Mossbrae Falls is beautiful and well worth the short hike. If you pack ina picnic lunch, be sure to pack out your trash. Leave no trace, please.

Cool falls. I was pretty stressed out getting there because of the active train tracks but luckily we didn’t run into any. You will be walking on/​along the track for exactly 1.2mi to get there. Some areas don’t have a good place to get away from an on coming train so I would hurry across to a safer area. Actually I would try to spend as little time as possible on the tracks just to be safe so keep up a good pace. It wasn’t a hard hike but the train track gravel is extremely tough on the feet. The falls are right before the train bridge, pretty hard to miss. Very pretty but I guess go on your own risk because I’ve been reading that you could get cited trespassing but I haven’t heard of anyone getting caught. I think they have just been posting all these signs and threats just to scare people.

Went there just last weekend! Its a scene straight out of Lord of the rings! What a beautiful waterfall! The hike to that point is great too– walking along the tracks in the meadows where a river stream passes along and you hear the sound of the waterfalls all thru! Bliss!!!
There aint no designated parking and you have to take a chance parking the car somewhere in Shasta retreat but the scenery is even worth getting a ticket :) If you absolutely want your car to be safe, you may park somewhere up before you get into the retreat, but don’t miss out on these waterfalls if you are in the area.
It would be a photographers dream and a common mans delight to witness such a beautiful sight! Loved it!!!