Are there fees or permits required for Mossbrae Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Mossbrae Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Mossbrae Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Mossbrae Falls.

Mossbrae Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Mossbrae Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Mossbrae Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (5)

Eric Leslie CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Jillian Kern CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

cwirtanen CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

1.2 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Mossbrae Falls

Mossbrae Falls is a lush, curtain-like waterfall that pours into the Sacramento River just south of the lower portion of Shasta Springs in the Shasta Cascade region near Dunsmuir, California. Fed by natural springs, the water fans over moss-covered rock faces to create the waterfall’s signature emerald veil—an exceptionally photogenic and peaceful scene that draws photographers and hikers alike. Access to the falls is unusual: the most commonly used approach follows roughly a mile of the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way. That route is an illegal, unmaintained path, and the City of Dunsmuir has been working to complete a safe hiking trail that would include a bridge over the river. Until an authorized route is in place, visiting requires extra caution and awareness of the legal and safety risks associated with walking on active railroad property.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Faery Falls (50 ft) lies 3.8 miles to the west.

Faery Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Distance: ~2.4 miles (out-and-back). Elevation gain: about 350 feet. Difficulty: moderate—largely due to the informal nature of the approach rather than steep climbs. Surface and conditions: the common route to Mossbrae follows the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way for about a mile. The “trail” is unmaintained, uneven and narrow in places, and it runs alongside active tracks; walkers should be alert for trains and changing footing. Because this is not a sanctioned public trail, treat the route as an unofficial, potentially hazardous access corridor and prioritize safety and legality. The City of Dunsmuir is pursuing a finished, safe trail with a bridge to improve public access when completed.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a breathtaking view of water cascading over moss-covered rocks into the Sacramento River. The area is serene and surrounded by lush greenery, making it a popular spot for photography and relaxation.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Mossbrae Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Mossbrae Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and summer are ideal for visiting Mossbrae Falls, as the weather is pleasant, and the surrounding vegetation is lush. Fall also offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring colder temperatures and slippery conditions.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Walking along the railroad tracks is dangerous and illegal. Visitors should be extremely cautious and aware of their surroundings. The rocks near the falls can be slippery, so proper footwear is essential.

Know when to go.

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The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 218 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 2,533 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 150 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 179 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Mossbrae Falls near Dunsmuir, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Mossbrae Falls near Dunsmuir, California, showing about 218 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 2,533 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 218 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Mossbrae Falls is accessed via a trail that begins near the Shasta Retreat area in Dunsmuir. Visitors typically walk along an active railroad track to reach the falls, which is not an officially sanctioned trail and can be hazardous.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is limited and typically located near the Shasta Retreat neighborhood. Visitors should be mindful of private property and park only in designated areas.

Elevation

2,530 feet above sea level

Coordinates

41.241543° N, -122.266953° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes for walking along the railroad tracks. Be cautious of trains and avoid trespassing on private property. Visiting during weekdays or early mornings may help avoid crowds.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

FOWLERS CAMPGROUND

12.7 miles away · 36 sites

Reservable

Overview Fowlers Campground is located on the Upper McCloud River five miles east of McCloud, California. The campground is nestled in a mixed conifer and oak woodland. The campground offers paved parking spurs, running water and vault restrooms.Recreation A river-side trail from the campground provides access to the falls. It is approximately three miles round trip to see all three. Swimming and fishing are other popular activities. This section of river has no special restrictions for fishing.

Book on Recreation.gov