1 Day- 2 Magical Waterfalls
If you are feeling a tad rebellious, and take the trek down the track, this lil’ hidden gem awaits you.
Hedge Creek Falls/ Mossbrae Falls
By : Somegal@escapeacrossamerica.org Jun 30, 2025
Exploring Northern California’s Hidden Gems: Chasing Waterfalls
An enjoyable and easy walk, perhaps with a beverage in a cup, climaxes at the falls, pictured above. A good spot to turn around and head back to reload, or a spot to catch your breath, admire the beauty, and continue you on to even more beautiful sights.
If you're anything like me, chasing waterfalls isn't merely a catchy lyric—it's a call to adventure. Whenever someone whispers, “There's an amazing waterfall nearby,” I'm already grabbing my boots and camera. “Im in, LETS GO!”, and because of this I get to share 2 of the gems in northern California with you. One is easily missed by travelers and adventurers alike; often overlooked for grandeur falls and snow capped mountains. While the other falls, lets just say you have to break some rules to access it… But let's start with our near miss, shall we?
Continuing down the trail past Hedge Creek Falls, you find yourself immersed in some beautiful views.
Waterfall #1: Hedge Creek Falls:
First on the list is not quite a showstopper so to say, but it is a short hike on a scenic trail to one of the most accessible waterfalls in the area. Suitable for most ages and skill levels, as long as you can walk 0.6 miles for the out-and-back trail. This trail is Hedge Creek Falls located in Dunsmuir California and is generally overshadowed by the gorgeous Mt.Shasta, looming in the background. It is easy to miss this side shot of adventure when you can see and feel Mt. Shasta beckoning you to visit…
The trailhead starts right off Mott road in Dunsmuir off the I-5, next to a small picnic area directly across from the parking area. The trail starts a descent downward at a moderate slope (200 ft elevation decline) and continues down to a couple switchbacks. Take it slow and enjoy the changing views. As you meander down the path in spring or early summer you'll be greeted by the lush greenery of Douglas fir and vibrant western redbud creating a picturesque scene wherever you look. It is beautiful in every season, though my favorite time to visit is spring when nature is still green. Of course, there is always fall when the leaves have changed color. It's hard to say.
The surrounding area is known to have poison oak, so be careful if you venture off the path. As you get closer you'll hear the falls before you see them. Though not a large waterfall, the impressive 30ft falling water is remarkably loud when it hits the pool below.. Suddenly the trail opens up to a bowl-like view and you are surrounded by towering basalt walls, pine trees and the echoes of cascading water. Continue down the trail to get close and personal with the mist and the pool of water directly below the falls. Here you can take off your shoes and wade into the water, though after early spring the pool shrinks and there is less water. The waterfall is fed by Hedge Creek and replenished by mountain snowmelt and seasonal rains. Peak flow is in the spring so for an optimal waterfall experience plan your visit between March and June when the waterfall is most robust. You can also go during the autumn months when the foliage transforms into an unforgettable tapestry of colors, though the water flow won't be nearly as impressive.
The view is enough to mesmerize you for hours, but there is still more beauty to be found along this short trail so continue on. Follow the dirt trail as it meanders along Hedge Creek showing you small falls and white water rushing and leading you to the Observation platform and a view of the Sacramento river. Here Hedge creek and the Sacramento River become one. Stop here and check out the view- but if you are feeling more adventurous scramble up the rocky cliff to the right of the platform for the ultimate view of Mt.Shasta and the Sacramento river. Seriously, don't miss out on this photo spot!
Below the observation deck there is an unofficial trail leading to the river where there is a nice shallow pool for swimming and enjoying the river. You can stay and enjoy the peace this place has to offer, or we can journey on to Mossbrae Falls- ready?
“The true magic of this waterfall is walking behind it and seeing the sunrays dance in the cascading water while you admire from the shade of the black basalt cliffs above you- truly a moment to experience for yourself. .”
—somegal@escapeacrossamerica.org
A view from behind Hedge Creek Falls in Dunsmuir, California
Waterfall #2: Mossbrae Falls:
Now, disclaimer for this excursion- Do so at your own risk, and don't say I didn't warn you. There are currently 2 ways of reaching this majestic waterfall- (much to the disappointment of anyone who has gone, and the locals missing out on a great area of tourism!! Support the small local town of Dunsmuir when you go by checking out the cute downtown shops and dare I say: “AMAZING!” Yaks on the 5 Restaurant- straight up delicious and worth a visit! 10 outta 10 every time!).
Alright back to waterfalls. One way to access this area is to start from Hedge Creek Falls and follow the Sacramento river upstream until you can find a spot to safely cross to the other side and walk the train tracks till you see the mossy walls. This way, or “as the crow flies” it is a 0.3mile walk from one falls to the other. Now, I did this once, in early spring, let me just say: the water is high, very cold, and a lot stronger than it looks… The second way, and the easiest but “illegal” way to get there is just to start in town and walk alongside/on the railroad tracks the entire way. This is only illegal because you are trespassing on the railroad. The railroad company, Union Pacific RR, doesn't want people walking on an active train track obviously- but use your common sense and stay off the tracks as often as you can and listen for any oncoming trains.
This is the way we went in June, and the sheer amount of families, old and young people there, made us feel more than safe that we weren't going to get into trouble for trespassing, (and or hit by an active train). That being said, SomeGuy was uncomfortable being on an active railroad until we saw a couple older than our grandparents walking ahead of us. Wear good shoes and walk carefully on the rocks and the trail next to the tracks, and you'll be just fine. You can find where to begin the trail by starting on Dunsmuir Ave, park here and walk to Scarlett Way and head downhill to Cave Ave. You'll be in a residential area so be respectful and courteous to the people who live here. Continue through the neighborhood till you cross the first bridge and see the tracks ahead of you, follow the tracks upstream just over 1 mile. You'll see another bridge and know you have arrived; the trail to the falls is to the right. Carefully make your way down the trail, closer to the river, to the spring fed waterfalls, and to the dark mossy walls that await.
This is definitely not the bridge where you stop illegally trespassing and go enjoy Mother Nature in all her glory at Mossbrae Falls in Dunsmuir, California
Now if you are anything like us, seeing a horde of people at the hiking destination is never a good thing…. But in the case of Mossbrae Falls it was. It reassured us that this place was worth breaking the rules for and everyone else there knew it too. Upon arrival, the collective awe and friendly smiles of fellow adventurers reassured us we were somewhere extraordinary. The waterfall emerges spectacularly from lush, moss-covered cliffs, creating a breathtakingly vibrant natural tapestry unlike anything else. Nature’s tranquility reigns supreme here, effortlessly soothing the soul. Mossbrae Falls feels like stepping into an untouched paradise( a truly hidden gem), where vivid greenery meets cascading waters, refreshing your spirit. Take your time absorbing the wonder, treat this remarkable place with respect, and capture memories you'll cherish forever. I promise, the magic of Mossbrae Falls will stay with you long after your adventure.
Seriously, take a look- If that's not a greenscreen, I don't know what else to call it. Mossbrae Falls, in all her glory, is worth a trek on an active railroad…. Let the photos persuade you. The water seems to stream out of every inch of the rock wall causing moss and ferns and green grasses to grow wild all over. If you've ever seen a “living moss wall” as art- well this is the ultimate art piece you need to see for yourself. There is no telling how long this natural art installment will survive so when you do visit treat this space with the utmost respect. The river, the rocks, the moss, the driftwood, the trees and all the plants that call this area home create a sort of magic while you are there, go check it out for yourself and share your adventure with us; I know you won’t be disappointed.
“Okay, I was hesitant, and even openly said so at some point during the hike down the track, but it was very much worth it. “-Some Guy
Dumb Poem(Not dumb-editor)
Standing alongside the gently flowing river, you can hear the cold water murmuring as it finds its way over boulders and driftwood creating a soundtrack only mother nature can create.
The lush vegetation thrives all around and the dense wall of greenery across the water feels like a long awaited blanket to soothe your sore eyes.
Streams of silky water flow out of every inch of the mossy wall as if they were tears held in for far too long. White streams pour from every crack in the basalt- She is held together by the mossy blanket she grew and wrapped herself in for company.
The ferns decided to befriend the moss and embellished the dense green coat placed upon the weepy wall. With no discrimination they grew alongside the grasses and moss, hiding all traces of the black, wet basalt they lay upon…
The canopy of tall trees stand like giants protecting the gentleness and profound beauty that has been created in such a dense place.
