Dunsmuir: River Scenery and Railroad History

Dunsmuir is shaped by the Upper Sacramento River: the river flows right through town and offers opportunities for trout fishing as well as swimming spots in the river. For travelers looking for a hotel in Dunsmuir, this is a practical starting point for choosing where to stay: river scenery and outdoor activities are complemented by parks, gardens, and railroad history. Which places are important to your plans depends mainly on whether you want to include time by the water, trails and plants, or historic railroad topics.

River, Parks, and Gardens

Dunsmuir City Park covers 14 acres and lies among cedars, oaks, and pines right on the Upper Sacramento River. Tauhindauli Park and Trail runs through the heart of Dunsmuir along the Sacramento River canyon; it offers hiking trails and access to fishing. The two places have different focuses: City Park features its riverside location and trees, while Tauhindauli Park and Trail highlights the canyon, trails, and fishing access.

The planting at Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens gives it a character of its own. Native dogwoods, wild azaleas, Shasta lilies, rhododendrons, hostas, ferns, and Japanese maples grow there. The walk to Dunsmuir City Park and the Botanical Gardens takes about 15 minutes each way. Hedge Creek Falls is a short walk from Interstate 5, Dunsmuir Avenue, and other public roads. Check local conditions for access before your trip.

Local Railroad History

Locomotive 1727 stands at the entrance to Dunsmuir City Park. It is an M-6 Mogul locomotive built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1901. The Dunsmuir Railroad Depot was renovated by the Dunsmuir Railroad Depot Historical Society. The Railroad Display Room features “Photo Walk” photographs, railroad memorabilia, and equipment. The room also displays photographs of locomotives that have passed through Dunsmuir. While Locomotive 1727 is a specific engine at the park entrance, the photographs offer a glimpse of locomotives connected to the town.

The Dunsmuir Museum covers the region’s early settlers, Indigenous peoples, Alexander Dunsmuir, Dunsmuir place and area names, and railroad facilities through its exhibit panels. Exhibits include the Elinore Van Fossen Harrison Native American Basket Collection and an arrowhead collection; the current presentation may change. The museum is currently listed as closed. Check current access before planning a visit.

Dunsmuir holds Railroad Days every June. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the specific dates for the year in question.

Day Trips and Getting There

Castle Crags State Park is six miles south of Dunsmuir. Activities there include camping, picnicking, hiking, and fishing. Its location south of town and the activities offered at the state park give you another way to distinguish between destinations in Dunsmuir and activities outside town when planning your trip.

Dunsmuir has an Amtrak station between Redding and Klamath Falls, Oregon. If you plan to arrive by train, check the schedule and connections before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Mount Shasta, Dorris, McCloud, Yreka, Weed, Happy Camp.

For the main travel overview: Siskiyou.