Hedge Creek Falls and Mossbrae Falls

August 7, 2019

Hedge Creek Falls

Trail head parking 4131 Dunsmuir Ave, Dunsmuir, CA 96025 

GPS: 41.2362962,-122.2702315

Hedge Creek Falls is a beautiful 35-foot waterfall only a quarter mile Walk from the trailhead in Dunsmuir. The narrow waterfall hardly obscures the not-so-secret cave meaning that you won’t stumble upon any masked heroes on your trip to the feature. Still, the trip the Hedge Creek Falls is well worth the drive the Dunsmuir, CA. Along with the waterfall, visitors can take in incredible views of the Sacramento River and Mt. Shasta from the Hedge Creek Falls Trail.

As you begin, the path starts to descend moderately, and you pass a tiny creek. As the grade of the canyon gets steeper, you begin to go down via a number of switchbacks until you’ll start to hear flowing and falling water. Before you know it, you’re at Hedge Creek Falls.

At this point, the trail continues into the cave behind the waterfall providing an intimate feel for hikers.

Mossbrae Falls

GPS: 41.242104, -122.266870

Disclaimer: Hiking to the falls is trespassing on Union Pacific Railroad Property. Fines can be as much as $300. If you choose to hike to the falls, you’re doing so at your own risk so please be cautious and cognizant of your surroundings you’ll be walking near an active train track. 

Also don’t forget if you pack it in, make sure you pack it out. 

From Hedge Creek Falls hike down to the river and crossed the river to connect with the trail in the other side. Water came up to mid-thigh at the deepest part, but totally doable. Once you get across the river and walk up the hill to the tracks.

Stay on the east side of the tracks (the right side), which is closest to the Sacramento River that you’ll be walking along. You’ll be moving north at this point. Continue walking up the tracks until you get slightly past mile marker 3/4. There you will find a bridge.

Do not cross it. Instead, right before the bridge, look to your right. There will be several trails that take you into Mossbrae Falls. Additionally, there is currently a big boulder near the tracks that has the words “Mossbrae Falls” spray painted on it. There is a spray-painted arrow on the rock, pointing to the river. The hike from the tracks to the falls is about 40 yards.

Mossbrae Falls, one of the most scenic waterfalls in California, is actually a series of springs that burst from the cliffs above the Sacramento River and then rain down into the water. It’s composed of two primary clusters of spring-fed waterfalls, which reach about 50 feet high and 150 feet wide. 

The presence of the river beneath the falls enhances the scene and makes for one of the prettiest sights in the Shasta area. There are numerous springs feeding the falls so they are great year-round.

Here are the alternate walking directions to get to the falls without having to cross the river.

Go to the north end of Dunsmuir Avenue, near Scarlet Way. Find a place to park. Once you get on foot, your trip to Mossbrae Falls is about 1.2 miles. The first street you walk down is Scarlet Way, which is located in the Shasta Retreat. You’ll see a sign at the top of the hill at Dunsmuir Avenue and Scarlet Way. Walk down the road. At the bottom, the road turns into Cave Avenue. Veer right at that point and keep walking. After you veer right, you’ll walk for about 100 yards, at which point you will see a small bridge that leads to the railroad tracks. Once you get to the tracks, make a right and stay on the east side of the tracks (the right side), which is closest to the Sacramento River that you’ll be walking along. You’ll be moving north at this point. Continue walking up the tracks until you get slightly past mile marker 3/4. There you will find a bridge. Do not cross it. Instead, right before the bridge, look to your right. There will be several trails that take you into Mossbrae Falls. Additionally, there is currently a big boulder near the tracks that has the words “Mossbrae Falls” spray painted on it. There is a spray-painted arrow on the rock, pointing to the river. The hike from the tracks to the falls is about 40 yards.

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