Mossbrae Falls

Mossbrae Falls
Mossbrae Falls
Location	Dunsmuir, California, U.S.
Coordinates	41°14′30″N 122°16′01″W / 41.2415426°N 122.2669528°W / 41.2415426; -122.2669528Coordinates: 41°14′30″N 122°16′01″W / 41.2415426°N 122.2669528°W / 41.2415426; -122.2669528[1]
Type	Segmented Horsetails[2]
Elevation	2,529 feet (771 m)[1]
Total height	52 feet (16 m)[2]
Number of drops	1[2]
Average flow rate	20.0 cfs (1 cms)[2]

Mossbrae Falls is a waterfall flowing into the Sacramento River, in the Shasta Cascade area in Dunsmuir, California. The falls are located just south of the lower portion of Shasta Springs. Access to the falls via a mile-long hiking trail on the Union Pacific Railroad tracks is currently closed, as Union Pacific and the City of Dunsmuir figure out a safer route to the falls.

Description

Mossbrae Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls in California. Approximately 50 feet (15 m) in height and 175 feet (53 m) wide, the falls are fed by springs, which course down the canyon wall, and into the Sacramento River, creating the effect of many waterfall streams falling into the river. The entire course of the falls is longer than 52 feet (16 m), however the upper cascades cannot be observed through flora which covers the mountainside. The bottom 50 feet (15 m) is a straight plunge into the river. The falls are mostly two major outfalls. Pictured here are both, with smaller drops between them. The trail to the falls follows beside the Union Pacific railroad tracks, and is narrow in some places. The waterfall is to the right, immediately before a nearby railroad trestle that crosses the river.

Trail closure

In the summer of 2011, city officials began urging people not to visit the falls, citing the danger of walking on and along active railroad tracks. To discourage trespassing, citations are being issued to people who park in the Shasta Retreat. Work continues on the development of an alternate route.^[3] City of Dunsmuir is planning on connecting the Hedge Creek Falls Trail with a new paved pathway and pedestrian bridge over the river at Mossbrae Falls. Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger took former President George W. Bush to see these falls.

Access

Alternate access are through Mineral Spring Trail and Angel Trail in Shasta Springs, a private property owned by Saint Germain Foundation and white water rafting from Box Canyon Dam (California).

Photos

• 

  All Sections of the waterfalls

• 

  Other waterfalls in the vicinity

References