Welcome Home to Dunsmuir
Photo by Darin McQuoid
Life in Dunsmuir
Tucked away at the top of California, Dunsmuir is a charming little mountain town where time seems to slow down, and nature takes center stage. Surrounded by lush, tree-covered ridges and with a world-class trout stream flowing right through town, it's a paradise for outdoor lovers and anyone looking for a peaceful escape.
Our water is legendary. Straight from the snowmelt of Mt. Shasta, filtered naturally through lava rock, and untouched by treatments or filters, it’s so pure and refreshing that we proudly call Dunsmuir “The Home of the Best Water on Earth.” Go ahead, take a sip—you’ll taste the difference!
With a small-town vibe and a population under 2,000, Dunsmuir is all about quality over quantity. No traffic lights, no long lines at the store or post office—just a laid-back lifestyle and a surprising number of top-notch restaurants to satisfy any craving.
Every season brings new adventures to Siskiyou County. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, skiing, kayaking, hunting, railroading, or even spelunking, there’s always something to do. Nature is the true star of the show here—stunning lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and endless mountain views make Dunsmuir a dream for anyone who loves the great outdoors. And if you ever need a dose of city life, Redding is just a 45-minute drive away. And if you love a good community get together, be sure check out our upcoming events!
Dunsmuir isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. Fresh air, pure water, and a welcoming community are waiting for you. So why not come see what makes this historic alpine village so special? You just might find yourself calling it home.
Our History
Dunsmuir: A Town Built on Rails & Resilience
Dunsmuir’s winding streets weren’t just drawn on a map—they trace the ancient footpaths of native peoples who walked these hills for centuries, including the Okwanuchu and the Winnemum Wintu people. Later, the Siskiyou Trail, a major trade and travel route between California and Oregon, followed their paths. Adventurers soon followed: trappers, gold seekers, surveyors, and cattle drivers—including Alexander McLeod, a Hudson’s Bay trapper, and Ewing Young, who somehow herded cattle through this rugged canyon back in 1837, long before government mapmakers arrived.
Trains, Fires, & the Making of a Railroad Town
Dunsmuir’s heart beats with the railroad. The Union Pacific railyard (once Southern Pacific) runs right alongside Sacramento Avenue, a reminder of the town’s deep connection to the rails. Back in the 1880s, the area was named “Pusher,” as this was the spot where extra locomotives—called "pushers"—helped trains climb the Siskiyou range. The town grew around it, with a roundhouse, turntable, depot, and machine shops springing up.
Then came the Great Fire of 1903, wiping out much of the town. But Dunsmuir rose from the ashes, rebuilding fast to keep the railroad running. By 1916, it was the headquarters of Southern Pacific’s Shasta Division, known as the smallest but toughest stretch of the entire rail system.
A Town That Rises Again and Again
Dunsmuir’s resilience runs deep. When a 1924 fire devastated homes along Dunsmuir Avenue (formerly Highway 99), the town rebuilt—not with homes, but with businesses. That’s why Sacramento Avenue has its early-1900s architecture, while Dunsmuir Avenue reflects the bold, roaring ‘20s. Two fires, two eras, two unique styles.
A Destination for the Famous & Adventurous
Dunsmuir didn’t just serve trains—it welcomed travelers. As early as the 1880s, rail excursions brought visitors to the area's healing mineral springs, pristine fishing spots, and stunning scenery. By the 1920s, special trains delivered tourists from all over to enjoy resorts like Shasta Springs and Shasta Retreat.
And let’s talk about our famous guests: Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, Bing Crosby, Claudette Colbert, Marilyn Monroe, and even JFK all passed through town. In 1924, Babe Ruth himself played an exhibition game at our ballpark, which still stands today.
Looking Forward While Preserving the Past
Dunsmuir officially became a California city in 1909, but by then, it was already thriving. We had our own newspaper (since 1890), a bank (since 1904), a school (since 1887), and even electricity (since 1891), powered by the Sacramento River.
Today, we cherish our past while embracing the future. Historic buildings now house modern businesses, cozy cafés, and community spaces. The railroad still rumbles through town, but the superhighway has bypassed us, leaving Dunsmuir with something truly special—a slower pace, a rich history, and a way of life that refuses to be rushed.