Located just north of Sacramento, Dunsmuir is an idyllic vacation spot in California.
When it comes to things to do in Dunsmuir CA, the town has everything you need to be entertained, a grand hotel with mountain views, numerous shops where you can get supplies or souvenirs to take home, several great restaurants, and a recreation center with an amazing outdoor pool, to cool off when the weather is hot.
In addition, you won’t have to sit in traffic for hours on end trying to get to this quaint little piece of heaven; it’s surrounded by other small towns, like Weed, that you can also explore. My visit here lasted for about a week, and out of all the great things to do in Dunsmuir CA, here are my best recommendations.
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The 5 Best Things To Do In Dunsmuir CA
Visit Hedge Creek Falls
Northern California has plenty of waterfalls to see, but this one is special. You will be surprised when you discover this gem as you wander through the beautiful forest off the beaten path. There’s something magical about it—a genuinely unique formation.
On the way to the falls, I noticed that there are also a couple of neat rock formations. There’s one that has red iron-laden soil, which has been left behind by visitors to leave their imprints on it. This red soil is called desert mottling. Inhale the beautiful scenery as much as you want, it’s free of cost and it will recharge your batteries.
Take A Trip To Mount Shasta
While visiting California recently, I had the opportunity to travel up Mount Shasta for a day. As we walked up and down we saw trees and water that looked like they came straight from a Dr. Seuss movie, and wildflowers in all shapes and colors. The most impressive thing I experienced as we drove around the mountaintop was pure positive energy.
California’s Mount Shasta is an active volcano that lies at the southern end of the Cascade Range. The peak is 14,179 feet high. Because of its lava flows, Mount Shasta resembles almost a perfectly symmetrical cone.
Visit Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens
4841 Dunsmuir Ave, Dunsmuir // +15302354740
As I was further exploring my options of things to do in Dunsmuir CA, I decided to visit the Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens. My first time and I was instantly blown away. Do not expect a “wow garden” filled with spectacular flowers or other healthy plants, but it’s well-kept and rather peaceful and interesting.
I recommend you go in the summer when more flowers are blooming. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area anyway, or if you want to take a break from work to enjoy the scenery.
Now that you know the location of this “secret place”, mark it as a must if you are passing through here.
Visit Lake Siskiyou
I discovered this lake by driving off Interstate 5. The lake itself is accessible via a winding road down from the highway, where a campground and boathouse are located. There were plenty of fishermen and junior fishermen on the lake while we were exploring the coast.
Located in the Shasta Cascade region, this lake offers spectacular views that are sure to take your breath away. Additionally, boat launches near the Sacramento River near this lake can launch your boat farther up the river.
Visit Castle Lake
I kept the best for last, of all the things to do in Dunsmuir CA, this was by far the most memorable one. Castle Lake in Northern California is part of Shasta Lake Menifee Valley National Recreation Area. I don’t exaggerate when I say that I couldn’t enjoy more, the surroundings left me speechless.
There is a beautiful winding drive to the top, and I enjoy walking faster, while most people drive slower and lookout. The lake itself has a great camping area surrounded by amazing pine trees, although camping and swimming are discouraged due to the lake’s high elevation.
It is a popular destination and one of the best things to do in Dunsmuir CA due to its spectacular natural beauty and fishing opportunities. Take plenty of photos so you can always come back here when you feel like you need a mental escape.
Last Words
The list of things to do in Dunsmuir CA is not extensive, but you can find everything you need in the small and lively town. The best that Dunsmuir has to offer is its magnificent scenery, leaving you a bit short of other options.
You can make some wonderful family memories with the beautiful views and its historic downtown. A real Alpine village nestled in the heart of Mount Shasta, forgotten by the time, but most certainly not by anyone who’s been here.
Visiting other destinations in California? Check out our other guides:
- 11 Best Things To Do In Santa Rosa
- 11 Awesome Things To Do In Livermore
- 10 Fun Things To Do In Oxnard CA
- 10 Best Examples of California Cuisine
- 10 Amazing Things To Do In Temecula CA
- 10 Amazing Things To Do In Carmel
- 10 Most Exciting Things To Do In Ventura CA
- 14 Best Things To Do In Carlsbad, California
- 5 Best Things To Do In Sebastopol
- 18 Amazing Things To Do In Mendocino
- 10 Best Things To Do In Pleasanton CA
- 10 Best Things To Do In Pleasanton CA
Which of these things to do in Dunsmuir CA do want to do first? Let us know in the comments section below!
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever
Michael Williams
Sunday 10th of October 2021
Is this a joke? Three of the five things aren't even in Dunsmuir.
Nathan
Monday 11th of October 2021
Which three- I just re-verified and these are all in the Dunsmuir area. Yes, maybe some of the mountains and lakes aren't located in town center but nothing is more than 30 minutes away- completely reasonable for things to do when you visit an area.