For decades, visitors chasing one of California’s most breathtaking waterfalls had only one option: break the law and walk across active railroad tracks.
Now, that may finally change.
A major breakthrough came Wednesday when Union Pacific signed a 75-year lease agreement with the city of Dunsmuir in Siskiyou County, clearing the way for construction of a long-sought public trail to Mossbrae Falls, a secluded natural attraction that has drawn crowds despite having no legal route for access.
The agreement allows the city to build a boardwalk within the railroad’s right-of-way and required a one-time $50,000 payment to Union Pacific.
Local leaders hailed the deal as a historic turning point in a decades-long battle to safely open the site to the public.
“This is really the most important step toward building a trail that has ever occurred,” Dunsmuir City Council Member Matthew Bryan said during a town meeting last week as the council approved the lease.
Mossbrae Falls sits in a tight canyon along the Upper Sacramento River, surrounded by obstacles that have frustrated access efforts for years.
The spectacular 50-foot-high and 175-foot-wide spring-fed waterfall is unique because it cascades directly out of porous volcanic rock and lava tubes originating from nearby Mount Shasta, pouring over a vibrant, moss-covered cliff.
Land east of the waterfall belongs to the Saint Germain Foundation, a religious organization that city officials say has opposed allowing public access across its property.
Attempts to reach the foundation for comment were not returned before press time.
On the opposite side, visitors face Union Pacific rail lines pressed against steep canyon walls.
The result has been a risky workaround that has become almost routine.
Tens of thousands of visitors each year reportedly trek roughly three miles along active railroad tracks to reach the falls, moving aside when freight trains pass.
The dangerous route has already had serious consequences.
At least two people have suffered severe injuries after being struck by trains in recent years.
Under the city’s proposed plan, visitors would instead begin their trip at Hedge Creek Falls, another popular waterfall with parking and trail access near Interstate 5.
The design includes a new 150-foot pedestrian bridge spanning the river downstream from Mossbrae Falls.
From there, visitors would follow a network of boardwalks constructed alongside the railroad corridor but separated from train traffic by security fencing.
The route would end at a viewing platform at the base of the falls.
The entire project carries an estimated price tag of about $21 million, with taxpayers footing the bill for most of it.
Dunsmuir officials are preparing to seek funding from the Federal Railroad Administration, which could cover most of the cost if awarded.
Union Pacific has already thrown its support behind the effort, sending a letter to the agency expressing its “strong support” for the city’s grant application.