Northern California’s small towns are some of the best places you could possibly dream of, wouldn’t you agree? We love featuring different small towns throughout the state that just have that special something, like the quaint railroad town of Dunsmuir. Read on to learn what there is to love about this awesome little community.

Dunsmuir is a city of about 1,600 people nestled in the shadow of Mt. Shasta in Siskiyou County.

Flickr/ jacampos

The Sacramento and McCloud Rivers pass through this region. The official city slogan is “Home of the best water on Earth.”

Flickr/ Patrick Dirden

With several jaw dropping waterfalls located close by, it’s easy to see how the quaint town earned that moniker. Pictured here is the stunning Mossbrae Falls.

Flickr/ Michael Moore

Another major draw to the area is its railroad heritage. You’ll see signs like this with the Southern Pacific logo all over town.

Flickr/ Don Barrett

Back in the heyday of railroad travel, it was a major stop. It was where engines could be serviced and added to locomotives to help push heavy trains up the steep mountain pass.

Flickr/ Bruce Fingerhood

Because of this, it was originally known as “Pusher” before a man by the last name of Dunsmuir was so taken with the area he donated a fountain to the town in 1888 after being so taken with the area’s surrounding beauty.

Flickr/ Loco Steve

Railroad enthusiasts from out of town should book a room at the Railroad Park Resort, where guests sleep and dine in converted railway cars.

Flickr/ Bob the Lomond

Now that the era of locomotives is mostly behind it, Dunsmuir relies primarily on tourism.

Flickr/ Joe Wolf

People head here to ski, fish, bike, mountain climb, hike, and sightsee in the Southern Cascades. Its proximity to the two rivers and Mount Shasta make it a huge draw.

Flickr/ Tom Hilton

The main thorough fair through town is positively delightful, however, so make sure you spend a good amount of time getting to know the community.

Flickr/ Loco Steve

In addition to Railroads Days, a festival celebrating the town’s train heritage each June, they also host the “State of Jefferson Brewfest,” “Dogwood Daze,” and the “Tribute to the Trees” weekend celebrations.

Flickr/ Joe Wolf

It’s a quaint and spunky community that has enough fun things to do but isn’t overrun by tourists.

Flickr/ Joe Wolf

Whether you come for the historic trains, the natural scenery, or the small town vibes, you will love spending time in Dunsmuir.

Flickr/ Michael Moore

What do you think of this charming small town in Northern California? What other towns would you love to see us feature?

Flickr/ jacampos

Flickr/ Patrick Dirden

Flickr/ Michael Moore

Flickr/ Don Barrett

Flickr/ Bruce Fingerhood

Flickr/ Loco Steve

Flickr/ Bob the Lomond

Flickr/ Joe Wolf

Flickr/ Tom Hilton

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