Railfanning in Dunsmuir
For railfans, Dunsmuir is a dream destination. Nestled beneath the towering peak of Mt. Shasta, this historic railroad town offers a front-row seat to modern freight action and the charm of a bygone era. Trains still roll past our classic depot and the rail-facing buildings along Sacramento Avenue, just as they have for over a century.
Founded in 1887 as Pusher/Cedar Flats, Dunsmuir became a key hub for the Southern Pacific Railroad—home to a major roundhouse and, at one point, the largest California city north of Sacramento. Our walkable streets reflect the early city planning based around railroad workers and travelers, setting us apart from the surrounding mill towns.
Today, Dunsmuir remains a living monument to its railroading past—and a thriving destination thanks to its location along both Interstate 5 and the Union Pacific mainline. With the scenic Sacramento River running through town and Mt. Shasta rising above, visitors enjoy world-class railfanning, outdoor adventure, and the charm of a community shaped by the rails.
🚦 Pro Tips & Safety for Railfans:
Best Time to Visit:
Spring through fall offers the clearest views and the most train activity. Early morning and late afternoon light are ideal for photography, especially with Mt. Shasta in the background.
What You'll See:
Union Pacific freights dominate the line, often with lash-ups of three or more locomotives. Keep an eye out for occasional BNSF run-throughs adding some variety to your shots.
Bring a Scanner:
Enhance your experience by tuning into local rail frequencies. A common one is UP Road Channel 1: 160.320 MHz, which lets you track train movements in real-time.
⚠️ Railfanning Safety:
Always stay off the tracks and maintain a safe distance from moving trains. Never trespass on railroad property—observe from public areas or designated viewing spots. Safety first ensures everyone can enjoy the rails responsibly.
Top Railfanning Spots
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Dunsmuir Railroad Depot Museum
Step into the past at the Dunsmuir Railroad Depot Historical Society Museum, home to a treasure trove of Southern Pacific artifacts, vintage rail equipment, photos, and stories from the golden age of railroading. The depot itself is a piece of history, and volunteers are often on hand to share fascinating insights. Learn more!
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Dunsmuir Yard & Depot Area
See modern Union Pacific action up close as trains slow for crew changes or glide through the curves. Crews were changed here and still are by the Union Pacific Railroad. A roundhouse was built to repair the workhorse steam engines, which came down as a result of a heavy snowstorm in 1961. Our historic turntable was recently removed by Union Pacific.
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Jubilee Railroad
Just south of Dunsmuir, find this incredible railroad lover’s dream! Sleep in a historic caboose, dine at a farm-to-table destination restaurant inside a restored dining car, camp under Castle Crags, and hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. Learn more!
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Black Butte Center for Railroad Culture
North of Dunsmuir in Weed, find a beautiful preserved SP water tower which stands beside active tracks and the Black Butte Center for Railroad Culture–a non-profit with an amazing collection of cabooses, an old train depot, artwork, and a beautiful boxcar library and music venue. Learn more!
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Upper Soda Springs Road Overpass
This spot offers a great overhead view of northbound trains with Mt. Shasta in the background. Avid rail buffs from all over the world visit Dunsmuir to relive the golden years of railroading and to photograph trains that run through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
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Shasta Retreat & Cantara Loop
Shasta Retreat has twin steel bridges framed by forest and river views—great for photo ops, especially in the golden hour.
A short drive north of Dunsmuir, Cantera Loop’s iconic S-curve over the Sacramento River is a favorite for photographers.
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Soda Creek and Dog Creek Bridges
Soda Creek Bridge is a scenic spot just south of town off the Soda Creek exit where trains cross over a forested gorge.
Dog Creek Bridge is located south of Dunsmuir near the Delta exit. This high bridge is a former remnant of Highway 99, and offers dramatic views and thunderous rail action below.
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Grass Lake Summit (UP Black Butte Subdivision, MP 368)
Located along Highway 97, this spot offers panoramic views of trains traversing the summit, especially picturesque during winter and spring when the lake is snow-covered.
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McCloud Railway Trestle (Great Shasta Rail Trail)
Northeast of Dunsmuir, near the town of McCloud, this historic trestle bridge, featured in the film Stand By Me, is now part of a scenic multi-use trail. It's a great spot to appreciate the area's rail history and natural beauty.
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Box Canyon Dam Area
Located in between Dunsmuir and Mount Shasta, the Box Canyon Dam area provides a unique vantage point to watch trains navigating the curves near the dam, set against the backdrop of the Trinity Mountains.
Locomotive 1727
Locomotive No. 1727: A Masterpiece of Steam and Steel
Steam locomotives are more than feats of engineering—they're moving works of art. Dunsmuir’s Locomotive No. 1727 stands as a proud reminder of this legacy. Thanks to the dedication of the Friends of Locomotive #1727, this historic engine has been beautifully restored to its former glory. See the 1727 at the entrance to the Dunsmuir City Park/Botanical Gardens.