This California Town Near Mount Shasta Is Dubbed The 'Home Of The Best Water On Earth'

South of California's spiritual Mount Shasta and north of the underrated and fun town of Redding, a lesser-known small town hides between rocky ridges and dense forests. That town is Dunsmuir, a 1.6-square-mile slice of paradise, home to what some call the best water on Earth.

Tucked away in the Shasta Cascade region of California, Dunsmuir gives world-weary travelers the chance to unplug from day-to-day chaos and appreciate awe-inspiring natural wonders. Less than 6 miles from the heart of town, the majestic yet barely visited Castle Crags State Park invites visitors to explore granite peaks and forested trails. Within city limits, 35-foot Hedge Creek Falls lets hikers get up-close and personal with some of that world-renowned Dunsmuir water. Perhaps best of all, these soul-nourishing sights welcome people of all activity levels. Here, easy trails and accessible attractions like the Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens allow even those new to or intimidated by outdoor adventures the chance to witness stunning wilderness landscapes. And after a day full of excitement, sightseers can refuel and unwind at the Dunsmuir train hotel, aka Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge.

Don't miss out on these one-of-a-kind experiences. While located in an area of the United States that frequently faces wildfires, Dunsmuir actively plans for such risks and offers excellent emergency preparedness resources to keep locals and visitors safe. That said, those booking a trip here should consider visiting outside of peak fire season (June through November) and reviewing these need-to-know safety tips for vacationing in wildfire country. Luckily for penny-pinching travelers, this leaves the affordable months of March through May open for a visit — just be ready for minimum temperatures that dip below freezing, maximums up to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, and averages around 31-43 degrees.

So, how exactly did Dunsmuir get the reputation for having some of the world's best water? In this case, the story is simple. Thanks to a convenient location downstream from Mount Shasta, Dunsmuir enjoys water that begins as melted snow and gets purified by the region's volcanic rocks. This natural process produces spring water so clean that it requires no additional purification. Water from the local Castle Rock Bottling Company has even earned awards and first-place rankings for its excellent quality.

Peruse Dunsmuir's waterways for yourself by visiting its surrounding waterfalls, lakes, rivers. Start with an easy, short hike to Hedge Creek Falls, and stroll behind the cascade to see the show from inside a cave. Less than half an hour's drive from there, discover Faery Falls just past the watersports haven of Lake Siskiyou. A moderately challenging trail starts near the fork in Ney Springs Road and leads to Faery Falls, which itself features a forked stream. And lest you be tempted by online photos taken by people foolish enough to endanger themselves for a social media post, know that there is one Dunsmuir waterfall you really shouldn't visit. While popular and wildly picturesque, Mossbrae Falls resides on private land. Perhaps more importantly though, the only way to reach this waterfall (for now) involves following a life-threatening path along an active railroad track.

Thankfully, there are many other ways to continue drinking in Dunsmuir's waters. After a day hitting the trails, visit Dunsmuir Brewery Works for a beer brewed with help from the town's crisp springs. Once you've drunk your fill, a delicious dinner and refreshing night's rest await at Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge.

A stay on the train-themed grounds of Jubilee Rail Resort adds an unparalleled layer of whimsy and charm to any Dunsmuir trip. Dating back to 1968, this property sits in a gorgeous valley with show-stopping mountain views. Here, historic and retrofitted train cars serve as charming places for guests to settle in or enjoy a meal.

While the resort doesn't exclusively offer rooms in train cars, the caboose rooms are adorably atmospheric and worth staying in if you can get a reservation. Jubilee's other lodging options include cabins and campgrounds. Styled like old train dispatch hubs, the cabins come with a patio area and give large parties the space to spread out. Meanwhile, the campgrounds feature 20 tent campsites, 24 RV camping spots, and complimentary showers.

Even if you don't bunk at Jubilee, you can still eat at the resort's restaurant. Located inside an authentic 1800s luxury caboose, The Dining Car opens for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour. In the morning, savor the signature Rail Car Breakfast or blueberry waffles while watching the sun rise over a forested mountainside. For lunch or dinner, treat yourself to a Railcar Burger, fresh salads, or decadent entrees like a grass-fed ribeye from Starwalker Ranch (one of the region's certified organic farms). Pair these dishes with a glass of wine, house lemonade, or kombucha. Ciders and beers are also available, as are cocktails that put fresh, flavorful spins on classics like the old fashioned. A selection of mocktails means alcohol-free travelers can join in on the fun, too. Just make sure to reserve your seating here, as this popular spot can get packed.