Mossbrae Falls, located in Northern California, has become a hotspot for adventure seekers who are willing to break the law—often risking their lives—to witness its stunning beauty. Fed by glacial melt from Mount Shasta, the falls cascade cold water through lava tubes over moss-covered cliffs, replenishing the Sacramento River below. Despite its breathtaking allure, reaching Mossbrae Falls legally is virtually impossible; there’s no established path, leaving visitors to navigate treacherous terrain. The allure of this natural wonder has led to comparisons with the iconic landscapes of Yosemite and Yellowstone, but the lack of a safe trail has sparked considerable concern regarding visitor safety.
According to a study reported by the Los Angeles Times, approximately 30,000 adventurers embark on the risky journey to view Mossbrae Falls each year. These individuals engage in illegal trespassing, often hiking over a mile along active train tracks beside the river to gain access to the waterfall’s scenic overlook. While thrill-seeking tourists are drawn to the area’s natural beauty, the journey is perilous. Since 2012, at least two individuals have tragically lost their lives after being struck by trains in the vicinity, and many others have reported close-call experiences.
Social media has played a significant role in elevating the popularity of Mossbrae Falls. Users are flooding platforms with captivating images and videos of their escapades at the falls, often showing children and pets accompanying them on the dangerous trek. As a result, the number of visitors has surged dramatically, significantly increasing the urgency for authorities to establish a safe and legal means of access to this natural treasure. The growing tourist traffic has prompted local officials to consider action, hoping to accommodate visitors while emphasizing their safety.
However, creating a legal route to Mossbrae Falls poses substantial challenges. The land encompassing the falls is owned by the Saint Germain Foundation, a religious organization part of the “I AM” movement. This group views both the waterfall and Mount Shasta as sacred sites and opposes public access, fearing that such visits could lead to desecration. Alongside this, Native American tribes have long regarded the waterfall as sacred, with beliefs centered on the water’s healing properties. This intertwining of cultural significance and claims to the land complicates the negotiations for a safe access route.
The opposite side of the river is under the jurisdiction of Union Pacific Railroad, which operates major freight and passenger train services along the tracks that adventurous visitors illegally traverse. With railroad safety being paramount, the situation becomes even more complex, as advocates work to find a balance between public interest and the safety obligations of the railway company. For decades, there have been calls for collaboration among stakeholders to create a legal path that not only preserves the sanctity of the land but also mitigates the risks tourists face in their attempts to reach the waterfall.
Despite the persistent efforts from officials and advocates, a viable solution for safe access to Mossbrae Falls remains elusive. As John Harch, president of the Mount Shasta Trail Association, emphasizes, the long-standing discussions surrounding this issue highlight the intersection of safety concerns and natural beauty. The quest for a trail to Mossbrae Falls transcends mere convenience; it represents a profound need to protect both visitors and the environmental and cultural heritage surrounding this cherished site. The ongoing dialogue calls for innovative solutions that respect the land’s sanctity while ensuring public safety.
