This authentic and relaxed small town might be overlooked by some. But once you are in the know it's easy to uncover the hidden treasures in this magical town that is Siskiyou county's best kept secret.

Quiet hikes, lazy picnic's and fantastic food are yours for the taking in Dunsmuir

Three Day- Weekend

Day One -Friday

Hiking in Castle Crags
Drive to the Castle Crags, named for 6,000-feet tall glacier-polished crags. Exit 6 miles south of Dunsmuir on the I-5. The park offers swimming and fishing in the Sacramento River, hiking in the back country, and breathtaking views of Mount Shasta. There are 76 developed campsites and six environmental campsites. With 28 miles of hiking trails, including a 2.7 mile access trail to Castle Crags Wilderness the Pacific Crest Trail also passes through the park. Check out the Indian Springs trail for a amazing hike and stunning views of the Castle Crags.

Shopping Spree
Spend the afternoon discovering the quaint shops on Sacramento Ave. The Brown Trout Café and Gallery serves up coffee with a smile and has a unique gift shop with crafts and jewelry from local artisans. A visit to the Ruddle Cottage will leave you amazed at what beautiful and unique jewelry can be crafted from found and fused glass, and other recycled items. Don't miss the Window Box Nursery featuring darling miniature conifers in fancy pots, bonsai, heirloom roses, unusual perennials and handmade birdhouses. The Box Car is the place to go for antique aficionados. To learn about the Sacramento River visit the River Exchange and chat with the staff who are experts at how to be responsible and protect the environment while hiking and enjoying the surrounding nature. Make sure to stop by the Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Center for local events, maps to waterfalls and areas of interest.

Relax and Renew
Try the 6:00pm Deep Relaxation and Restorative Yoga at Divine Motion Yoga, the class is taught by candlelight with soothing music floating through the spacious studio. It's a wonderful way to recharge and relax and perfect for those who have never done yoga before. Of course if yoga is not your thing you can try an energy balancing session for deep relaxation and renewal. For a massage, check in with the folks at Divine Motion Yoga for a referral to the best masseuses in town.

Four Star Dinner
Café Maddalena has a warm ambiance and fresh Mediterranean cuisine. Their vibrant menu features dishes from France, Spain, Italy and North Africa including a grilled veal chop with porcini mushroom sauce and roasted hen with honey and almonds. New on the wine list is a flavorful tinto from Navarra, Spain and a Gigondas from France's Rhone Valley. A must try for any one a taste for the extraordinary. Reservations are a must.

If the night is still young and you a feeling like dancing and great music. Make your way up to Dunsmuir Ave to visit The Blue Sky Room. There are many well known musicians making their way up interstate 5 and most pay a visit to the Blue Sky Room. It's a great atmosphere with an eclectic bar menu and a fun local crowd.

Star Gazing
If something more intimate and romantic is up your cup of tea. Drive to the Mott Rd exit for a beautiful view of the night sky with out the city lights. You can pick up a map of the constellations at The Brown Trout.

Day 2 Saturday-

Early Breakfast
Wake up early to avoid the breakfast rush at the Cornerstone Café and Bakery. One taste of their buckwheat berry pancakes and you'll be glad you did. Chances are there is a fisherman in your group. And once he's caught a glimpse of the river fishing will be all that he thinks about. Most of the best fishing spots are closely guarded secrets, but fishing guides can be found at the fly fishing shops like Ted Fays, Dunsmuir Fly Fishing and list of local guides can be had at the Chamber of Commerce.

While He's out Fishing
While he's out fishing you can try a private yoga session at Divine Motion Yoga, get a sparkling pedicure at The Cutting Edge or stroll down Dunsmuir Ave to visit Pam's Place, an adorable bed and breakfast with a vintage clothing and collectables shop downstairs. Don't miss Dunsmuir Hardware which is practically a museum, showcasing vintage collectables and has anything you might have forgotten to bring with you from batteries to an extra pair of socks. Looking for a nice cruising vehicle to ride along the river-three wheeled bicycles are for rent at the Mediation Center. If your sweet tooth has gotten the best of you, the Candy Store across is a sweet surprise. And for any prescription that needs filling, the Country Dr. right next to the Cornerstone is the place. If you have kids in tow check out the Kids Factory on Pine Street for events and classes.

Station Agenting
For those of you that love the railroad, a visit to the historic and operating Union Pacific rail yard will not disappoint. You will see the only operating turntable in the western United States. You can check out every train that passes through on www.trainorders.com. Get a Rail Fan Photo Guide at the Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce, and you too can take pictures like a pro.

Exotic dining
Senthongs restaurant serves a Gourmet Vietnamese, Laotian and Thai cuisine. Specializing in the traditional food of northern Thailand. Home of The Blue Sky Jazz Room with music of all genres, poetry readings, dinner theater and open mic nights. Try the Jungle Salad it is absolutely scrumptious! Reservations are recommended as people drive from miles away for a taste of Senthongs.

Day 3 Sunday

Hedge Creek Falls
Grab an early morning cup of tea or coffee at the All Aboard Expresso going north on Dunsmuir Ave. Take Dunsmuir Ave all the way toward the freeway entrance to Hedge Creek Falls, it's a short hike to falls. Don't forget your camera. Take a drive back south up Dunsmuir Ave past Cave Springs Motel the oldest established business in Dunsmuir and the best place in town for unique vacation rentals and affordable lodging. Cave Springs is named for an ancient spring you can find here in a cave on the edge of the Sacramento River. Ask for a map at the motel.

Picnic Lunch to the Swimming Holes.

Soda Creek Hole: Go south on I-5 to Soda Creek exit. Drive down to bridge and park on right or left. Hole just upstream from bridge. Hole about 4 miles from Dunsmuir.

Conant Hole: 10 miles south of Dunsmuir take Conant exit. Go underneath freeway to east side, take first right on dirt road and park facing train tracks. Walk 100 yards downstream. Look for small trail leading to river.

The Wall: is in the center of Dunsmuir. From Brown Trout on Sacramento Street go south and turn left on Butterfly Ave. and go over bridge. Turn right and drive 1/2 mile; find parking on right near picnic table. From the picnic table walk down to the swimming hole.

Lap Pool- is located at the Municipal Pool Open from June 12th - August 25th Adult hour is from 5-6 pm

Stewart Mineral Springs
Buddha Belly Café
Fowler Falls
Goddess Gaia Shoppe
Shasta Mount Inn
Shasta Valley Balloons
McCloud Mercantile Building