Dunsmuir to Quincy: Scenic Drive Guide

This route follows the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, tracing the Cascade Range's southern edge. The drive connects two historic railroad towns, Dunsmuir (elevation 2,300 ft) and Quincy (3,400 ft), crossing a dramatic transition from forested canyons to high desert plateaus.

Notably, the upper Sacramento River, which begins near Mount Shasta, flows alongside the first 20 miles of the drive, providing a consistent auditory companion of rushing water.

The geology is dominated by volcanic basalt and granite, with visible lava cliffs near the McCloud River bridge. The route passes through the Plumas National Forest, where ponderosa pine and incense cedar forests cover the slopes. In spring, wildflowers dot the meadows, but by late summer the vegetation turns golden.

There are no UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this route, but nearby Lava Beds National Monument (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) is a 1.5-hour detour from Dunsmuir. If time allows, the historic McCloud Hotel (built 1905) offers a look at early 20th-century hospitality.

Local commerce is sparse: small general stores in McCloud and Cromberg sell snacks and basic supplies. The town of Quincy, with a population of ~1,800, has a weekly farmers market (Sundays) featuring local produce and crafts.

For a meal, the Dunsmuir Brewery Works serves pub fare with local ingredients, while in Quincy, the Moon's Restaurant has been a family-run diner since 1952. Neither is fancy, but both are reliable.

The recommended path is CA-89 south from Dunsmuir to CA-70 east. At SR-89, you'll pass through the town of McCloud and then climb toward the high plateau. After about 45 miles, turn onto CA-70 at the junction near the small community of Cromberg. Expect narrow two-lane roads with limited shoulders and occasional rockfall areas, especially after winter storms.

Fuel is scarce: plan to fill up in Dunsmuir or McCloud. The only gas station along the route is at the junction of CA-89 and CA-70 (at the Feather River Inn), with limited hours. The final stretch into Quincy has two stations near the town limits.

• Cell service: sporadic; dead zones between McCloud and Quincy.
• Road conditions: call 1-800-427-7623 for Caltrans updates.
• No tolls on this route.

Winter driving demands chains; snow can persist into May. In summer, watch for deer and occasional black bears crossing the road, especially at dawn and dusk. There are no guardrails on many cliff sections, so drive defensively.

For families, a picnic stop at the McCloud River Falls (a 3-mile round-trip hike) is a highlight. The falls are a series of three cascades, with the middle fall dropping 50 feet. For a shorter leg-stretch, the viewpoint at the Iron Canyon Reservoir offers a paved path and restrooms.

Pets are welcome on most trails but must be leashed. In summer, temperatures range from 70°F to 90°F, but evenings cool to 40°F—pack layers. For fatigue management, plan to stop every 1.5 hours; besides the falls, the Sierra Almond Orchard (a historic barn) provides a unique photo stop.

Hidden off-route: the ghost town of Whiskeytown is a 30-mile detour west on CA-299, but if you prefer staying on the route, the Indian Valley Historical Museum in Greenville (mile 90) is a local favorite.