Dunsmuir's Hidden Treasure

At the northern end of Dunsmuir lies a hidden treasure. This gem’s been around for 2 or 3 years. But travel along Highway 5 and you’ll never know it’s there.

Underneath a towering ribbon of highway sits Tauhindauli Park (pronounced taa-ow-in-doll-ee), a mixture of riparian forests of white alder, willow & black cottonwood, a restored footbridge and trail, picnic tables and prime fishing areas on the Sacramento River.

The story of Tauhindauli Park is interwoven with the early days of Siskiyou County.

The original property was inhabited by the Wintu and Okwanuchu tribes, who settled throughout Siskiyou county and Southern Oregon. In 1852, two brothers - Harry and Samuel Lockhart - bought the land. Mule train riders and prospectors traveling from Yreka to the town of Shasta were overnite guests at the Lockharts inn.

Sold to Ross and Mary Campbell McCloud in the 1850’s, in the 1880’s they built a resort. With the growing popularity of the California-Oregon Stagecoach Road, the Upper Soda Springs Resort drew wealthy travelers who came to “take the waters.” A suspension footbridge, built in 1886, used to cross the river from the railroad tracks, allowing visitors to walk up to the resort. Stately magnolia and fruit trees still stand testament to the natural beauty of those glory days.

There's more to come on this beautiful park, how it got it’s name and how it came to be the special place it is today.