Sacramento River Headwaters, Mt. Shasta City Park, CA

## Overview The Sacramento River Headwaters at Mt. Shasta City Park is one of Northern California's most celebrated natural springs — the very birthplace of the Sacramento River, California's longest river. Here, crystal-clear water gushes directly from a rock wall and natural soil at the base of majestic Mount Shasta (14,179 ft), emerging in a powerful, unpiped rush that has drawn visitors from hundreds of miles away for generations. The spring water is famously cold and sweet, fed by snowmelt filtering through the volcanic geology of Mount Shasta. Visitors have long reported that the water tastes exceptionally clean and refreshing, and it has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and travelers alike. The flow is strong and consistent, pouring forth without the need for any pipes or pumps — a true gravity-fed gift from the mountain. Once the water emerges, it immediately forms a beautiful, babbling spring creek that winds through the lush, well-maintained grounds of Mt. Shasta City Park. The park setting is serene and inviting, with towering conifers, mossy rocks, and footbridges crossing the young Sacramento River. For those with an eye for whimsy, local lore holds that you can spot "fairy trails" along the spring by crossing a lower bridge downstream — a nod to Mount Shasta's deep tradition of mystical and spiritual significance. The spring area is clean, publicly accessible, and well maintained by the city. It remains one of the most popular and iconic natural water sources in all of California. ## Directions 1. Head to **Mt. Shasta City Park**, located off **N. Mount Shasta Blvd** in the town of Mount Shasta, CA. 2. Turn onto **Nixon Road** at the corner of N. Mount Shasta Blvd and Nixon Road — this is across the street from (opposite) **Spring Hill Nursery**. 3. Follow Nixon Road into the park. The nearest address is **1215 Nixon Rd, Mount Shasta, CA 96067**. 4. The spring headwaters are located within the park grounds and are well-signed. Follow the paths toward the sound of rushing water — you can't miss the powerful flow emerging from the rock wall. **GPS Coordinates:** 41.328407, -122.325722 ## What to Expect Upon arrival, you'll find a vigorous flow of ice-cold water surging directly out of a natural rock wall — no pipes, no pumps, just raw mountain water. The volume is impressive and the sound of the rushing spring adds to the atmosphere. The water has been reported to taste remarkably clean and sweet, and many visitors bring jugs to fill. The park itself is a beautiful, shaded green space with walking paths, footbridges, and picnic areas. The spring creek that forms from the headwaters meanders through the park, creating a picturesque scene especially in spring and summer. Cross the lower bridge downstream from the spring to explore the creek banks and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The park operates during standard city park hours, so plan to visit during daylight. The spring area is wheelchair-accessible along the main paths. Parking is available within the park off Nixon Road. This is a popular stop for both locals and road-trippers along the I-5 corridor through Northern California, so weekends can see more visitors. Bring containers if you'd like to collect water, and take a moment to appreciate that you're standing at the very source of the Sacramento River — a waterway that flows over 400 miles south to the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta.