Memorial Day Weekend in Dunsmuir CA: Where to Eat and What to Do
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer in Northern California. For people heading to Dunsmuir, that means the Sacramento River is perfect for fishing, the trails are open and dry, and the town is coming alive with energy after a long winter. It also means one question comes up repeatedly: where are we eating?
The answer, for most people who know Dunsmuir at all, is Yaks on the 5. Here is what you need to know about spending Memorial Day weekend here, and why this little mountain town deserves more attention than it gets.
Why Dunsmuir for Memorial Day?
Dunsmuir sits in the upper Sacramento River canyon at about 2,300 feet elevation. That makes it cooler than the Central Valley in late May, greener than most of Southern California, and far less crowded than the California coast during holiday weekends.
The Sacramento River here is world-class. Fly fishing on this stretch is renowned, and Memorial Day weekend is prime time. The water is dropping from spring runoff levels but still moving well. The Canyon Trail follows the river for miles in both directions, accessible for hikers of all fitness levels.
For people driving the I-5 corridor, Dunsmuir is a legitimate destination, not just a rest stop. Memorial Day is a great time to find out why.
Eating Well on a Holiday Weekend: Yaks on the 5
Holiday weekends in small towns can be unpredictable when it comes to dining. Yaks on the 5 is consistent. The menu runs through serious food: burgers, local favorites, and the kind of satisfying meal you want after a day outdoors.
The restaurant is at 4917 Dunsmuir Ave, right in the heart of downtown. It is walkable from most of the town’s lodging options, and the atmosphere is relaxed enough that you are not racing to turn over a table. On a holiday weekend, that matters.
For road trippers, Yaks represents one of those rare I-5 stops that actually justifies an exit. You pull off planning to eat quickly and end up staying longer because the food is good and the town has something to it.
What to Do in Dunsmuir Over Memorial Day Weekend
Fly Fishing the Sacramento River
The upper Sacramento River below Lake Siskiyou is one of the best wild trout fisheries in California. The river runs through town and is accessible at multiple spots along Canyon Road. Late May is a transition period between spring runoff and summer low water, which often produces excellent fishing conditions. Guides operate locally if you want a professional on the water.
Hedge Creek Falls
This short hike from a pullout on the frontage road leads to a beautiful waterfall that runs behind a natural rock cave. The trail is under a mile and accessible for most fitness levels. In late spring, the falls are typically running well from lingering snowmelt higher up the mountain.
Castle Crags State Park
About five miles south on the I-5 is Castle Crags, a state park built around dramatic exposed granite peaks that rise thousands of feet above the river canyon. The trail to the crags involves serious elevation gain, but the views are extraordinary. Lower trails along the river are gentler and still rewarding.
The Dunsmuir City Park and Hatchery
A more relaxed option, especially for families with younger kids. The park has picnic areas, a pond stocked for fishing, and a trout hatchery you can walk through. It is a good afternoon activity if the bigger hikes are not on the agenda.
Mount Shasta City (Day Trip)
About 12 miles north on the I-5, Mount Shasta city offers more dining options, shops, and access to Mount Shasta itself. If you are making a long weekend of it, the two towns complement each other well. Come back to Dunsmuir for dinner at Yaks.
Where to Stay
Dunsmuir has a handful of lodging options along the main street, a few vacation rentals, and campgrounds in the surrounding area. The Dunsmuir Lodge and Railroad Park Resort are among the more well-known options. If you are planning to be here for Memorial Day weekend specifically, booking early is smart. The town is small and good rooms fill up.
Getting Here
Dunsmuir is on the I-5 between Redding and the Oregon border. Take the Central Dunsmuir exit and follow Dunsmuir Ave into town. Yaks on the 5 is right along the main strip at 4917 Dunsmuir Ave.
For current hours and to check the menu, visit the Yaks on the 5 homepage before you arrive. We are a small restaurant in a small town, and hours can shift around holidays.
Make Dunsmuir Your Memorial Day Plan
If you are looking for a Memorial Day weekend that is not crowded beaches and traffic jams, Dunsmuir is worth serious consideration. It is a town that rewards the people who actually find it, with a river worth fishing, scenery worth seeing, and a restaurant worth sitting down in.
Yaks on the 5 will be here. Come hungry.
4917 Dunsmuir Ave, Dunsmuir CA 96025 | (530) 678-3517
