The McCloud Railway started life in 1897 as a logging line, hauling timber out of the Cascade forests to the main Southern Pacific lines down at Mount Shasta City. At its peak it ran more than a hundred miles of track. The freight operation finally ended in 2006, but a section of the line near town has been preserved as a heritage railway.
When operating, the Shasta Sunset Dinner Train runs short excursions through the forest with multi-course meals served in restored 1916 Pullman cars. Check ahead — service has been intermittent in recent years — but when it runs it is the most pleasant way to see this stretch of country. The old depot at the edge of town is worth a look in any case.