Castle Rock

In the late 1880s, the expansion of the Central Pacific Railroad ushered in an influx of lumber workers, mountaineers, and gold seekers drawn to the region’s rugged beauty and economic promise. According to local folklore, Canadian baron Alexander Dunsmuir was so captivated by the area's striking natural scenery upon arriving at the railway stop that he pledged to support the settlers—on the condition that the town bear his name. Thus, in 1886, the town of Dunsmuir was officially established, quickly gaining a reputation for its breathtaking mountain vistas and the rejuvenating qualities of its pristine glacial waters.

One of the town’s most cherished landmarks, a public fountain, soon became a gathering place for both residents and visitors, offering respite on warm summer days and access to what was famously promoted as “The Best Water on Earth.” The renowned spring water left a lasting impression on many, including Mabel Gardiner Hubbard, the wife of Alexander Graham Bell, who sampled it during a stop in Dunsmuir. Recognizing its exceptional purity, the Mt. Shasta Mineral Spring Company—now known as Castle Rock Water Company—was established in 1889 to bottle and distribute the water sourced from the mountain’s lava tubes and underground streams. Specially designed railroad cars transported the coveted water to bottling facilities in Sacramento and San Francisco, where it was eagerly sought after by prestigious establishments such as the Ritz-Carlton, Biltmore, and Waldorf-Astoria. Today, Castle Rock Water continues this legacy, consistently earning accolades for its exceptional taste in international competitions.

Sourced from the pristine springs of Mount Shasta’s glacier, Castle Rock Water Company provides naturally filtered spring water that has traveled through miles of layered granite, mineral-rich rock, and volcanic lava tubes before emerging in the mountain’s streams. This slow percolation process enhances the water’s purity and unique mineral composition, reflecting the natural geology of the region.

Once it reaches the surface, the water is collected using a gravity-fed system and bottled in environmentally conscious glass containers. Preserving its natural integrity from source to bottle, the process ensures a high standard of quality while maintaining ecological responsibility. Castle Rock Water remains a reflection of the region’s unspoiled landscape and the longstanding tradition of mountain spring water appreciation.

Awards

Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting 2024 | Silver Medal Winner