Today we’re heading out to see one of California’s many amazing waterfalls. While it’s not the tallest or the largest waterfall in the state, President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed this waterfall the “eighth wonder of the world” when he visited. Now let’s head out and explore Burney Falls for ourselves!

The Falls

Named for pioneer and early settler Samuel Burney who lived here in the 1850s, the falls are fed from an underground spring at a rate of over 100 million gallons everyday! The path to the falls is relatively easy at just over a 1/3 of a mile down with a 160 ft elevation change, and you start to see the falls right from the beginning of the trail. These falls rush down 129 feet and it’s the width (over 279 ft) that really overwhelms. The water that roars into the basin creates a fairytale mist, which you can feel at full force…even from the shoreline during California’s dry Summers. Before you fancy a dip in the water that fills the pool below the falls, you should know the water is quite cold year-round, and rarely rises above 42 degrees even in the heat of Summer. Since these falls are fed from underground springs, the water is crystal clear and clean with vivd blue hues.

Location & Trails

Burney Falls is located inside McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park between Mount Shasta and Lassen Peak on the edge of the Cascade Range. The park offers more than 100 family campsites as well as one and two bedroom cabins. Burney Creek and Lake Britton are popular spots for trout fishing. Over five miles of hiking trails pass through the evergreen forest, including Burney Creek Trail, Pioneer Cemetery Trail, as well as the Pacific Crest Trail, which passes through the park. If you take the full Falls Trail Loop from the parking area, you’ll cross over two beautiful bridges in under one mile.

Know before you go

• $10 parking fee day use per vehicle

• On weekends the park will often fill to capacity in the morning and the entrance will close.

• If you park along highway 89 outside the park, your vehicle may be subject to citation and tow.

• The short trail down to the falls is steep, and the rocks by the water’s edge are wet and slippery, so plan your footwear accordingly.

• There are multiple informative plaques along the path to the falls, as well as multiple spot to rest and enjoy the view.

• Dogs are not permitted on trails or the swim beach. They must also be kept on leash at all times in the camping area.

• Horses are only allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail.

• Please be considerate of the Leave no Trace Principles to help keep this place wild and beautiful.

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

This epic waterfall was declared a National Landmark in Dec 1954 and I hope you enjoyed exploring it with me today. Make sure to check out this week’s Behind the Blog video below for the sights and the sounds of these raging falls. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.

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