Northern California, often less visited than other popular areas of the state, boasts remote and pristine areas where authentic gems await to enhance your road trip itinerary. Today, we will talk about Burney Falls, the spectacular waterfalls located in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park.
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What is the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, whose land was donated to the public domain by the pioneering McArthur family in the 1920s, is located in the northernmost corner of California. In this remote and sparsely populated area, you can choose to relax by the tranquil mountain lakes that alternate with vast forests of conifers and flourishing valleys. Throughout the area, rivers and streams flow abundantly and untamed.
The pristine mountain range of the Cascades creates numerous breathtaking waterfalls due to its many elevation changes. The main attraction of the park is the Burney Falls, named after the nearest community. The park is open from dawn to dusk, and the entrance fee is $10 per vehicle. During the summer season, especially from June to late August, the park can be crowded with many tourists. It is advisable to spend the night nearby and plan your visit in the early morning hours to avoid the crowds.
Location and Directions
The park is located near the intersection of Hwy 89 and Hwy 299, just 10 miles from the small town of Burney (CA). The site is approximately 50 miles northeast of Redding, and the same distance southeast of McCloud, (where the McCloud Falls are located). The northern entrance of Lassen Volcanic National Park is 40 miles to the south. If you’re coming from the north or south, you can reach this beautiful park by taking the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
The best advice for visiting the area where McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is located is to embark on the spectacular Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. This scenic road, spanning approximately 500 miles, offers the opportunity to fully enjoy the wild beauty that this part of America has to offer. The entire route stretches from Crater Lake National Park in Oregon to Lassen Volcanic National Park in California.
Along this journey, you will encounter picturesque meadows where herds of mighty cattle graze, lakes with deep blue hues, magma-carved caves, and rushing rivers abundant with water. In the background, some of the highest peaks on the continent serve as a backdrop, such as the solitary Mount McLoughlin, the captivating Mount Shasta, and the rugged Lassen Peak.
Things to Do
Burney Falls
Burney Falls represents the main highlight of the eponymous State Park. These falls were famously referred to by Theodore Roosevelt, perhaps exaggerating a bit, as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” While respecting the other seven monumental attractions and the opinion expressed by the eighth President of the United States, it can honestly be said that the authenticity and charm of the place as a whole reveal themselves as an extraordinary and unexpected surprise.
The main waterfall is approximately 129 feet high and nearly twice as wide. It has a significant water flow that continuously gushes year-round, with the peak during the summer months when the snow melts. Observing the wall of the waterfall adorned with vibrant moss and ferns, one can easily notice that the water doesn’t just flow from the upper drop, but emerges from numerous cavities formed in the rock. At the base, a pool collects crystal-clear water with a temperature hovering around 41° F.
During the early hours of the day, when there is sufficient light, one can observe small rainbows forming near the water sprays. The falls are visible from a convenient overlook not far from the main parking area, but for those who want to fully experience the grandeur of this natural attraction, an easy and relatively effortless walk to the base can be undertaken.
Other Trails within the Park
The main trail within the park is a loop called the Burney Falls Loop Trail, which is approximately 1.5 miles long (elevation gain of about 164 feet). It’s a pleasant walk that starts from the Visitor Center and descends to the base of the waterfall, offering the best panoramic views of the falls. The trail then continues along Burney Creek until reaching the Rainbow Bridge, a small wooden bridge that connects the two banks of the refreshing stream and serves as an intermediate point on the trail. Along the trail, you can’t help but notice extensive stretches of black basalt rocks, clear evidence of past volcanic eruptions.
By crossing the pedestrian bridge, you can embark on the second part of the journey and return to the starting point. Continuing along the trail, following the course of the creek, you will enter the Burney Creek Trail (approximately 2.8 miles, elevation gain of about 308 feet), which leads to the south shore of Lake Britton. Within the State Park, there is also a small portion of the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail), the legendary trail that cuts across the Western United States from the Mexican border in the south to the Canadian border in the north.
Lake Britton
Many vacationers flock to the shores of this artificial lake, formed by the Pit River, primarily in search of relaxation and peace. Many of them are fishermen who take advantage of the abundance of trout, catfish, and freshwater bass. Others, on the other hand, are water sports enthusiasts who enjoy the calm blue waters for boating, canoeing, kayaking, or simply taking a refreshing swim. The water level of this lake, which has numerous tributaries, is regulated by a dam in the eastern area of the basin.
On the opposite side of the dam, you’ll find a disused bridge from the Great Shasta Rail Trail, a decommissioned railway route that has been transformed into a wonderful trail spanning approximately 80 miles, connecting McCloud to Burney. This bridge is particularly famous among cinema lovers as it was featured in the legendary movie “Stand by Me” (1986) directed by Rob Reiner. The four teenage protagonists of the film, in search of their missing peer, must decide whether to take a shortcut across the suspended railway bridge over the Pit River or choose a longer but less risky route. Of course, the group of friends decides to save time but is compelled to accelerate their pace due to the unexpected arrival of a train. Read our article “Stand by Me filming locations“.
Places to Eat in Burney
Burney town offers many dining options. “Regions Burgers” (37063 Main Street) serves delicious meat-based dishes such as pulled pork or brisket sandwiches, BBQ ribs, and classic hamburgers with a variety of toppings. For those who like Asian food, there is the restaurant “Dragon Palace” (37345 Main Street), while those who want to combine their meal with a game of bowling can enjoy a quick sandwich or hot dog at “Burney Bowl” (37424 Main Street), which is open until late in the evening.
Places to Stay in Burney
For camping enthusiasts, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park offers several campgrounds that provide both tent sites and cabins. For more comfortable options, Burney offers some alternatives for overnight stays. “Green Gables Motel & Suites” and “Charm Motel & Suites” are well-rated motels at a reasonable cost, perfect for those passing through the area.
