Burney Falls is a GORGEOUS waterfall in northern California. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen. I honestly think it is the most beautiful waterfall in America. If you are in the area, this is definitely worth the stop. (and yes, the water is really this blue!)
About Burney Falls
Burney Falls is located in Northern California, a little over an hour Northeast of Redding, CA. This area was established as a park in the 1920’s. President Teddy Roosevelt called Burney Falls “the 8th wonder of the world.” This waterfall is 114 ft tall and has a daily flow of over 100 million gallons. Water also flows down from springs in the rock walls, giving the appearance that water is coming from every direction. The water is a bright blue and almost appears tropical. It is an incredible waterfall that is worth a stop.
How to Get to Burney Falls
Driving by car is the only way to access Burney Falls. We rented a car from San Francisco International Airport for our trip. Burney Falls is a little over an hour from Redding, 4.5 hours from San Francisco, CA, and 7 hours from Portland, OR. To enter the park, you must pay a park entry fee. The entry fee as of summer 2021 is $10 per car. Be sure to get there early if possible because the parking lots are not very big.
Where to Stay Near Burney Falls
In the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, there is a campground with around 60 available spots. As of summer 2021, it is $35 per night to camp. There are also camping cabins available for rental in the park. Please see the California State Parks website to reserve.
How to See Burney Falls
Burney Falls Overlook
From the main parking lot, there is an overlook of the falls. From here you can see most of the falls, but not the pool at the bottom. There are also some informational plaques about the falls and the area. This area requires no stairs and is accessible.
Trail to the Bottom of Burney Falls
If you are able, there is a gravel trail that goes to the bottom of the falls where you can see the full extent of the falls and the bright blue water. We recommend taking this trail if you are able. I loved seeing the waterfall from all different views while walking down the trail. When you get to the bottom, you can climb on rocks to reach the water. There are many great rocks for sitting and enjoying the beautiful view, water mist from the falls, and the bright blue water. It is very relaxing here and truly allows you to see how big and magnificent the falls truly are.
Falls Loop Trail
If you continue on the only trail from the bottom of Burney Falls, you will go onto the Falls Loop Trail. The Falls Loop Trail takes you down, around and to the other side of Burney Falls. On this trail you will walk over several bridges and get to see more of the area surrounding Burney Falls. This trail is 1 mile and rated as easy.
Other things to do at the McArthur-Burney State Park
Lake Britton
If you continue on the main road through the park, you will end up at Lake Britton. This large lake has a beach, a boat launch, and a picnic area. Several families of bald eagles live here, which you may be lucky enough to see.
Hiking Trails
There are several trails in the park in addition to the trails around the falls. There is the 2.4 mile Pioneer Cemetery trail and the 2.5 mile Burney Creek trail to Rim trail . Part of the Pacific Crest Trail also goes through the McArthur-Burney State Park.
Other Notes
Burney Falls is nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park. This would be a great place to visit during a trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park. To access Burney Falls from Lassen Volcanic National Park, leave the park from Manzanita Lake entrance and turn right onto Route 44. Follow Route 44 North for 43 miles until you reach McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park on your left.
Have you been to Burney Falls? Anything else in the area that you think is worth seeing? Let us know in the comments below!
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