Weekend at Burney's

See Burney Falls in McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park

Burney Falls

Get ready for misty cheeks, and to be mystified! The 129-foot Burney Falls in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park gushes 100 million gallons of water every day over a basalt cliff face from Burney Creek. It’s so impressive President Theodore Roosevelt called it one of the wonders of the world. Get up close to Burney on the Falls Loop Trail, an easy 1.2-mile hike taking you down to the waterfall’s base, where whitewater kicks up, keeping the surrounding area lush (and the rocks a bit slick!).

If visiting on a weekend, go as early as you can to avoid crowds. The hike wastes no time getting to its marquee attraction: You’re immediately privy to beautiful views of Burney.

Follow the gentle switchback down to the base of the falls where mist wets your cheeks. Keep going a few minutes downstream and cross over the Rainbow Bridge, then back up on the west side of the falls. Oh yeah, feel the Burney.

Burney Falls

From Redding, drive 50 miles east on Hwy. 299 to the town of Burney. Continue another 5 miles east to Hwy. 89 and turn left (north). Drive 5.5 miles to the park entrance. Park in the main lot by the visitor center and follow the Falls Loop Trail. Burney Falls is in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey

    Pinnacles of Spring

    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

    View
  2. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  3. Talk of the Town

    We're spilling the tea on this bountiful 5.5-mile loop to Gossip Rock in Hayward’s Garin Regional Park (currently whispering all the right springtime notes).

    View
  4. woman hiking the Mendocino Headlands State Park

    Heads Up, Headlands!

    There’s one thing that’s pretty much mandatory when you visit Mendocino and that’s a hike along the famous bluffs. The trail system at Mendocino Headlands State Park is vast, surrounding the village and meandering for miles, with sweeping sea panoramas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Spring Up to These Amazing Events

    Shake it up, shake it all the way up to this sunniest city in the state for the most unique and fun-fueled events. Redding is true Northern California, surrounded by famous mountains, nearby national parks and recreation areas, and the sparkling Sacramento River.

    View
  3. Hikers by the reservoir at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks

    Triumphant in Triunfo

    Go on a hike with a peaceful reservoir, charming meadows, and beautiful spring blooms at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks.

    View
  4. Hiker on a trail at George F Canyon Preserve in Ranchos Palos Verdes

    Secret Blooms

    See wildflowers on the Palos Verdes Peninsula via a 2-mile hike through the hidden 51-acre oasis of George F. Canyon Preserve, and a 1.25-mile hike in neighboring Linden H. Chandler Preserve. 

    View