McArthur-Burney Falls

Beloved Burney (Re-opened!)

Hike to the Base of Burney Falls at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

01.15.2025

One of most beautiful waterfalls in the country is located 50 miles east of Redding in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. The 129-foot Burney Falls is a spectacle sure to leave you misty cheeked and mystified. Gushing 100 million gallons of water daily over a beautiful basalt cliff face, the oasis is so spectacular that President Theodore Roosevelt called it one of the wonders of the world.

Even better, the trail to hike to the base of the falls recently re-opened. So, get up close to Burney on the Falls Loop Trail, an easygoing 1.2-mile hike that goes to the base of the waterfall where the whitewater churns and the surrounding area is lush (just watch your step—rocks can be slick!). If you go on a weekend, get there as early as you can … crowds do arrive to share in the awe.

Follow the trail down via a short and gentle switchback to the base, where the mist from the falls wets your face. Keep going a few minutes downstream and across the Rainbow Bridge, then back up on the west side of the falls. Burney baby, Burney!

MEET IN REDDING: Have your next group gathering or meeting in sunny Redding.

Discover lodging and deals plus venues, all ready to impress and ensure your group gathering or special event is ideal.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Barbary Coast Trail medallion hike in San Francisco

    Medallion Walk SF

    The Barbary Coast Trail is a 3.8-mile historical walk and treasure hunt through San Francisco. Be on the lookout for hubcap-sized bronze medallions placed on the city sidewalks with arrows pointing you in the right direction.

    View

  2. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

    View

  3. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

    View

  4. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Roaring Redwoods

    Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.

    View

  2. There's Always To Moro!

    Looking for a rock-solid itinerary in Sequoia National Park? Pair the park's most famous viewpoint with one that's often overlooked.

    View

  3. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

    View
  4. Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin

    Lookout for This View!

    Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!

    View