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. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  2. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  3. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View
  4. Hike at Olompali State Historic Park in Marin

    Historically Serene

    Olompali State Historic Park is a small park that packs big California history. Go on a mostly easy 3-mile loop hike where oak trees, big-leaf maples, and madrones are stunning in autumn.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Montebello Mission

    Adorable animal feeding, peaceful bird watching, and delicious beer drinking? Hello, Montebello! This northeastern city has fantastic views of the hulking San Gabriels and a variety of green spaces, not to mention great spots for beer(s)!

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation area.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View