Remove Ads
4.5
19 votes

Burney Falls

24896 California 89, Burney, California 96013 USA

1
Video
  • Independent
Add to Trip
Remove Ads

“is this the 8th wonder of the world?”

McArthur-Burney Falls isn't the highest or the biggest waterfall in the great state of California, but it's special... I mean, Teddy Roosevelt was big into preserving cool nature stuff, declaring 5 National Parks, 18 National Monuments, and 51 federal bird sanctuaries, among other lands he set aside, and he thought it should be the 8th wonder of the world!  The park gets its name from Samuel Burney and the McArthur family, pioneers who settled the area in the mid- to late-19th century. Descendents of these pioneers bought and donated the land to the state government in the 1920's to save it from development, making it the second oldest state park in California (Big Basin Redwoods State Park is the oldest). It's not hard to see why everyone thought it was worth protecting... just make like Teddy and head to Burney Falls, right at the park's entrance. The serene waterfall's rain-like flow is a unique feature-- and that's because it's spring-fed. At the top of the falls is Burney Creek, which is fed by natural underground springs above, below, and all around Burney Falls. The springs come from snowmelt and rainwater retained in the porous volcanic basalt rock... so the water is fresh and clean and perfect for wading in. In fact, you can walk along the falls from the top-- but be careful! The view over the top is a little obstructed, so people often wander right up to the very edge, unaware that they're so close. If you're at the visitor's center, you can get a gerat view of people right at the top of the waterfall. If you're wondering why people would ever want to get that close to the top of the falls, it's probably because they're fishing... there are tons of trout and bass to be had in the creek! The park also has tons of awesome hikes, which offer more views of the falls, footbridges criss-crossing creeks and lush ravines, peaceful forests, and tons more... and it's along the Pacific Crest Trail. You'd think that if you were hiking up the West Coast, you'd grow tired of the natural beauty you're constantly coming across, but seriously, Burney Falls are something else. Plus, the park edges up against Lake Britton (if you're a fan of the movie Stand By Me, you can see the railroad bridge from the infamous scene here) which is awesome for boating and other watersport activities... if you don't wind up totally hypnotized by the beauty of Burney Falls, that is! - Roadtrippers

Read More >
Add Review
Thanks!
Your Rating
1
2
3
4
5
  • Road Warrior
  • 78 Reviews
  • 183 Helpful
May 13, 2014
Rated

A very short, paved, 1/4 mile trail to reach the base of the falls. You just don't see very many waterfalls like this in the world. If you are in the area, make the detour. We didn't camp here, but it looks like the camp sites are well maintained and plentiful.

4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Greek_nomad

  • Road Warrior
  • 401 Reviews
  • 296 Helpful
August 24, 2014
Rated 5.0

If ever your road takes to Burney, California and you are looking for a great RV place to camp for a couple of days then you should definitely consider to stay at a campsite, there are quite a few, nearby the spectacular McArthur-Burney Falls.

From the time you will arrive there you will understand straightaway why President Roosevelt called them 'the Eighth Wonder of the World'. This waterfall may not be the largest or tallest found in the state of California, but my belief is that is the most beautiful and everyday i stare at the many photos we took there i recall some really great moments.

The campsite we stayed at is very nice and the area in general is perfect for hiking, camping and fishing. The trails around McArthur Falls are well designed and easy to follow. We had mountain bikes packed on the back of our RV and we had some really nice mountain-bike excursions to the surrounding areas especially Lake Britton, Overall, a great place for camping!!!

1 person found this review helpful
  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
August 12, 2014
Rated

Was quite a detour for us, but we liked the falls very much... Absolutely worth it... Pictures uploaded...

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
katrinamichele

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
March 11, 2014
Rated

I love burney falls! Awesome spot for family camping.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Cica

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
June 29, 2021
Rated 5.0

It was so worth going there. We first parked all the way to the end of the park to enjoy the lake and then hiked 1:30 to the waterfall. Such a great walk, very easy!

Was this helpful?

Reviewed by
HealonFamily

  • 95 Reviews
  • 14 Helpful
August 20, 2020
Rated 5.0

Absolutely amazing! Do the loop trail! It's not hard. I'm not fit, and I only had a little struggle. Lots of benches to stop. Just walk along the river, then back up. You have to go back up either way. I would way the loop trail way is less steep. Saw lots of wildlife. Chipmunks. Birds. Butterflies. The temperature dropped quite a bit at the bottom. Trail is steep and there are some stairs. Not handicap accessible.

Was this helpful?

Reviewed by
marcmcdonald

  • 3 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
September 24, 2018
Rated 4.0

Pretty cool falls. “Day pass” to basically drive in and see the falls is $10. A bit steep, but the park is well maintained and has nice amenities.

Was this helpful?

Reviewed by
tomhofmeister

  • 5 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
July 15, 2018
Rated 5.0

The water is to cold to swim but it is absolutely gorgeous.

Was this helpful?

Reviewed by
Guru

  • 3 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
December 13, 2016
Rated 5.0

Treat for your eyes

Was this helpful?
  • 3 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
May 12, 2016
Rated 5.0

Our first stop we found on Roadtrippers and it is a gem! Incredibly beautiful waterfall, easy access and near Lassen NP. If you're here it is a must stop!

Was this helpful?

Be the first to add a review to the Burney Falls.

Burney Falls

24896 California 89
Burney, California
96013 USA
Remove Ads

Hours

Hours not available

Problem with this listing? Let us know.

Has RV parking changed? Let us know.

Remove Ads
  • Unavailable
    Parking
  • Unknown
    Pets Allowed
  • Unknown
    Restrooms
  • Unknown
    Wifi
  • Unknown
    Wheelchair Accessible
  • Unknown
    Credit Cards Accepted
See More Details (1)
Remove Ads

Nearby Hotels

Fall River Mills, California
FastBook
$$

Click to discover a
great deal!

Burney, California
California
FastBook

Click to discover a
great deal!

Burney, California
Fall River Mills, California
FastBook

Click to discover a
great deal!

Remove Ads

Related Trip Guides

Remove Ads
59090