McArthur Burney Falls State Park
McArthur Burney Falls State Park Photos
You might also consider
More like McArthur Burney Falls State Park
Recommended Reviews - McArthur Burney Falls State Park
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
This is my second trip to McArthur Burney Falls. Easy access and available parking today, 09.17.25 due to it being the end of season/fall. $10 entrance fee, accept cash or credit cards. I actually received a $1 back as in a senior. I dislike that dog access is limited to parking lot, and observation area. Not allowed on stairs leading down to base of falls, on trails, posted properly. I understand people don't clean up after their pets plus you never know how dogs will interact. Their park, their rules. I love the rule that doesn't allow you to leave your dog(s) in the car, kudos. I think these dog rules apply to all California State Parks. Beautiful falls, great fall weather, friendly rangers.
This review is specifically for Rim Campground, which is one of two campgrounds within McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park (the other is Pioneer). Rim Campground offers about 62 sites which can accommodate tents, vans, trailers, and RVs. The rules are exceptionally lax. Camping or sleeping in your vehicle is allowed as long as you pay your fees ($35/night, half off with qualifying passes). Since the Campground just reopened and it's still off season, sites were available on a first come first serve basis. Even though the day use area was extremely packed, I was easily able to find a camping space. (I came in early to mid April). Several handicap spots were available. I noticed that these were the only ones with metal bear boxes. All the other sites just had wooden cupboards. All of the sites had picnic tables and fire rings. They all seemed to be about the same size, which was decent and better spaced out than average. I chose site 50 practically at random, but ended up staying there 2 nights. My site had a few trees for shade. The hammock options weren't great. There were a lot of cool lava rocks, though. The bathrooms were clean enough. Showers were available for what worked out to 25 cents per minute. The ranger kiosk and visitor center were sadly both closed. The general store was open but was incredibly expensive-- even more so than Yosemite. My site was literally only about a half mile walk from Burney Falls, which was incredible. At night, when all the tourists were gone and everyone was quiet, I could hear the Falls. I could also hear a train horn, but it wasn't very loud-- I don't think most people would notice it. It sounds like maybe a mile away. I noticed some fresh broken glass on a nearby site that looked like car window glass. I wondered whether it had been broken by a human or a bear. There weren't any signs warning about breakins from either. I noticed that the cabins and other Campground were still closed. The town of Burney was only about a fifteen minute drive away, although there wasn't much there. Overall a pretty great experience and would definitely camp here again.
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is the second-oldest in the California State Parks system. "Suck it!" says Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the OG. The park sits about six miles north of Burney, California--a town clinging to life with boarded-up businesses and a foundation of extinct volcanic rock. The town was named after settler Samuel Burney, who was found dead in the valley in 1857. This is true: instead of calling it "The Valley Where Burney Died," they just shortened it to "Burney." (Frankly, they missed an opportunity. They could've propped him up for tourists--Weekend at Burney's, anyone?) Let's be honest: the only real reason to visit Burney is the state park. It offers camping, five miles of hiking trails (including a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail), horseback riding, and plenty of water activities along five miles of Lake Britton shoreline and the creek. But the star attraction is Burney Falls. Fed by underground springs, Burney Falls sends 100 million gallons of water plunging 129 feet every single day--rain or shine, drought or deluge. Though it's not the tallest, wettest, or widest waterfall in California, its unique curtain-like flow has earned it the title of "the jewel of the California state park system." President Theodore Roosevelt even called it the Eighth Wonder of the World, and it was named one of "Northern California's most spectacular waterfalls" in 2021, by either National Geographic or Grindr, I forget. Sure, Yosemite has taller, more dramatic waterfalls--but Burney Falls (along with nearby McCloud Falls- separate review) might just be the prettiest. The paved path to the overlook is accessible to just about anyone. Adventurers can take the Falls Loop Trail, a ¾-mile route that drops down to the base of the falls. There's a solid wooden staircase on the steepest part, and the switchbacks offer a few steep, Candyland-style shortcuts if you're feeling bold. The only major downside? Parking. It's extremely limited. I visited the day before Memorial Day and got turned around at the entrance, even though we could see open spots inside. Like many others, we ended up parking along Highway 89--which can earn you a $71.50 fine or a tow.
This spot has been on my list for a long time, so I was really excited to hear the falls had reopened, especially since I had already booked a camping trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park. We took a day out of our itinerary to visit Burney Falls, and it was absolutely worth the scenic drive from Lassen. We arrived in the afternoon and had about five cars ahead of us at the entrance. It costs $10 per vehicle to enter. The walk to the falls is short, about 0.3 miles downhill with handrails along the way. If you want to get down to the pool at the base of the falls, you'll need to walk across some rocks, so I definitely recommend wearing good water shoes with grip. The rocks can be pretty slippery. I was in awe the entire walk down. Standing at the base of the falls and looking up was unreal. The mist, the sound, the power of the water...it was mesmerizing. I ended up sitting there for a couple of hours, just taking it all in. California really does have everything, but this has to be one of its most beautiful waterfalls. The area is incredibly well maintained, and I'm grateful for the park staff and all the work they put in during the closure. The walk back up the hill is definitely steep, but with a few breaks, it's totally manageable. There's a small park store near the entrance where you can buy souvenirs, ice cream, snacks, and drinks. The bathrooms were impressively clean. I'm so thankful I got to experience this place and hope I can return someday. It's an accessible and unforgettable spot that I truly believe everyone should experience at least once.
The falls are absolutely gorgeous and a must see!! We arrived around 1000 on a Friday where we had to park in overflow, so I suggest to go early. They have a gift shop that sells softserve icecream so we grabbed one of those and talked to the store clerk who also runs the marina where he explained the boating and kayaking options, fishing, etc. Afterwards we hiked the paved path down to the falls. The path has an incline and is wet in some areas so exercise caution as we saw someone fall and bust her knee open. The falls are so beautiful from every angle, and very worth the trip! After taking a ton of photos we walked on another path that took us to a cool bridge crossing the river. Then headed over to the marina area and rented a kayak for 4 hours for $85, which is great price honestly. The guy at the boat rental area was very nice and accomodating. The sun was out in full force so take your sunscreen! We fished and caught a few small mouth bass but nothing we could keep. After we turned in our kayaks we found a picnic area and grilled up some food. Overall we really enjoyed our day at this park and highly recommend!!
the whole trip and journey to Burney falls was amazing and one i recommend everyone take! the drive there for me was 4 hours and a half from walnut creek, but with the views, rivers and conversation on the way there, time flies! the entrance fee is $10 per vehicle, and there is plenty parking. i came on a monday, but i bet its way more packed on the weekends upon arrival and parking, you'll see the gift store, with food and beverages, and the directions towards Burney Waterfall. other routes take you to trails that branch to the waterfall, or away from it we came for the waterfall, and it was a beauty of God's creation. you truly feel the outside, its wildlife and the peace with it. i wasn't trailing though, not at 106 degrees, brothers its a MUST to visit Burney Falls PS: there is like, NO INTERNET here
Easy to find, $10 entrance fee per car. We drove through their huge campground wish we'd had our camping gear maybe next time. Small parking lot by the park store with a large overflow parking lot across the road. Store is small and mostly a gift store. We were hungry so ordered the pastrami sandwich combo. Took about 10-15 min. Came with a drink asked for no ice told I needed ice soda is hot so said ok. We ate at the picnic bench outside sandwich had very little meat and soda tasted like water no fizz or flavor very disappointed in both, next time we'll plan ahead on food. There is a large clean bathroom next to the store. Short walk over to the fabulous falls. They are beautiful!! I'm so glad we stopped to see them.
If you are on the way to Mount Shasta, look up this place. It is about an hour in off the path, but totally worth it. They charge $10 to go in. They have restrooms and an easy, moderate trail that will lead you to different angles of the fall. Truly a beautiful location.
After a long day beginning at the crack of dawn to hike and summit Lassen Peak, my wonderful husband decided to surprise me on our way to Oregon with a stop here at these magnificent falls. We were there in mid September at around 5-6pm. The park was pretty empty which made it easy and nice to walk down the short trail and loop to see the falls. This was a soul filling experience for me. I was so awed by the sound of the falls and the views. There is a small fee of $10 to park your vehicle and the park is open from 8:00am to sunset. No dogs are allowed on the trail down to the falls, but are allowed at the overlook. The falls are named after a settler by the name of Samuel Burney who lived in the area during the 1850's. Thankfully between him and the McArthur family they were able to save the falls and the land from development. They ended up gifting the property to the State of California. A 129 foot fall occurs in the middle and 100 million gallons of water flow over it every day. They are at their most intense during the spring from all the snow melt. Along with the falls, there is a campground and rental cabins to stay. There are boat rentals to take out on Lake Britton and plenty of fishing in the park as well. I love that the Pacific Crest Trail travels through this park on its way to Canada. Definitely worth the stop to get out and enjoy this "Eighth Wonder of the World" per President Theodore Roosevelt.
Rim campground gets an A+. Easy enough to navigate, spots are spacious, campground has very clean restrooms, with showers. Firewood-for-sale sheds abound ($18 will take care of 1 fire a night). Campsite was cheap, maybe $35 a night. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. There was a visitor center which we didn't see because it was closed during the week. General store has overpriced snacks, drinks, tshirts and trinkets. I heard there's a grill selling food in there, but that was closed when we were there as well. It's an insanely short walk to the Falls overlook. The hike down to the base on the falls and back up takes about 45 minutes and it's fairly steep. But oh so worth it. The falls are an incredible sight. When everyone is really quiet at night you can hear the sound of the falls in the campground. Truly the dreamiest sound. Oh and also, I wish I had known before we got there but when we were there I saw on the map that the edge of a lake is technically in the state park. We drove to it from Rim campground (about 6 minutes) and were pleasantly surprised. There's a warm, sandy beach, a roped area for people to swim or wade into the water, a snack bar, and paddle boat rentals. Great spot!
National natural landmark [Burney CA] Parking fee is $10. Park hours are 8:00a to sunset. We arrived around 9:25a and we found there to be plenty more parking. Burney Falls from the parking lot was just a short walk at 150-ft. The park is best known for the spectacular 129 foot tall Burney Falls. It does get crowded. The viewing area at the top of the falls was pretty but our visit was limited. The hike down to the base is 0.3 miles. Unfortunately, this popular hike down to the falls was temporarily closed for critical repairs. Bummer. Yes, Falls Loop Trail and Burney Creek Trail are temporarily closed for improvements until the remaining of 2024. The General Store had a nice supply of merchandise and souvenirs. It also stocked some sundries and groceries for campers -- baked beans, pork & beans, SPAM, sausage, coffee and cream, cereal, canned soup are just a few. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is the second oldest park in the California State Park system. Review #3454
This was the perfect side trip my wife and I did while we were in Redding, CA... About an hour-drive northeast of our location, McArthur - Burney Falls Memorial State Park is a popular destination primarily because of the majestic Burney Falls located inside the park. Dedicated as a National Natural Landmark in 1954, it attracts roughly 250,000 visitors each year and reached 350,000 during the peak pandemic years. Due to the high foot traffic, erosion has caused the Burney Falls Loop Trail to be temporarily closed during the spring and summer months of 2024. We were here in 2022 so we got to see the waterfall in all its splendor. The mile-long trail took us from the overlook down to the base and back. The fall stands 129-ft high and even with an average water temperature of 45°F, people were taking a dip in the ice-cold pool. We stayed for about an hour down below, hopping from one rock to another. We took nothing but photos, left nothing but footprints, and killed nothing but time. We came in early so we avoided the horrible queue of vehicles along CA-89 trying to get into the park. Recognized as "the Eighth Wonder of the World" by President Theodore Roosevelt, a March 2021 National Geographic article mentioned Burney Falls as one of NorCal's most spectacular waterfalls. Just two solid reasons why people have been making their way here.
Awe-inspiring! There's is a slow line getting into the park when we arrived around 2PM on a weekday, but it didn't toooo long. The parking lot was almost full, so they might have turned people away at a certain point. The path leading to and from the falls is well paved and easy to follow. The Pacific Crest Trail runs right along here, so it's cool to chat and see the hikers pass by on their journey.
We came Saturday morning around 8:30am. We were greeted with a warm welcome from the gate staff. Parking is $10. There is a parking lot, which can be limited when the weather is warmer. In the beginning of the trail, there is a General Store and restroom. The restroom is an actual restroom with toilet and sink. Not a portable potty! The trail to Burney Falls was easy. Different parts of the trail, there is a different view of the fall. The view from bottom of the fall was breathtaking. Be very careful if you want to get close to the fall. The rocks can be very slippery. We went off season so the crowds were not as bad as expected. If visiting Friday-Sunday or during the holidays, reservations are required. This is something new that they implemented on May 15, 2026. Check out their website for more information. Plan accordingly and enjoy the hiking adventures! read more
4 months ago
My family and I were booked to stay at one of their cabins (cabin #68) this past weekend and it was a complete nightmare. We found bed bugs everywhere! We did not sleep the night we got there as we were trying to scramble to find another place to stay at. We ended up staying in our vehicle and contacted the manager to report the infestation. The manager claimed that they've done their due diligence to keep their cabins sanitized, but if you refer to the photos and videos I posted that is a complete LIE! Instead of enjoying our vacation, we ended up having to go to a local laundry mat to clean our clothes. Not to mention upon coming home my nephew finds a bed bug on one of his bags. Can you imagine the hell we've been through? It's terrible! To top it off, my niece's friend gets rushed to the ER yesterday due to these bed bugs biting her all over her body. She was sent home with topical and oral medication. Refer to the photos! I'm severely disappointed with the lack of accountability of the manager and its property. My sister tried speaking to a staff member today to follow up and she hung up on my sister after claiming someone would call her today to get this settled. We are planning to file a complaint and a report to the local health department. We are concerned that other people may encounter the same problem. Please beware! read more
8 days ago
Coming back here again on Labor Day weekend and it was more beautiful as the ramp going down to the fall had been complete. We went on Labor Day weekend and it required reservation due to the demanding, so it wasn't crowded as how I liked it! The waterfall was stunning as always. read more
This is my second trip to McArthur Burney Falls. Easy access and available parking today, 09.17.25 due to it being the end of season/fall. $10 entrance fee, accept cash or credit cards. I actually received a $1 back as in a senior. I dislike that dog access is limited to parking lot, and observation area. Not allowed on stairs leading down to base of falls, on trails, posted properly. I understand people don't clean up after their pets plus you never know how dogs will interact. Their park, their rules. I love the rule that doesn't allow you to leave your dog(s) in the car, kudos. I think these dog rules apply to all California State Parks. Beautiful falls, great fall weather, friendly rangers. read more
1 year ago
This review is specifically for Rim Campground, which is one of two campgrounds within McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park (the other is Pioneer). Rim Campground offers about 62 sites which can accommodate tents, vans, trailers, and RVs. The rules are exceptionally lax. Camping or sleeping in your vehicle is allowed as long as you pay your fees ($35/night, half off with qualifying passes). Since the Campground just reopened and it's still off season, sites were available on a first come first serve basis. Even though the day use area was extremely packed, I was easily able to find a camping space. (I came in early to mid April). Several handicap spots were available. I noticed that these were the only ones with metal bear boxes. All the other sites just had wooden cupboards. All of the sites had picnic tables and fire rings. They all seemed to be about the same size, which was decent and better spaced out than average. I chose site 50 practically at random, but ended up staying there 2 nights. My site had a few trees for shade. The hammock options weren't great. There were a lot of cool lava rocks, though. The bathrooms were clean enough. Showers were available for what worked out to 25 cents per minute. The ranger kiosk and visitor center were sadly both closed. The general store was open but was incredibly expensive-- even more so than Yosemite. My site was literally only about a half mile walk from Burney Falls, which was incredible. At night, when all the tourists were gone and everyone was quiet, I could hear the Falls. I could also hear a train horn, but it wasn't very loud-- I don't think most people would notice it. It sounds like maybe a mile away. I noticed some fresh broken glass on a nearby site that looked like car window glass. I wondered whether it had been broken by a human or a bear. There weren't any signs warning about breakins from either. I noticed that the cabins and other Campground were still closed. The town of Burney was only about a fifteen minute drive away, although there wasn't much there. Overall a pretty great experience and would definitely camp here again. read more
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is the second-oldest in the California State Parks system. "Suck it!" says Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the OG. The park sits about six miles north of Burney, California--a town clinging to life with boarded-up businesses and a foundation of extinct volcanic rock. The town was named after settler Samuel Burney, who was found dead in the valley in 1857. This is true: instead of calling it "The Valley Where Burney Died," they just shortened it to "Burney." (Frankly, they missed an opportunity. They could've propped him up for tourists--Weekend at Burney's, anyone?) Let's be honest: the only real reason to visit Burney is the state park. It offers camping, five miles of hiking trails (including a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail), horseback riding, and plenty of water activities along five miles of Lake Britton shoreline and the creek. But the star attraction is Burney Falls. Fed by underground springs, Burney Falls sends 100 million gallons of water plunging 129 feet every single day--rain or shine, drought or deluge. Though it's not the tallest, wettest, or widest waterfall in California, its unique curtain-like flow has earned it the title of "the jewel of the California state park system." President Theodore Roosevelt even called it the Eighth Wonder of the World, and it was named one of "Northern California's most spectacular waterfalls" in 2021, by either National Geographic or Grindr, I forget. Sure, Yosemite has taller, more dramatic waterfalls--but Burney Falls (along with nearby McCloud Falls- separate review) might just be the prettiest. The paved path to the overlook is accessible to just about anyone. Adventurers can take the Falls Loop Trail, a ¾-mile route that drops down to the base of the falls. There's a solid wooden staircase on the steepest part, and the switchbacks offer a few steep, Candyland-style shortcuts if you're feeling bold. The only major downside? Parking. It's extremely limited. I visited the day before Memorial Day and got turned around at the entrance, even though we could see open spots inside. Like many others, we ended up parking along Highway 89--which can earn you a $71.50 fine or a tow. read more
1 year ago
This spot has been on my list for a long time, so I was really excited to hear the falls had reopened, especially since I had already booked a camping trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park. We took a day out of our itinerary to visit Burney Falls, and it was absolutely worth the scenic drive from Lassen. We arrived in the afternoon and had about five cars ahead of us at the entrance. It costs $10 per vehicle to enter. The walk to the falls is short, about 0.3 miles downhill with handrails along the way. If you want to get down to the pool at the base of the falls, you'll need to walk across some rocks, so I definitely recommend wearing good water shoes with grip. The rocks can be pretty slippery. I was in awe the entire walk down. Standing at the base of the falls and looking up was unreal. The mist, the sound, the power of the water...it was mesmerizing. I ended up sitting there for a couple of hours, just taking it all in. California really does have everything, but this has to be one of its most beautiful waterfalls. The area is incredibly well maintained, and I'm grateful for the park staff and all the work they put in during the closure. The walk back up the hill is definitely steep, but with a few breaks, it's totally manageable. There's a small park store near the entrance where you can buy souvenirs, ice cream, snacks, and drinks. The bathrooms were impressively clean. I'm so thankful I got to experience this place and hope I can return someday. It's an accessible and unforgettable spot that I truly believe everyone should experience at least once. read more
The falls are absolutely gorgeous and a must see!! We arrived around 1000 on a Friday where we had to park in overflow, so I suggest to go early. They have a gift shop that sells softserve icecream so we grabbed one of those and talked to the store clerk who also runs the marina where he explained the boating and kayaking options, fishing, etc. Afterwards we hiked the paved path down to the falls. The path has an incline and is wet in some areas so exercise caution as we saw someone fall and bust her knee open. The falls are so beautiful from every angle, and very worth the trip! After taking a ton of photos we walked on another path that took us to a cool bridge crossing the river. Then headed over to the marina area and rented a kayak for 4 hours for $85, which is great price honestly. The guy at the boat rental area was very nice and accomodating. The sun was out in full force so take your sunscreen! We fished and caught a few small mouth bass but nothing we could keep. After we turned in our kayaks we found a picnic area and grilled up some food. Overall we really enjoyed our day at this park and highly recommend!! read more
the whole trip and journey to Burney falls was amazing and one i recommend everyone take! the drive there for me was 4 hours and a half from walnut creek, but with the views, rivers and conversation on the way there, time flies! the entrance fee is $10 per vehicle, and there is plenty parking. i came on a monday, but i bet its way more packed on the weekends upon arrival and parking, you'll see the gift store, with food and beverages, and the directions towards Burney Waterfall. other routes take you to trails that branch to the waterfall, or away from it we came for the waterfall, and it was a beauty of God's creation. you truly feel the outside, its wildlife and the peace with it. i wasn't trailing though, not at 106 degrees, brothers its a MUST to visit Burney Falls PS: there is like, NO INTERNET here read more
1 month ago
Easy to find, $10 entrance fee per car. We drove through their huge campground wish we'd had our camping gear maybe next time. Small parking lot by the park store with a large overflow parking lot across the road. Store is small and mostly a gift store. We were hungry so ordered the pastrami sandwich combo. Took about 10-15 min. Came with a drink asked for no ice told I needed ice soda is hot so said ok. We ate at the picnic bench outside sandwich had very little meat and soda tasted like water no fizz or flavor very disappointed in both, next time we'll plan ahead on food. There is a large clean bathroom next to the store. Short walk over to the fabulous falls. They are beautiful!! I'm so glad we stopped to see them. read more
If you are on the way to Mount Shasta, look up this place. It is about an hour in off the path, but totally worth it. They charge $10 to go in. They have restrooms and an easy, moderate trail that will lead you to different angles of the fall. Truly a beautiful location. read more
2 months ago
After a long day beginning at the crack of dawn to hike and summit Lassen Peak, my wonderful husband decided to surprise me on our way to Oregon with a stop here at these magnificent falls. We were there in mid September at around 5-6pm. The park was pretty empty which made it easy and nice to walk down the short trail and loop to see the falls. This was a soul filling experience for me. I was so awed by the sound of the falls and the views. There is a small fee of $10 to park your vehicle and the park is open from 8:00am to sunset. No dogs are allowed on the trail down to the falls, but are allowed at the overlook. The falls are named after a settler by the name of Samuel Burney who lived in the area during the 1850's. Thankfully between him and the McArthur family they were able to save the falls and the land from development. They ended up gifting the property to the State of California. A 129 foot fall occurs in the middle and 100 million gallons of water flow over it every day. They are at their most intense during the spring from all the snow melt. Along with the falls, there is a campground and rental cabins to stay. There are boat rentals to take out on Lake Britton and plenty of fishing in the park as well. I love that the Pacific Crest Trail travels through this park on its way to Canada. Definitely worth the stop to get out and enjoy this "Eighth Wonder of the World" per President Theodore Roosevelt. read more
Rim campground gets an A+. Easy enough to navigate, spots are spacious, campground has very clean restrooms, with showers. Firewood-for-sale sheds abound ($18 will take care of 1 fire a night). Campsite was cheap, maybe $35 a night. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. There was a visitor center which we didn't see because it was closed during the week. General store has overpriced snacks, drinks, tshirts and trinkets. I heard there's a grill selling food in there, but that was closed when we were there as well. It's an insanely short walk to the Falls overlook. The hike down to the base on the falls and back up takes about 45 minutes and it's fairly steep. But oh so worth it. The falls are an incredible sight. When everyone is really quiet at night you can hear the sound of the falls in the campground. Truly the dreamiest sound. Oh and also, I wish I had known before we got there but when we were there I saw on the map that the edge of a lake is technically in the state park. We drove to it from Rim campground (about 6 minutes) and were pleasantly surprised. There's a warm, sandy beach, a roped area for people to swim or wade into the water, a snack bar, and paddle boat rentals. Great spot! read more
National natural landmark [Burney CA] Parking fee is $10. Park hours are 8:00a to sunset. We arrived around 9:25a and we found there to be plenty more parking. Burney Falls from the parking lot was just a short walk at 150-ft. The park is best known for the spectacular 129 foot tall Burney Falls. It does get crowded. The viewing area at the top of the falls was pretty but our visit was limited. The hike down to the base is 0.3 miles. Unfortunately, this popular hike down to the falls was temporarily closed for critical repairs. Bummer. Yes, Falls Loop Trail and Burney Creek Trail are temporarily closed for improvements until the remaining of 2024. The General Store had a nice supply of merchandise and souvenirs. It also stocked some sundries and groceries for campers -- baked beans, pork & beans, SPAM, sausage, coffee and cream, cereal, canned soup are just a few. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is the second oldest park in the California State Park system. Review #3454 read more
This was the perfect side trip my wife and I did while we were in Redding, CA... About an hour-drive northeast of our location, McArthur - Burney Falls Memorial State Park is a popular destination primarily because of the majestic Burney Falls located inside the park. Dedicated as a National Natural Landmark in 1954, it attracts roughly 250,000 visitors each year and reached 350,000 during the peak pandemic years. Due to the high foot traffic, erosion has caused the Burney Falls Loop Trail to be temporarily closed during the spring and summer months of 2024. We were here in 2022 so we got to see the waterfall in all its splendor. The mile-long trail took us from the overlook down to the base and back. The fall stands 129-ft high and even with an average water temperature of 45°F, people were taking a dip in the ice-cold pool. We stayed for about an hour down below, hopping from one rock to another. We took nothing but photos, left nothing but footprints, and killed nothing but time. We came in early so we avoided the horrible queue of vehicles along CA-89 trying to get into the park. Recognized as "the Eighth Wonder of the World" by President Theodore Roosevelt, a March 2021 National Geographic article mentioned Burney Falls as one of NorCal's most spectacular waterfalls. Just two solid reasons why people have been making their way here. read more
1 year ago
Awe-inspiring! There's is a slow line getting into the park when we arrived around 2PM on a weekday, but it didn't toooo long. The parking lot was almost full, so they might have turned people away at a certain point. The path leading to and from the falls is well paved and easy to follow. The Pacific Crest Trail runs right along here, so it's cool to chat and see the hikers pass by on their journey. read more
Great spot for a short hike and some incredible views of a beautiful waterfall. Bummer that the trails to lake britton along burney creek are closed making already short hikes even shorter, but Burney Falls is a must see if you are in the area. There is a great campground at the park with a lovely gift shop / store / cafe. Great place to visit for a couple hours. read more
1 year ago
If California's waterfalls were royalty, Burney Falls would wear the crown--and it makes sure everyone gets an audience. Tucked inside McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, this 129-foot cascade is shockingly easy to reach: pay the $10 day-use fee at the gate, park, stroll a paved path for a couple of minutes, and boom--there's the viewpoint, misty spray in your face. Photographers, bring extra memory cards. Between the lacy side-streams fanning out like bridal veils and the turquoise plunge pool, every angle looks curated for Instagram. Early morning light sets the falls aglow, while late afternoon brings dramatic shadows and perfect back-lighting for silhouette shots. Even smartphone photos here look pro-level. Pro Tips 1. Mind the parking signs. Rangers strictly enforce "No Parking" zones outside the main lots, and tickets are no joke--stick to designated spaces. 2. Pack a light jacket; the canyon mist can feel surprisingly cool even on hot summer days. 3. Hit the trail clockwise to keep the best viewpoints in front of you on the descent. Accessible, family-friendly, and jaw-droppingly beautiful, Burney Falls turns a quick pit stop into a bucket-list experience. Whether you're a road-trip warrior chasing Northern California gems or just craving a nature fix without the mileage, this waterfall delivers pure magic--no strenuous trek required. read more
3 months ago
1 year ago
Went for my five year anniversary with my husband and had such a beautiful time it was definitely worth the 3 hour Drive. The loop was a super easy walk.. read more
1 year ago
Absolutely breathtaking! Burney Falls looks like something out of a postcard, the water flows from both the top and the rock face, creating a magical scene. Easy access from the parking lot and the well maintained trails make it perfect for all visitors. Come early to beat the crowds. I highly recommend and it's worth every minute! read more
The third time's the charm! That's how many attempts we've made to visit Burney Falls over the years and we were finally successful!*. Yay! You can get a great view of the falls just by walking 300 feet from the parking lot. Hike the 1.3 mile loop and you'll be misted by the raging water and rewarded with the massive falls right in front of you. This place gets really crowded with day trippers, so get there early! Parking is $10 in the park, and space is limited. We saw plenty of cars on the side of the road outside of the park where there are clear "no parking" signs and they were definitely getting ticketed. You've been warned! We stayed in the campground (site 60) for two nights. Our friends also had site 6, which was nice too. The sites were spacious and equipped with a picnic table and fire pit. The bathrooms were clean and they also had hot showers available. Lake Britton is walking distance as well and they have boats or paddle boards to rent. We brought our inflatable SUPs/kayaks and launched on the beach. So many fun things to do here! -------- 1st attempt: Super crowded, parking lot full and 100+ degrees. Onward! 2nd attempt: Fires and AQI over 500. Yah, we're canceling our campground reservation. read more
5 months ago
1 year ago
We got in around 830am in a Saturday and there was barely any parking. By the time we left there were cars parked all along the highway. You'll get towed if you leave it there but I saw at least 50 cars parked, park at your own risk. Burney Falls is nothing short of spectacular. Short walk and amazing sprawling waterfall. At least 15 degrees cooler at the waterfall level. Water is freezing cold and not really comfortable for a dip. read more
3 years ago
A California gem!!! My first time ever at Burney Falls was actually yesterday, a little late on the review but I had such a great time. It's so worth the drive if you can. I recommend you get an early start especially in the summer because it can be a bit humid in the afternoon. From where I am it takes about 4.5 hours to reach Burney Falls. The nice thing though once you get in the park there is plenty of parking, a $10 entrance fee, & once you get settled the falls are just a 10 min hike. Quite unexpected but so pretty. If you can take a backpack with all the essentials: sunscreen, portal battery, waters, extra shoes like flip flops, snacks, phone and whatever else comes to mind :) ( but just in case you forgot the snacks lol they have a general store pretty much everything you need) But back to the falls.... The immediate weather change to the falls is so amazing!! A 90 day down to 70. And the water is so blue; ive never seen such turquoise water in my life. Its hard to find my favorite pictures to choose from but heres a few i think you all might enjoy :) read more
Wow is what I said when I saw the falls. This waterfall is amazing. There is a nice path to the falls and a walking path around the falls, that is worth walking. The park lot is not large, we went on a Thursday so we had no problem parking. There are a number of spots to see the falls. Each one is amazing . If you're in the area it's worth the stop. read more
This review is for the Burney Falls Loop which was a ~1 mile round trip that took ~35 mins to complete. Amazing waterfall views within the first 5-10 minutes of the hike! There was also a $10 day use parking fee. Plenty of parking spots with a restroom. Short video of the hike for those interested: https://youtu.be/5peO0YQDmv4 read more
Can't give Burney less than five stars! It is such a magical place! It can be very crowded during the summer months, but if you visit during October, the crowds aren't too bad. The only drawback was that it's super cold in the morning. It was quite an adjustment coming from Sacramento. We came here in October, our temp in the mornings were in the 60's and it was probably 20 degrees or less here. The fee to get into the park was $10, which is a great deal considering all the trails and there's also Lake Britton to visit on the other side of the park. I don't consider this park dog friendly only because dogs are allowed only on the cemetery trail. So, if you want to visit, visit when it's cooler out so your pooch can wait in the car. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
Solid place to visit or camp at. The sites are well shaded, on soft dirt, have showers, and are well marked. The day use area is also beautiful on the lake peninsula. You can rent kayaks at that area. Showers use shower tokens which you can buy at the shower stalls. One dollar gives you two tokens, and one token gives two minutes of showering (so one dollar is four minutes of showering). For summer 2024 the trail to the lower falls is closed due to construction so you're limited to the observation deck. read more
McArther-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Burney, CA - August 13, 2023 After being told this park can fill up fast, especially on weekends and during school breaks, we arrived a little before 9:30 am. We got our parking pass and found a shady spot to park near the Visitors Center. There was plenty of parking at this time on this particular Saturday. No dogs on the trails here; however, dogs are allowed at the top of the viewing area looking down at the magnificent falls. And oh, are the falls ever magnificent! Called "the Eighth Wonder of the World" by President Theodore Roosevelt in the first decade of the 20th Century, the falls are at their most intense during the spring, from early April through October, when snowmelt is at its peak. We've been to quite a few falls across the country, Canada, and Central America. Let's face it, most falls are great to look at and experience - the roaring brilliance and hypnotic draw of Niagara Falls on the US/Canadian border, Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls at Yosemite National Park, Multnomah and other cascading falls on the Columbia River Gorge, the La Paz Falls in the Costa Rican rainforest. Those and many more, all spectacular in their own right; however, I venture to say that Burney Falls, at over 100 feet high, 250 feet across, and with a flow of 100 million gallons per day, is among the finest I've ever seen as it thunders down into the emerald green-blue pond below. It captivates seniors and youngsters alike. There is a trail that takes you to the base of the falls and continues on to creat a 1-mile loop. Fido couldn't join us on this 20 minute venture, so we took turns watching him so that we could each get the whole picture. Even if you don't do the full loop, at least treat yourself to walking the 1/8 mile path to the base. The sights, sounds, and overall feel are unforgettable. The Visitors Center was closed while we were there, but we did check out the gift shop, which has the usual types of memorabilia - patches, mugs, hats, pictures, etc. I bought a lapel pin ($6) to add to my collection, which now stands at over 120 pins. There is also a good-sized campground in the park with over 125 sites that have picnic tables, fire pits, a bear lockers. No hookups that we saw, but there are water faucets and bathrooms, as well as showers. Lake Britton is also in the park. It has a boat launch and boat rentals. It's a good size lake, 9 miles long by 1 mile wide. However, the water didn't look all that appealing to me. It had lots of green algae. Apparently, though, there's some pretty good fishing there, bass, Crappie, and the like. Overall, the park is worth checking out for the waterfalls alone! read more
1 year ago
WOWWW!!! I was so amazed at the falls. The water was soooo beautiful. We loved the the gift shop as well and ice cream. Yummmo. read more
We are on our way to Lassen National Park, and I decided to stop here for a visit to the waterfall. Although it took a few extra hours between commute and the hike, it was well worth it! It was $10 to get into the park per car. The visitor center, bathrooms, general store and parking lot were right by the entrance. The visitor center is quiet small, and if you want your kids to do their Junior Ranger program, stop there to get the details on the time and place for that. We walked down to the falls and took our time taking photos, then did the Falls Loop Trail. It was an easy loop, with some sections where you have to walk up hill, but it was nothing too strenuous. It was also largely shaded so that kept it nice. This is a very nice stop, and it was not crowded at all in a Friday afternoon in June. read more
4 years ago
There are few places that I wish I could experience again for the first time but Burney Falls is one of them! What an incredibly beautiful sight. $10 gets you into the parking lot, from there you can go to the visitors center, general store, use their very clean bathrooms and go see the falls! You can see them from the lookout, or you can take the short waterfall loop walk and get down close to the falls! My 5 year old did complain the entire walk back up, but it really wasn't bad. If you're driving through definitely stop in! Pure magic! read more
Amazing. This is worth the visit. If you go earlier you will have better chances at finding parking closer to the falls. This is important especially if you have younger ones . Overflow parking is down by the lake. It's gorgeous but about a one mile hike up to get to the falls. And then you must think of the hike back. Doable for adults not so much for 2 and 5 year olds. I would want to visit again to go to the gift shop. It was too long of a line for my kids. I saw they have ice cream cones too. read more
Page 1 of 10
More info about McArthur Burney Falls State Park
24898 CA-89
Burney, CA 96013
Directions
(530) 335-2777
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.burneyfallspark.org
Hours
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
Ask the Community - McArthur Burney Falls State Park
Anyone been on a weekday? Have crowds and being able to even get in be an issue?
What forms of payment do they accept at the general store? Cards?
Cash and credit cards can be used when the kiosk is,open at the front gate. If you plan to arrive very early or late, bring cash. Thanks!
What's the outlook (2021, specifically) for the stream fishing above the falls? When I was a kid, my dad used flies, while we used salmon eggs and worms for Rainbow, Brown, and Brooke Trout, during the Summers. I'd love to do that as an adult!
Fishing in the streams at Burney Falls is seasonal and subject to all CA Fish and Wildlife regulations. Open fishing season for Burney Creek is the last Saturday in April - November 15. Everyone over 16 must have a fishing license. Upstream of…
Is this dog friendly?
Pets have to be on a leash at all times and are restricted on certain trails. Please check their website for further details. Enjoy and be safe.
I have a cabin rented at Burney falls next weekend, will I be able to rent canoe or paddle board at the lake?
Unfortunately, the lake is suffering from an algae bloom dangerous to people and pets. So, no canoes or paddle boats are to be rented. There is a pontoon boat and a couple of fishing boats for rent, but the weekend will be a busy one. The Park…
What trail can dogs access? Are service dogs allowed to go in the trails?
Dogs are permitted on the Cemetery Trail on a leash but not on other trails. Registered service dogs are permitted on trails.
Can you swim in the falls?
The water in the falls pool is terrifically cold and the currents are dangerous. Swimming is not permitted at the falls. The Park has a lovely lake, Lake Britton, with a swimming beach, and a marina with lake access and boating rentals.
Is it better to come in the late afternoon/early evenings on a weekday to avoid crowds (around 5 or 6pm)?
It would be better to arrive late in the day for a brief visit. As you likely know, the Park is now closed to camping, so unless you have reserved a cabin, you would be able to stay for a couple of hours. You could also arrive early in the day.…
Is there picnic area or place to setup little canopy?
Yes indeed. The Park is closed to camping, but open for day use. There are picnic areas with room for a little canopy.
Can I bring my dogs?
Dogs can be in the park. They must be on a leash. They are not permitted on most trails. Thank you for asking.
Are you guys open?
The Park is open for day use; camping is being cancelled from this week through Labor Day. The cabins, store and boat rental will remain open. The Park has been extremely busy, so it is temporarily closed for parts of the day when all the parking…
Is there plenty of parking or is it always packed? I live far so I want to make sure I could get a spot!
The Park has become much busier since the opening for day use. As you know, camping is not currently permitted and the Visitor Center and Park Store remain closed. Weekdays should be fine, but come as early as possible on weekends. It has been a…
With the parking lot closed to vehicles where can people park? Thank you
You will need to park on Highway 89 and walk in. Be careful to pull completely off the highway, as it is a highway where cars and trucks travel at some speed. McArthur Burney Falls Interpretive Association
My mom is disabled and can't walk very far. How long is the path from the parking lot to the waterfall and is it wheelchair accessible?
The Burney Creek Trail is accessible for 1.25 miles. The trail starts at accessible parking spaces located at the Lake Britton Beach parking lot. This trail provides an accessible trail route from the beach parking lot to an overlook of Burney Falls.
How is the weather in mid November?
It is likely to be cool and clear, though snow has rarely occurred that early. The Park is especially nice in the off season!
Hi just double checking because its a holiday weekend: is the park open September 1st?
Yes we are - all holiday weekend. McArthur Burney Falls Interpretive Association
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The viewing area for the falls is wheelchair accessible and, of course, restrooms and the Visitor Center as well. The trail around the falls is not. There are accessible campground sites. If you would like to stay longer and camp, contact the…
Can I bring my dog here?
Dogs are permitted in the Park, but must be on a leash. One trail is available for dogs on a leash; others do not permit dogs. Thank you for asking! McArthur Burney Falls Interpretive Association
How long is the hike from parking lot to the waterfalls? We are planning to go there on August! Is it easy for 5 years old kids to hike? Thank you!
The viewing area for the falls is just across the street from the parking area. There is a loop trail from the viewing area to the base of the falls and back up that is just over a mile. It is do-able for children. We hope you enjoy your visit!…
Are dogs allowed at the park?
Dogs are allowed in the park, but they must be on a leash. They are not allowed on most trails, in deference to the wild animals who live here. There is one trail where dogs on leash are allowed. Thank you for asking. McArthur Burney Falls…
Review Highlights - McArthur Burney Falls State Park
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
11 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
14 years ago
8 years ago
5 months ago
2 years ago
5 months ago
6 years ago
1 year ago
3 months ago
1 year ago
9 years ago
14 years ago
