California’s magnificent Burney Falls have long been celebrated for their beauty and year-round water flow. In fact, President Theodore Roosevelt supposedly called them the “eighth wonder of the world” during his visit in the early 20th century.
The towering waterfall is found in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park in Shasta County, the second-oldest state park in California. While it takes about 5 hours to reach Burney Falls by car from San Francisco, the route makes for a scenic road trip through some of the most beautiful parts of the state.
Keep reading for some tips about how to make the most of it.
A perennial waterfall fed by underground springs
You only need to take a short hike for the best views of Burney Falls, which stretch 129 feet tall and nearly 300 feet wide. The water cascades over a mossy cliff draped with thousands of ferns, pouring not only from above but also straight through the rock face itself.
While most snowmelt-fed California waterfalls dry out seasonally, Burney Falls dumps about 100 million gallons of water every day, even in the driest summer months.
The area’s unique geology creates a one-of-a-kind phenomenon, where the falls draw from underground springs in the volcanic basalt cliffs. This water source, combined with the surface water from Burney Creek, results in a powerful flow any time of year.
That said, peak season begins in April when snowmelt adds even more volume to the powerful cascade.
Most visitors can enjoy the view from the panoramic Burney Falls Overlook, which is located right next to the main parking lot. The overlook is accessible for most visitors, including those with mobility issues.
The 1.2-mile Falls Loop Trail leads visitors to the base of the falls and offers several more unique vantage points. Beat the crowds by arriving early or midweek.
Visiting Burney Falls
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park features roughly five miles of hiking trails winding through evergreen forests, including a section of the renowned Pacific Crest Trail—perfect for adventurous hikers. The park also offers a campground and 24 rustic cabins for rent, along with a visitor center and general store. Nearby, Lake Britton provides a popular spot for fishing, swimming, or simply spending a few relaxing hours by the water.
This part of Northern California is also famous for more unique nature destinations that make for a memorable road trip. Lassen Volcanic National Park is just over an hour away, hiding a unique hydrothermal area available to visit in the summer fall. You could also check out the nearby 1,300-foot Subway Cave Lava Tube, or McCloud Falls in Shasta-Trinity National Forest.