Get details here<\/a> on the program and how to make an online reservation.<\/p>\n Note: if you have a camping reservation, you don’t need a day-use reservation.<\/p>\n —————————————————————<\/p>\n Burney Falls is one of America’s most stunning waterfalls. This article has everything you need to make the most out of your visit: details of hiking trails with a trail map, plus info on camping and the human and natural history of McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Distance: 1.0 mile for the main Falls Loop Trail; 4.9 miles total for all trails Reach the intersection of Highway 299 and Highway 89, about 60 miles east of Redding. Take Highway 89 north for 6 miles. Signs will direct you to the park. The parking lot lies near the check station.<\/p>\n If you’re coming down Highway 89 from Mount Shasta\/McCloud, look for the park entrance sign about a mile past the Lake Britton bridge.<\/p>\n The popularity of the park means that it often reaches capacity on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day<\/strong>. Try to come on a weekday, if possible. If you must come on a weekend or holiday, arrive earlier in the morning or in late afternoon.<\/p>\n When the park is full, visitors will be turned away<\/strong>. Note that parking along Highway 89 is illegal.<\/p>\n 100 Classic Hikes: Northern California<\/em>, fourth edition<\/a> The Falls Loop Trail is the most popular hike in the park, and with good reason. The 1.0-mile loop encompasses some of the best scenery and offers close-up views of Burney Falls.<\/p>\n The Falls Loop Trail begins at the Burney Falls overlook. This is the first good spot to take photos of Burney Falls, and you\u2019ll also find one of the several informative signs that explain the park\u2019s natural history.<\/p>\n Springs emanating from a vast underground reservoir of water are the main source of Burney Creek and Burney Falls. These springs surface about 0.5 mile above the falls, and the creek stays bone-dry above this point during summer and early fall when rainfall is scarce. Since the water source is so large, the flow over Burney Falls remains relatively constant year-round, the slow erosion of material under the top layers of basaltic rock created Burney Falls.<\/p>\n Over a long period of time, the falls gradually retreated upstream to their present position. The continual process of erosion could cause a dramatic rockslide in the near future that would significantly alter the falls’ appearance.<\/p>\n Even a casual inspection of Burney Falls reveals two distinct areas from which water flows. In addition to the main flow of water over the top of Burney Falls, underground water seeps through porous rock to emerge halfway down the face of the falls.<\/p>\n As you continue along the Falls Loop Trail, be sure to stop frequently to look at the beautiful scenery. As you gradually descend to the deep pools at the base of the falls, note how the air temperature drops. The water temperature averages 45 degrees, and its mist provides welcome relief on a hot summer day.<\/p>\n From the Burney Falls overlook, continue downstream on the Falls Loop Trail along Burney Creek. Just before crossing the Rainbow Bridge, you’ll see the Burney Creek Trail see below) continuing on downstream. Just past the Rainbow Bridge, the P.S.E.A. Trail (see below) leaves on the right, also following Burney Creek down to Lake Britton.<\/p>\n Includes trailhead directions and detailed maps and trail descriptions<\/p>\n Buy it:<\/strong> on Amazon<\/a> | on Bookshop.org<\/a> Cross the Rainbow Bridge, head left, and climb up to another open view of Burney Falls. The trail then continues upstream of the falls, where it crosses another footbridge.<\/p>\n After crossing the footbridge, the trail turns left to come back to the Burney Falls overlook.<\/p>\n The P.S.E.A. Trail begins on the west side of the downstream footbridge of the Falls Loop Trail, about 0.5 mile from the falls overlook. The 0.5-mile route, amply shaded by Douglas fir, dogwood, and white alder, runs near the edge of the stream the whole way. Vine maple grows in quantity here and provides a spectacular visual display in autumn.<\/p>\n After 0.25 mile you’ll encounter an area of diatomite, which forms a fine, white powder on the trail. Near here is a quiet spot to sit by the creek and have a picnic lunch. Just beyond, the P.S.E.A. Trail briefly splits, with the upper leg avoiding the dust of the lower leg.<\/p>\n The P.S.E.A. Trail ends at a locked gate. This is also a good place to sit for awhile and enjoy the views of the mouth of Burney Creek, Lake Britton, and the mountain rim to the east.<\/p>\n Note: the P.S.E.A. Trail was closed in 2022<\/strong> due to erosion. Contact the park to find out if it\u2019s open.<\/p>\n Although you could do the loop in either direction, it’s described here as beginning at the east side of the downstream footbridge (Rainbow Bridge) of the Falls Loop Trail, 0.5 mile from the falls overlook. It’s about 1.5 miles to return to the overlook, with another 0.5 mile tacked on if you go down to Lake Britton.<\/p>\n The Burney Creek Trail’s name is somewhat misleading. It follows the creek for only the first 100 yards, then never rejoins it. It initially goes along the base of the cliff. The basaltic rocks on the right fell from the rim high above to form talus.<\/p>\n The vegetation here differs from that encountered along the creek. Here drier, warmer conditions exclude trees like white alder and dogwood. Here ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, incense cedar, the occasional white fir, black oak, and Oregon white oak predominate.<\/p>\n One-half mile from the trailhead, the route meets the shoreline of Lake Britton near the mouth of Burney Creek. Over the next 200 yards you’ll walk by diatomite cliffs with the concomitant trail dust.<\/p>\n One-quarter mile past the diatomite cliffs you’ll reach a fork in the trail, (If you have time, take the 0.3-mile-long trail to the left on down to Lake Britton, where you’ll find a picnic area, sandy swimming beach, boat launch ramp, and views of the lake and surrounding mountains.) From where the three trails meet, the Rim Trail goes right and climbs 200 feet over the next 0.3 mile to the rim of Burney Creek canyon, where you’ll be treated to views of the creek and its streamside vegetation. Eventually the trail runs beside the campground, and finally ends near the falls overlook.<\/p>\n Note: the Burney Creek Trail was closed in 2022<\/strong>, due to erosion, from its beginning on the Falls Loop Trail to its intersection with the Rim Trail. Contact the park to find out if it\u2019s open.<\/p>\n You can also hike start on the Rim Trail and hike down to Lake Britton. Find the Rim Trail by following the first road fork on the left just past the Visitor Center. You\u2019ll soon see the Rim Trail on the left.<\/p>\n The Headwaters Trail follows the north\/east (left) bank of Burney Creek for 0.5 mile upstream above Burney Falls and offers good access to the creek for trout fishing. One drawback is the nearness of Highway 89; you’ll definitely hear the traffic.<\/p>\n The Headwaters Trail leaves from the south side of a gravel parking lot located 200 yards south of the Burney Falls overlook. Note how the water velocity and volume of Burney Creek decrease as you go upstream. Near the end of the The Headwaters Trail, the Burney Creek dries up completely in summer and early fall because it’s above the level of the springs that provide most of the stream’s water.<\/p>\n The Headwaters Trail merges with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) just before a footbridge across the creek. You can return to the trailhead by retracing your steps, or you can cross the bridge and follow this forested section of the Pacific Crest Trail. After 0.7 mile it intersects a short trail that takes you to the upper footbridge of the Falls Loop Trail (hike 32), just above Burney Falls. The total mileage for the The Headwaters Trail\/Pacific Crest Trail loop is 1.2 miles.<\/p>\n The Pioneer Cemetery Trail, actually an old dirt road, descends a gentle mile through an open forest of ponderosa pine and incense cedar to the Pioneer Cemetery and Lake Britton. This whole area along the road was once the site of farming homesteads, and before that it was used by Native Americans. Remember not to disturb any sites of previous human activity, and don’t remove any relics.<\/p>\n Note: the Pioneer Cemetery Trail is the only hike in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park that allows dogs (on-leash only).<\/p>\n Includes trailhead directions and detailed maps and trail descriptions<\/p>\n Buy it:<\/strong> on Amazon<\/a> | on Bookshop.org<\/a><\/p>\n Often available at Barnes & Noble, REI, and other quality bookstores<\/strong> and outdoor stores <\/strong>(call first!)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n To find the Pioneer Cemetery Trail, enter the campground and take successive right turns for 0.5 mile until you see a small parking area on the right, just beyond campsite 75.<\/p>\n The Pioneer Cemetery Trail begins by a nearby log. The dirt road makes a long, gradual curve over 0.75 mile, then comes to the Pioneer Cemetery.<\/p>\n Feel free to observe the graves of the pioneers; many died before the beginning of the century. Most headstones are still legible. One marks the grave of a little girl who died at the age of four, another a sixteen-year-old boy who died in the middle of summer.<\/p>\n If you follow the Pioneer Cemetery Trail down another 0.25 mile, you’ll reach a relatively secluded area of Lake Britton that offers a good spot for a picnic and a swim.<\/p>\n McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park has 104 campsites and 24 cabins available year-round. Fees are currently $35 per night for campsites and $85-$105 per night for cabins. (Prices subject to change.)<\/p>\n The park is situated in the southern portion of the Cascade geological province, so volcanic action has played a dominant role. However, this action was not the violent eruptions of the type that formed Lassen Peak.<\/p>\n Rather, liquid basalt oozed from fissures and shield volcanos, spread rapidly over large areas, and cooled in large slabs. As you hike, you’ll see layers of this dark rock, each caused by different flows, with more recent flows overlying the older. The forces of wind, water, and gravity have caused some of these lava sheets to crack and fall from the canyon rim, so you’ll see basaltic rocks of various sizes scattered throughout the park.<\/p>\n Nearer the creek, and prevalent in places around Lake Britton, are layers of diatomite interspersed between basalt. Diatomite, a powdery, cream-colored rock, consists of silica-containing, algae fossil shells deposited on the bottoms of ancient lakes.<\/p>\n Includes trailhead directions and detailed maps and trail descriptions<\/p>\n Buy it:<\/strong> on Amazon<\/a> | on Bookshop.org<\/a> A wide variety of flora flourishes within the park boundaries. The major conifers are ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and incense cedar. The two dominant oak species are California black oak and Oregon white oak. Along the banks of Burney Creek and Lake Britton you’ll see white alder, dogwood, and vine maple. Together with Oregon ash, these deciduous trees provide a vibrant display of color in autumn.<\/p>\n Major shrub species are greenleaf manzanita, flowering currant, and redbud. Also, various flowers bloom during the spring and summer months.<\/p>\n Squirrels and chipmunks have no problems overcoming shyness, and you’ll see them throughout the park. You can also expect to see other species of animals common to ponderosa pine habitat, such as black-tail deer, though these are often frightened away by the large numbers of people in the park. However, there always seems to be a Steller’s jay within earshot, if not eyeshot. You may see several different species of water birds at Lake Britton, and, if you’re lucky, a bald eagle.<\/p>\n A Native American tribe, the Ilmawi, originally inhabited the area around Burney Falls. Whites called them the Pit River Indians because of their practice of digging large pits in which to trap game animals. The IImawi considered the falls a spiritual place.<\/p>\n In the second half of the nineteenth century, whites used this area for ranching and farming. The only productive soil for growing crops was near the Pit River, and so most farms were flooded when Lake Britton was created. Some of these settlers are buried in the Pioneer Cemetery, which you can hike to. Remember that it’s forbidden to disturb any archaeological sites, whether Native American or pioneer.<\/p>\n Buy it on Amazon<\/a> Burney Falls 2026: Falls Loop Trail Reopened! The main Falls Loop Trail that takes you to the pool at the base of the falls reopened in late January of 2026! Burney Falls 2026: Reservations Required on Certain Days… In order to reduce crowd size and enhance the visitor experience, the park has implemented day-use reservation […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7993,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[260,198],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-7977","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-california-state-parks-hiking-trails","8":"category-lassen-national-forest-hiking-trails","9":"entry"},"yoast_head":"\n![\"Burney](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/burney-falls-pool-base.jpg\")
Burney Falls Hiking Trails Key Data<\/h2>\n
\nDifficulty: Easy, with some modest uphill climbing
\nType: Day hike only<\/a>, but you can stay overnight at the campground
\nElevation gain: up to 300 feet
\nHigh point: 3000 feet
\nSeason: year-round; occasional winter snow
\nContact: McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park<\/a>
\nMap: park brochure; also available for download at the park website<\/a>
\nPermits: no permits needed
\nFees: $10 entrance fee per vehicle, $9 for seniors
\nDogs: dogs are only allowed on the Pioneer Cemetery Trail, on-leash (see Pioneer Cemetery Trail details below)
\nToilets: near the main trailhead for the Falls Loop Trail<\/p>\n![\"Map](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/burney-falls-map-hiking-trails.jpg\")
Driving Directions to McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park<\/h2>\n
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Summer Entrance\/Parking Issues<\/h2>\n
Burney Falls Hiking Trails Are Covered in Two of My Guidebooks…<\/h2>\n
\n<\/strong>
\nDay Hiking: Mount Shasta, Lassen & Trinity Alps Regions<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\nBurney Falls: Hiking the Falls Loop Trail<\/h2>\n
![\"Burney](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/burney-falls-overlook-2.jpg\")
The Geology of Burney Falls<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/burney-creek-below-rainbow-bridge.jpg\")
![\"Burney](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/burney-falls-base-detail.jpg\")
![\"Multiple](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/burney-falls-side-waterfall.jpg\")
Continuing on the Falls Loop Trail<\/h3>\n
![\"Burney](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/burney-falls-pool.jpg\")
![\"Rainbow](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/rainbow-bridge-burney-creek.jpg\")
Best Day Hiking Trails in Upper California<\/h4>\n
![\"Day](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/day-hiking-shasta-lassen-trinity-trails-300-214x300.jpg\")
<\/a>My<\/strong> compact guidebook has the 125 best day hikes:
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\nOften available at bookstores<\/strong> and outdoor stores <\/strong>(call first!)<\/p>\n<\/div>\nP.S.E.A. Trail Hiking<\/h2>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/psea-trail-hiking.jpg\")
Burney Creek Trail\/Rim Trail Loop Hiking<\/h2>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/burney-creek-trail-rim-trail.jpg\")
![\"Basalt](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/falls-loop-trail-basalt-boulders.jpg\")
Rim Trail to Lake Britton<\/h3>\n
Headwaters Trail and Pacific Crest Trail Hiking<\/h2>\n
![\"Burney](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/burney-creek-above-falls-bridge-2.jpg\")
![\"Burney](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/burney-creek-above-falls-bridge-1.jpg\")
![\"This](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/pacific-crest-trail-sign-burney-falls.jpg\")
Pioneer Cemetery Trail Hiking<\/h2>\n
The Top 100 Day Hikes and Backpacking Trips in Northern California<\/h4>\n
![\"100](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/northern-california-hikes-100-classic-trails-4e-300.jpg\")
The all-color fourth edition features the best trails:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
Camping at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park in 2022<\/h2>\n
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Geology<\/h2>\n
Best Day Hiking Trails in Upper California<\/h4>\n
<\/a>My<\/strong> compact guidebook has the 125 best day hikes:
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\nOften available at bookstores<\/strong> and outdoor stores <\/strong>(call first!)<\/p>\n<\/div>\nMcArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Plants and Animals<\/h2>\n
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Human History<\/h2>\n
Camp for Free in California National Forests<\/h4>\n
![\"Camp](\"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/dispersed-camping-boondocking-camp-free-300.jpg\")
California’s national forests and BLM lands have thousands of miles of dirt roads with lots of spots for dispersed camping (boondocking).<\/strong> My book provides all the info you need to get started (but is not a guide to specific sites):<\/p>\n\n
\nBuy it on Apple, Kobo, and Nook<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"