McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
A majestic 129-foot waterfall, hailed as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World,' set in a stunning state park perfect for hiking and nature immersion.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waterfalls are flowing beautifully
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
Best Time
Waterfalls are flowing beautifully
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic 129-foot waterfall, hailed as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World,' set in a stunning state park perfect for hiking and nature immersion.
"Burney Falls is absolutely breathtaking — truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill quickly. Aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The loop trail can be rocky and has a steep incline. Tennis shoes are recommended over flip-flops.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
McArthur-Burney Falls
Main viewpoint
A breathtaking 129-foot cascade, once called the 'Eighth Wonder of the World' by President Roosevelt.
Falls Loop Trail
Around the waterfall
A scenic 1-mile loop offering diverse perspectives of the falls and surrounding lush greenery.
Lake Britton
End of the park
A serene lake perfect for water activities, picnicking, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Dogs are permitted here.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Trail Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill quickly. Aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The loop trail can be rocky and has a steep incline. Tennis shoes are recommended over flip-flops.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on the loop trail. Drinking fountains are available at the trailhead.
🚫 No Dogs on Falls Trail
Fido can't join you at the falls, but is welcome at Lake Britton.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lots fill quickly. Aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The loop trail can be rocky and has a steep incline. Tennis shoes are recommended over flip-flops.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on the loop trail. Drinking fountains are available at the trailhead.
🚫 No Dogs on Falls Trail
Fido can't join you at the falls, but is welcome at Lake Britton.
💰 Day-Use Fee
A $10 per vehicle fee is required for day use. National Park passes are not accepted.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the breathtaking beauty of Burney Falls, often calling it one of the most beautiful places they've ever seen and a true natural wonder. The sound and mist of the falls create a peaceful atmosphere, and the well-maintained trails offer stunning views. However, some guests note that facilities could benefit from better upkeep, and litter has been observed near the water's edge, detracting from the pristine environment.
"Definitely one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I look forward to camping here. The hike down the trail to the water fall is not that bad and coming up was either. I definitely recommend this to everyone. Everyone should visit this place atleast once in life. It is truly a beautiful place."
Omar Lopez (Marejo)
"Burney Falls is absolutely breathtaking — truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. The waterfall is stunning, with water cascading down into a crystal-clear pool surrounded by lush greenery. The sound of the falls creates such a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere, and the cool mist makes it an amazing spot to relax on a warm day. The trails are well-kept, offering gorgeous views from different angles, and the whole park is very clean and inviting. Whether you’re hiking, taking photos, or just enjoying nature, Burney Falls is a must-see destination in California. I can’t wait to come back! The only thing is the facilities could use some upkeeps no soap no hand dryer or a way to dry your hands and most of the bathrooms were closed"
Nick Schenck
"Beautiful park. It is paved all the way to the bottom of the falls, but if you do the loop it is dirt, and a little rocky. It is a steep incline coming back up, make sure you take a bottled water with you. There are bathrooms and drinking fountains at the beginning of the trail. There is also a general store where the serve sandwiches, snakes drinks and souvenirs. You can rent cabins and camp in the park as well at designated areas. Lake Britton is at the very end of the park, and has day use areas bathrooms and a boat launch. There is a $10 fee for parking. It gets extremely busy so go early or later in the afternoon around 2-3. If they say there is no parking except by the lake go through and circle the closer parking lots there is always people leaving so you don’t have to walk the 1.5 from the lake to the trail head. Wear good shoes, I did wear flip flops and did the whole loop okay but I would recommend tennis shoes. There are plenty of benches alone the loop to rest. Also there are no dogs allowed on the trail, but they are welcome at the lake."
Brianna Rockey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located at 24898 CA-89, Burney, CA 96013. It's about a 45-minute drive from Redding, CA, and roughly 3+ hours from Sacramento.
Public transportation options are very limited for reaching this remote park. It's best accessed by private vehicle.
The most direct route is via CA-89. Ensure your GPS is updated, as cell service can be spotty in the area.
Burney Falls is located near Mt. Shasta, making it a great stop on a Northern California road trip. It's about an hour's drive from the Mt. Shasta City area.
You can drive to the main parking area near the falls. From there, it's a short walk to the viewpoint.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The day-use fee is $10 per vehicle. Overnight camping fees are $35. National Park passes are not accepted.
The park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. Specific facility hours may vary, so it's best to check the official park website for the most up-to-date information.
Advance ticket booking is not typically required for day use. However, due to high demand, arriving early is crucial for parking. Camping reservations are recommended.
The loop trail is within the state park, so the standard day-use entrance fee applies.
Information on discounts is not widely available. The standard day-use fee is $10 per vehicle.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Falls Loop Trail is highly recommended. It's about a mile long and offers fantastic views of the waterfall from various angles.
You can see the main falls from the viewpoint in about 30 minutes. To complete the loop trail and fully experience the area, allow 1-2 hours.
Swimming is not permitted directly at the base of the falls due to safety and conservation reasons. However, you can get close enough to feel the refreshing mist.
Yes, restrooms are available at the beginning of the trail and near Lake Britton. However, some reviews mention that facilities could use upkeep.
Yes, the paved path to the main viewpoint is accessible. The loop trail is manageable for families, but the steep incline on the return may be challenging for very young children or strollers.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography. Golden hour can be particularly stunning.
Experiment with shutter speeds to capture the water's movement. A tripod is recommended for longer exposures to avoid blur.
Drone usage is typically restricted in state parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Check park regulations before flying.
The main viewpoint at the base of the falls is iconic. The loop trail offers elevated perspectives and different angles.
Yes, Burney Falls is a popular spot for elopements and weddings. A permit may be required for such events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Falls Loop Trail, while a bit more rugged, is a manageable 1-mile loop that offers exciting views for kids. Just be prepared for a steep climb back up! 🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
It's a perfect day trip from Redding, being only about a 45-minute drive away. While the drive can be long from major cities like San Francisco (over 4.5 hours), the stunning scenery and the unique experience of seeing the 'Eighth Wonder of the World' make it a worthwhile detour. Plan your visit to arrive early or late to maximize your time and avoid parking hassles. 🧘♀️ Nature Lovers & Seekers of Serenity
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Burney Falls
President Theodore Roosevelt famously declared it the 'Eighth Wonder of the World,' a testament to its awe-inspiring beauty. The constant flow creates a mesmerizing curtain of water that plunges into a crystal-clear pool, surrounded by lush, verdant foliage. The sound of the cascading water and the cool mist it generates create a truly immersive and refreshing experience for visitors. The park offers various ways to experience the falls. The main viewpoint provides an iconic, up-close look, while the Falls Loop Trail, a relatively easy 1-mile circuit, allows visitors to explore different vantage points and appreciate the falls from various angles.
This trail is well-maintained and offers a rewarding hiking experience, though the return climb can be steep. Burney Falls is not just a visual spectacle; it's a place that evokes a sense of peace and wonder. Many visitors describe it as a serene spot perfect for meditation and calming the mind.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
For your comfort and safety on the trails, wearing appropriate footwear is essential. While some visitors have managed in flip-flops, sturdy tennis shoes are strongly advised due to the rocky terrain and the steep incline on the return portion of the loop trail.
The park has a day-use fee of $10 per vehicle, and National Park passes are not accepted.
+1 While the main facilities are generally available, some reviews suggest that upkeep could be improved in certain areas. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit