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McArthur Burney Falls, CA (Tips for Visiting + Great Photo Spots)

by Jenny March 22, 2022
1.4K
McArthur Burney Falls Perfect Photo Spot - California

McArthur Burney Falls, in California, is my favorite waterfall in the entire United States! 

Here, a breathtaking cascade of water not only descends from above, but the water magically also flows through the layers of porous lava rock that covers this cliff-face. This natural phenomena thereby creates a spectacular, multi-faceted waterfall and it’s gorgeous!

When I first saw just one image of this beautiful waterfall, I knew I had to see it for myself. McArthur-Burney Falls had completely inspired my Traveling Feet. And so on our recent trip to California, I knew that we had to seek it out.

McArthur Burney Falls, California

WHERE IS MCARTHUR BURNEY FALLS?

McArthur Burney Falls is located in northern California at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. (This is near Mt. Shasta and Lassen Volcanic National Park.)

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO VISIT MCARTHUR BURNEY FALLS?

Park Day-Use Fee (2022) – $10 per vehicle

From Mid-September to Mid-May the entrance kiosk only accepts cash payment, so bring small bills to pay by envelope.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MCARTHUR BURNEY FALLS?

McArthur-Burney Memorial State Park is open year-round.

100 million gallons of water flow at McArthur Burney Falls everyday, so no matter what time of year you chose to visit, this waterfall will be spectacularly flowing.

The park is open from 8am until sunset each day.

The best time of year to visit, in terms of weather, is from Spring to Fall.

Warnings: McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park receives high visitation from April to October. On holidays and summer weekends, the park often reaches capacity and will close due to its limited parking availability. During these times, traffic may be delayed on State Highway 89 for up to an hour prior to entering the park. Do not park along Highway 89, outside the park or it will be subject to citation and towing.

With this in mind, I recommend visiting first thing in the morning or after 4pm on a weekday, if possible, to avoid most of the crowds.

Our family visited on a weekday in July, after 4pm, and there was only a couple of other people there. I’m not sure if this is normally the case, but I hope you are able to avoid the crowds too!

HOW TO VISIT MCARTHUR BURNEY FALLS?

  • First, enter McArthur-Burney State Park off of CA-89.
  • From here, you will go through the park entrance and within 0.2 miles, you will arrive at the Visitor Center. Parking will be on your right.

Please Note: This park cannot admit vehicles over 32 feet for day-use or camping. 

  • From the parking lot, it is only a short walk to the falls.

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Brochure & Map

 

BURNEY FALLS LOOP TRAIL

Trail Length: 1 Mile Clockwise Loop

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Change: 167 feet

Restrooms: At the General Store, just north of the Visitor Center

Time to Hike: 30 minutes to hike

Not long after starting the Burney Falls Loop Trail, you’ll get your first glimpse of this gorgeous 129 foot falls. And with every step, your view will keep getting better and better. 

McArthur Burney Falls, California

McArthur-Burney Falls feels completely magical as you gaze upon it. Draping green moss, delicately cascading water; This waterfall was unlike anything I’d seen in the continental U.S. 

Fun Fact:

President Theodore Roosevelt, when gazing upon McArthur Burney Falls, was so moved that he even pronounced this falls as the 8th Wonder of the World!

Traveler Tips:

  • If you are have a hard time walking, know that it is only a short, easy walk from the parking lot to the first lookout of this beautiful waterfall.
  • If you are short on time, know that you don’t have to make the entire one mile loop, and instead you can just take the short walk to the base of this waterfall and back for some amazing views. (See Below)
McArthur Burney Falls, California - Great Photo Spot

Walking Burney Falls Loop is wonderful, but my absolute favorite view of McArthur-Burney Falls is from the base of the falls. Here, you can simply sit and relax on the rocks and just stare in awe at this spectacular masterpiece of nature.

It’s Completely Breath-taking!

 

Where to Stay Near McArthur-Burney Falls

  • In the Park: There are 24, 1 & 2 room cabins. (some can sleep up to 6)
    • (128 Campsites are also available) – Both can be reserved 6 months in advance. Park Website
  • Burney Motel – Highly rated hotel with cozy rooms, can sleep up to 6. 
    • It’s the perfect location, only 12 minutes from the Falls.
 

Find More Gorgeous Waterfalls in Northern California Here

Have a Great Visit with Your Traveling Feet!

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Thank You!

You May Also Like:

  • Mono Lake (A Great Road Trip Stop in California)
  • Walk Among the Oldest Trees in the World! (Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, CA)
  • 6 Fantastic Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park with Kids!
  • 12 Amazing Things to Do in Yosemite with Kids (Hikes, Sites & Activities)

 

Travel Tips/Gear

  • 15 Great Hiking Snacks For Families (That Kids Love!)
  • Essential Hiking Gear for Families (Plus Our Favorite Fun Hiking Items!)
  • Tips for a Successful Family Road Trip

10 Traveling Feet is a participant of Amazon Associates/ Affiliate programs which means means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I will only recommend products that I have found useful and have loved using with my family. Thank you for supporting this website so that I may continue to bring you quality information.

Jenny

Welcome to 10 Traveling Feet! My name is Jenny and we are a family of five that loves to explore & learn about our incredible world! Discover our favorite sites, top hikes, fantastic hidden gems and helpful travel tips for Your Next Adventure! Let's Find Your "Traveling Feet!"

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