Burney Falls Hike: California’s Coolest Waterfall!?

I’ll admit it: I didn’t expect much from Burney Falls. I’m a pro waterfall chaser, and I’ve seen TONS of waterfalls on six continents.

But this one? WOW. To this day, it’s still one of the best waterfalls I’ve ever seen.

It’s also gotten so popular that you may now need a reservation to get in. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Where Is Burney Falls?

Burney Falls is in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park in Northern California, right off State Route 89. It’s about an hour from Mount Shasta and a little over an hour from Redding, and there are clear signs pointing the way.

Fun fact: it’s California’s second-oldest state park.

Do You Need a Reservation for Burney Falls?

Sometimes! This is new, so listen up.

Burney Falls got SO busy that the park would fill up and close the gate for hours on summer weekends. So California State Parks started a pilot program that requires day-use reservations on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the summer season (mid-May through late September).

• No reservation needed: Monday to Thursday in summer, plus the off-season.
• Time slots: Morning (8 a.m. to noon), afternoon (1 to 5 p.m.), or a limited number of all-day passes.
• Cost: The regular $10 vehicle fee plus a $1 processing fee.
• Book ahead: No same-day reservations. Annual pass holders still need one.
• Camping or staying in a cabin? You’re covered. No separate day-use reservation needed.

Since it’s a pilot, the details could change. Always check the official McArthur-Burney Falls park page before you go. That’s also where you book.

Burney Falls Parking and Fees

• Fee: $10 per vehicle for day use.
• Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset.
• Don’t park on Highway 89: It’s illegal, and you can get cited and towed.
• Big rigs: Vehicles over 32 feet aren’t allowed in the park.

On busy days when the park fills up, the park suggests coming back after about 4 p.m. when the crowds clear out.

What Makes Burney Falls So Special?

You’ll hear the roar before you see it. Then you round the corner and BAM: 129 feet of water crashing into a deep blue pool.

But it’s not just water pouring over the top. Underground springs push water straight out of the porous volcanic rock, so it looks like hundreds of little waterfalls are coming right out of the mossy cliff. Like magic!

Those springs pump out about 100 million gallons of water a day, which is why it keeps flowing even when other waterfalls dry up.

Burney Falls Hike

• Trail: Falls Loop Trail
• Distance: About 1.1 miles
• Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Elevation gain: 164 feet
• Dogs: Not allowed on the trails

The trail is short, well marked, and mostly paved with a few steps here and there. It’s easy enough for families with kids and anyone who wants a chill stroll.

It only takes about 30 minutes to walk down and back up. Add extra time to sit and stare, because you will.

Good news if you tried to visit a while back: the Falls Loop Trail was closed for months for a big erosion repair project, and it’s fully open again. A couple of side trails (Burney Creek and PSEA) have been closed after storm damage, so check the park page if you plan to explore beyond the falls.

Can You Swim at Burney Falls?

Not in the pool at the base of the falls. You can scramble around the rocks to get closer, but no swimming. Honestly, you wouldn’t want to: the trail sign puts the water at a frigid 42 to 48 degrees, and the pool is 22 feet deep.

Want to cool off? The park also sits on Lake Britton, which has a beach area for swimming in summer.

Best Time to Visit Burney Falls

Any time! Since the falls are fed by underground springs, they flow all year. I visited in September, one of the “worst” months for most waterfalls, and it was still gushing.

• Summer: The busiest season. Go on a weekday to skip the reservation hassle, or book ahead for weekends.
• Fall: Fewer people and pretty fall colors around the falls.
• Winter and spring: Quiet, cold, and still flowing strong. Cabins close in winter, though.

Camping at Burney Falls

Want to wake up near the falls? The park has a campground with tent and RV sites, plus cabins.

• Cost: $35 per night, including one vehicle.
• Reservations: You can book up to 6 months ahead. From Labor Day to mid-May, sites are typically first come, first served.
• Bonus: Camping or cabin guests don’t need a separate day-use reservation.

Where to Stay Near Burney Falls

The little town of Burney is the closest base. If you want more options, Redding is a little over an hour away, or you can pair the falls with a trip to Mount Shasta.

Final Thoughts

Six continents of waterfalls later, Burney Falls is still near the top of my list. It’s an easy walk, it flows all year, and it looks totally unreal in person.

Just check whether you need a reservation before you go, and plan for a crowd on summer weekends.

We hope this helped you plan your trip to Burney Falls!

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