Burney Falls: A Wonderful Side Trip on a Visit to Mt. Lassen or Mt. Shasta

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is nestled in the pristine volcanic wonderland of northern California. This beautiful park is off the beaten path and makes for a great half-day stop on a visit to the area's large volcanoes, Mt. Lassen or Mt. Shasta. The park contains a roaring waterfall, split into 2 main cascades. This 129 foot waterfall, Burney Falls, is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in California.

Quick Stats:
Day use fee per vehicle: $6
Boat launch fee: $8
Location: 6 miles north of Highway 299 on Highway 89 (northeast of Redding, California)
Hiking: about 5 miles of pristine trails through towering evergreen forests

Burney Falls is located within the beautiful Cascade Range. The park is just about the halfway point between Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta. This location makes for an excellent mid-day stop to enjoy a picnic lunch and to take the short hike to see Burney Falls. The falls has 2 main cascading sections thundering into a beautiful aqua-blue pool.

Start at the visitor's center and chat with the staff. From there, take the Burney Creek Trail from the top of the hill to the base of the falls for a nice 1 mile round-trip hike. The trail has a moderate descent so be prepared to hike uphill back to the parking area. This hike is suitable for families, and children can easily navigate the trail.

If you have more time, try hiking the Falls Loop Trail that winds from the falls to the boat dock.

Children can sign up to be a junior ranger at Burney Falls State Park.

Burney Falls State Park does have a campground in case you want to extend your visit in the area. This is a great option for families on vacation in the summer. The campground has about 128 sites without hookups. Make reservations by calling 800-444-7275.

If camping is not your style, try renting one of the 24 cabins in the campground. These cabins are rustic but fairly new. The cabins contain propane heaters, platform bunk beds with pads, wood floors, and porches. You can choose from a 1 or 2 bedroom cabin for your family's enjoyment. Be sure to bring your own sleeping gear. Reservations can be made be calling 800-444-7275.

Due to the elevation and the fickle weather of the Cascade Mountains, be prepared for chilly weather even in the summer. The park is most visited during the summer months, although it is much less visited than popular parks such as Yosemite or Yellowstone. The park is also beautiful in the spring and fall months and less visited during those times.

Sources:
Personal experience
California State Parks website