Burney Falls is located about an hour’s drive from Redding in Northern California. It is often praised as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Personally, if you’ve already seen Huangguoshu Waterfall in China, you may not need to have very high expectations (although to be fair, the water here is indeed a very beautiful blue). Here is a simple fast and ticket-free route for visiting (refer to the red arrow path in the map). The trail conditions are very easy, so if you want to save time, you can bookmark this route. Important note when navigating: Do not set your GPS to “Burney Falls.” Instead, navigate directly to “Burney Falls Trailhead.” The parking lot is relatively small, similar to a basic trailhead parking area. From the parking lot, follow the only obvious trail heading inward for about five minutes. You will reach a wooden bridge, which actually marks the entrance into the official park area. Burney Falls itself is not very large. If, like us, you find the attraction somewhat average, you can simply walk down to the base of the waterfall for photos. If you want to spend more time exploring, you can continue along the loop trail, which does not take too long. Hope everyone has a great trip and a safe journey.
Burney Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Burney Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Burney Falls famous?
Burney Falls is famous for being named 'the Eighth Wonder of the World' by President Theodore Roosevelt. The 129-foot waterfall is fed by underground springs that ensure year-round flow, with water cascading not only over the rim but also bursting through the volcanic rock face itself, creating a misty, ethereal curtain effect.
Can you swim at Burney Falls?
No — swimming is not permitted at Burney Falls or in the pool below due to safety concerns and natural resource protection. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Burney Falls?
Dogs are allowed on-leash on trails but not on the beach or in swimming areas. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Burney Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Park day-use fee applies (typically $10 per vehicle as of recent years, but fees can change). No separate permit required for waterfall viewing. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Burney Falls?
Parking is available in the main day-use parking lot at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, a short walk (less than 0.2 miles) from the falls overlook. Parking is included with park entry fee. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Burney Falls?
About 1.6 km / 1 mile loop (Falls Loop Trail) from the parking area, including the overlook and a trail down to the base of the falls. The overlook itself is accessible via a short paved path. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Burney Falls hike difficulty
Easy — the overlook is a short paved walk, and the Falls Loop Trail is well-maintained with some stairs and moderate elevation change to the base. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Burney Falls?
Year-round, though spring (April–June) offers the fullest flow from snowmelt and spring rains. The falls flow consistently even in summer thanks to underground springs. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Burney Falls
From the parking lot, follow the paved path to the main overlook for a top-down view of the falls. For the full loop, take the Falls Loop Trail descending via stairs to the pool at the base of the falls, then continue along Burney Creek before looping back uphill to the parking area. The loop is well-signed and clockwise is recommended.
Burney Falls official website
Attractions near Burney Falls
- •Lake Britton — scenic lake adjacent to the park offering boating, fishing, and camping.
- •Lassen Volcanic National Park — active volcanic landscape about 50 miles south with geothermal features.
- •McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park trails — additional hiking including the Falls Loop Trail.
- •Subway Cave — lava tube cave about 17 miles south near Old Station.
- •Hat Creek — renowned fly-fishing stream and recreation area southeast of Burney.
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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