McArthur-Burney Falls

Beloved Burney (Re-opened!)

Hike to the Base of Burney Falls at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

01.15.2025

One of most beautiful waterfalls in the country is located 50 miles east of Redding in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. The 129-foot Burney Falls is a spectacle sure to leave you misty cheeked and mystified. Gushing 100 million gallons of water daily over a beautiful basalt cliff face, the oasis is so spectacular that President Theodore Roosevelt called it one of the wonders of the world.

Even better, the trail to hike to the base of the falls recently re-opened. So, get up close to Burney on the Falls Loop Trail, an easygoing 1.2-mile hike that goes to the base of the waterfall where the whitewater churns and the surrounding area is lush (just watch your step—rocks can be slick!). If you go on a weekend, get there as early as you can … crowds do arrive to share in the awe.

Follow the trail down via a short and gentle switchback to the base, where the mist from the falls wets your face. Keep going a few minutes downstream and across the Rainbow Bridge, then back up on the west side of the falls. Burney baby, Burney!

MEET IN REDDING: Have your next group gathering or meeting in sunny Redding.

Discover lodging and deals plus venues, all ready to impress and ensure your group gathering or special event is ideal.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

    View

  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View

  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Ballona Beach Hopper

    This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.

    View

  2. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

    View

  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  4. Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

    Strawberry Sunday

    The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead dishes up some delicious views.

    View