Burney Falls | World Waterfall Database

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This waterfall has been surveyed, mapped and measured in person by the World Waterfall Database.

Burney Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in California by sheer scale, but more prominently it is one of the most unique waterfalls in the whole state - if not the most unique. Burney Creek drains from volcanic highlands northwest of Mount Lassen, much of it featuring porous bedrock where precipitation can easily sink into the ground. While plenty of water remains in surface-level Burney Creek, a significant aquafir exists beneath the surface. Shortly before merging with the Pit River in Lake Britton, Burney Creek hurtles 114 feet over a cliff in twin channels, thundering into a large pool. Flanking either side of the main portion of the falls, hundreds of springs seep out of the cliff and veil into the pool simultaneously, creating a wall of falling water stretching 250 feet in width.

The spring-fed nature of Burney Creek, both above the falls and the springs which seep out of the cliff at the falls itself, ensures that Burney Falls retains an incredibly consistent flow all year long. Stream gauge data indicates the average springtime peak flow to be nearly twice the average volume, but outside of the March to May period, the volume of water flowing over the falls remains a remarkably consist, staying around 160 cubic feet per second.

We should also note that virtually ever source of information, including the California State Parks system, cites Burney Falls as dropping 129 feet. When we surveyed the falls in July 2009, we measured it to be 114 feet tall.

HISTORY AND NAMES

Burney Falls is the Official name of this waterfall

Burney Falls and Creek were named for Samuel Burney, who homesteaded nearby in the 1850s. His descendants, along with the MacArthur family, purchased the land to prevent it from being commercially developed and donated it to the State Parks in the 1920s.

Our thoughts

There are certainly more impressive waterfalls in California, but Burney Falls is one of those instances where a smaller (in the relative sense) waterfall is absolutely worth visiting for several reasons. Photographers will love this one for its multifaceted personality, kids will love it for the great (if cold) swimming hole and waterfall hunters will be wowed by its power. Definitely put this one towards the top of your California hit list.

Location and directions

MacArthur-Burney Falls State Park is found along Highway 89 north of the town of Burney. From the junction of Highways 299 and 89 near Burney, follow Highway 89 north for about 5 3/4 miles to the well marked entrance to the park. There is a day-use fee of $5.00 to visit the falls. From the parking area, easy trails lead to viewpoints at the top of the falls as well as the base.

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Burney Falls is shown in the center. The 10 closest waterfalls within a 8km radius are shown as well (if any). Click any icon or see the list below for more information.

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Photography tips

The first problem in photographing Burney Falls is contending with the crowds of tourists. This is a popular attraction, and especially in the summer serves as a swimming hole, so keeping people out of frame is key to achieving a good composition. The falls face north-northeast and will see varying degrees of direct sunlight on parts of the falls, but usually not on all of it. The best times to visit for photography are early in the morning or shortly before sunset. Spray can be an issue thanks to the consistently heavy volume of Burney Creek, so be vigilant of water spots as well.

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Burney Falls Shasta County, California, United States