McArthur-Burney Falls State Park: California’s Very Own “Niagara Falls”!
When I returned home from my Chico trip, I could not stop talking about our road trip to Burney, California. Burney is a humble, small town (under 5,000 people) that has easily one of the best kept travel secrets around: Burney is home to The Burney Falls. At 129-feet, Burney Falls is not the highest or largest waterfall in the state, but, could still be dubbed the “Niagara Falls” of California and is one of the most beautiful state parks I have been to. (Granted, I have not been to Niagara Falls, but, still–). To think, I had never heard of Burney Falls until my BFF, Ariel, asked if I would be down for a road trip while I visited as she had never been.
From Chico, we were looking at a good 3 hour trek to Burney, and we discovered the ultimate pit stop: An hour of jumping and being as silly as we could possibly be at Rare Air Trampoline Park in Redding. Little did I know just how much I needed this in my life. I let loose and enjoyed every moment (in between water breaks). Who knew what a workout jumping is?!
Then, onward we went to at last find our falls. When we arrived, we got a bit turned around as to which road to use, and ended up parking right off a trail on the opposite side of the main entrance. It takes a bit longer to get to the destination, but very well worth it. Check out our view as we walked up to the park, and the quotable benches…..
The weather was nearly 100 degrees or more in Shasta County. Yet, after we walked down to the falls? I was wishing I had a jacket. The air was crisp, cool. The scene as I made my way down the small hike? It was so serene, not even my pictures could truly capture it…..
Funny story, I got very lost from my friends after a “quick” bathroom run! Word to the wise: Stay together if you go to Burney Falls as their “Restroom” signs are deceiving and I actually RAN down the trail looking for everyone. But, these waterfalls still managed to stop me in my tracks….
It literally took my breath away. I truly had not known what to expect, and was hoping there would actually be some water, and that it would not be a deserted area. It was filled with fellow tourists and families enjoying the sights. I admit, once we all found one another and went back down, I didn’t want to leave….
The park has 910 acres of forest and five miles of streamside and lake shoreline, including a portion of Lake Britton. They offer cabins and camping (And, of course–a gift shop!). Cool fact: Burney is apart of the infamous Pacific Crest Trail that Author, Cheryl Strayed, hiked across in her 20’s, and was turned into a recent Oscar nominated film with Reese Witherspoon .
I am so thankful for Ariel for wanting to take a road trip with me, her fiance and nephew out to this spectacular state park. I already cannot wait to return and I hope if you were unfamiliar with Burney, that I have now put it on your radar as it is a MUST SEE for all. Especially, though–California natives! Get more info HERE.