The naturally beautiful Burney Falls is a waterfall on Burney Creek, within McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, in Shasta County, California. The water comes from underground springs above and at the falls, which are 129 feet high, and provides an almost continuous flow rate of 379 million liters per day, even in the dry summer months.
The falls are an example of river drainage regulated by stratigraphically-controlled springs, and also of a waterfall formed by undercutting of horizontal strata. The big pool at the base, and Burney Creek above and below the cascade, are popular for catch-and-release fly-fishing.
Burney Falls is one of California’s biggest surprises. Burney Creek is a tributary of the Pit River, with its mouth on the Lake Britton reservoir to the north. The falls were called “the Eighth Wonder of the World” by President Theodore Roosevelt, and were declared a National Natural Landmark in December 1954.
This is the most amazing fall in CA, can walk along the trail that goes all the way around the falls went down onto the rocky floor near the falls to feel the spray from the falls. The amount of water pouring down is mind-blowing, also fun to sit and watch for birds to come darting out from behind the waterfall curtain.
The campground is nicely spread out, with pretty good facilities. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in the state, the fern-draped cascade seems to come out of nowhere. The main falls originate at the top of the cliff, but icy gallons of snowmelt also gush from the sieve-like volcanic rock face. Continue down the path to the pool—where you are likely to look but only briefly touch: the water never goes much above 42 degrees.