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The park is within the Cascade Range and Modoc Plateau natural region, with forest and five miles of streamside and lake shoreline, including a portion of Lake Britton.
The park's centerpiece is the 129-foot Burney Falls, which is not the highest or largest waterfall in the state, but possibly the most beautiful. Additional water comes from springs, joining to create a mist-filled basin. Burney Creek originates from the park's underground springs and flows to Lake Britton, getting larger along the way to the majestic falls.
The park's landscape was created by volcanic activity as well as erosion from weather and streams. This volcanic region is surrounded by mountain peaks and is covered by black volcanic rock, or basalt. Created over a million years ago, the layered, porous basalt retains rainwater and snow melt, which forms a large underground reservoir.
Within the park, the water emerges as springs at and above Burney Falls, where it flows at 100 million gallons every day.
Burney Falls was named after pioneer settler Samuel Burney who lived in the area in the 1850s. The McArthurs were pioneer settlers who arrived in the late 1800s. Descendants were responsible for saving the waterfall and nearby land from development. They bought the property and gave it to the state as a gift in the 1920s.
Getting There
The park is northeast of Redding, six miles north of Highway 299 on Highway 89 near Burney.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The park is northeast of Redding, six miles north of Highway 299 on Highway 89 near Burney.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
The climate in this area 65 miles east of Redding is dictated by its predominantly mountainous topography. The park’s highest elevation is nearly 3,100 feet. Temperatures range from average lows of 20 degrees in winter to 80 degrees or more during the drier summer months. Between November and March, rainfall averages nearly 28 inches, with December and January being the wettest.
Layered clothing is advised.
The climate in this area 65 miles east of Redding is dictated by its predominantly mountainous topography. The park’s highest elevation is nearly 3,100 feet. Temperatures range from average lows of 20 degrees in winter to 80 degrees or more during the drier summer months. Between November and March, rainfall averages nearly 28 inches, with December and January being the wettest.
Layered clothing is advised.
Operating Hours & Contact
Please contact the park for hours of operation.
Telephone: 530-335-2777
Please contact the park for hours of operation.
Telephone: 530-335-2777
Camping & Lodging
The park has 128 family sites (no hookups) and seven primitive sites. A sanitation station is located near campsite 93.
Make Campground Reservations
Nestled within the 128 campsites you will find 24 one- and two-room cabins within walking distance of the falls and the camp store. Each of these cabins is well-insulated against chilly nights, and is equipped with propane heaters, platform bunk beds with foam pads, wood floors, and covered porches.
Cabins, which are offered in two sizes, 18 feet and 24 feet, come with a fire ring for campfires, outdoor table, and space to pitch a tent outside. All rental cabins are a short walk from a restroom with flush toilets and showers. All you need to bring are some sleeping bags and a battery-powered lantern or two (the cabins have no electricity or running water).
Make Cabin Reservations
The park has 128 family sites (no hookups) and seven primitive sites. A sanitation station is located near campsite 93.
Make Campground Reservations
Nestled within the 128 campsites you will find 24 one- and two-room cabins within walking distance of the falls and the camp store. Each of these cabins is well-insulated against chilly nights, and is equipped with propane heaters, platform bunk beds with foam pads, wood floors, and covered porches.
Cabins, which are offered in two sizes, 18 feet and 24 feet, come with a fire ring for campfires, outdoor table, and space to pitch a tent outside. All rental cabins are a short walk from a restroom with flush toilets and showers. All you need to bring are some sleeping bags and a battery-powered lantern or two (the cabins have no electricity or running water).
Make Cabin Reservations
Activities
Though the park is open year-round, its heaviest visitation takes place during summer. Spring and fall, when the weather is often quite enjoyable and the park is less crowded, are excellent times to visit.
Hiking
Five miles of hiking trails wind through evergreen forests, and the Pacific Crest Trail passes through the park.
Burney Creek Trail: This backcountry trail through a forest of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, incense cedar and a variety of oaks leads to the falls.
Pioneer Cemetery Trail: This hiking, dog-walking and bike-riding trail follows a historic wagon trail to the Pioneer Cemetery.
Fishing
At Burney Creek brook and rainbow trout are abundant in October, after the summer camping season slows down. At Lake Britton trout, bass, bluegill and crappie give anglers a good, sporting workout. Lake Britton is easily reached via the Burney Creek Trail or by vehicle.
Special Events
Heritage Day takes place on the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend, and features demonstrations and recreations of typical activities and crafts of the late 1800s.
Though the park is open year-round, its heaviest visitation takes place during summer. Spring and fall, when the weather is often quite enjoyable and the park is less crowded, are excellent times to visit.
Hiking
Five miles of hiking trails wind through evergreen forests, and the Pacific Crest Trail passes through the park.
Burney Creek Trail: This backcountry trail through a forest of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, incense cedar and a variety of oaks leads to the falls.
Pioneer Cemetery Trail: This hiking, dog-walking and bike-riding trail follows a historic wagon trail to the Pioneer Cemetery.
Fishing
At Burney Creek brook and rainbow trout are abundant in October, after the summer camping season slows down. At Lake Britton trout, bass, bluegill and crappie give anglers a good, sporting workout. Lake Britton is easily reached via the Burney Creek Trail or by vehicle.
Special Events
Heritage Day takes place on the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend, and features demonstrations and recreations of typical activities and crafts of the late 1800s.
Natural History
Though the proximity of two inactive volcanoes suggests the origins of the area around Burney Falls, this terrain is actually the result of molten lava that came up from underground as the earth’s crust moved. Beneath the volcanic rock formations, a chalky white substance - diatomaceous earth – was formed when microscopic plants sank to the bottom of an ancient sea floor. It is believed that some of the oldest rocks in the area may date back as much as 26 million years. Year-round about 100 million gallons a day of clear, cold water flow over the ancient, craggy rock face of the falls.
Typical of the rugged, undeveloped northeastern part of California, wildlife here is abundant. Such spectacles as migratory black swifts darting in and out of the falls to feed their nestlings, or the once-endangered bald eagle soaring high overhead are guaranteed to thrill the eye. The park’s selection as a viewing site for the Watchable Wildlife program is a testament to its variety of habitats and wildlife. A vibrant mix of coniferous forest - including ponderosa pine and, along Burney Creek, Douglas fir - provides habitat for such wildlife as western fence lizards, Pacific tree frogs, various woodpeckers, bald eagles and a variety of small mammals.
A mixed hardwood forest - predominantly California black oak and Oregon white oak – and chaparral are home to a wealth of mammals, including California ground squirrels, porcupines, coyotes, gray foxes and the occasional mountain lion. Numerous bird species, such as pileated woodpeckers, chestnut-backed chickadees, peregrine falcons, ospreys and non-native European starlings thrive here.
Montane chaparral is primarily a shrubby habitat, vital to mountain lions on the hunt, since it also provides cover for mule deer, the lion’s favorite prey. Small mammals include the brush rabbits and black-tailed jackrabbits that feed on chaparral, and various insects and birds that eat its seeds. This dry habitat has few reptile species.
Wet meadow habitat occurs in any area where the soil becomes incapable of absorbing water. The plants that grow here consist mostly of grasses and herbs. Until the land dries enough to accommodate the small rodents that attract such raptors as red-tailed hawks and northern harriers, it is primarily occupied by insects. Burney Creek represents riparian habitat, a significant resource that attracts American dippers, western pond turtles, Pacific tree frogs, nonnative bullfrogs, river otters and beavers.
Though the proximity of two inactive volcanoes suggests the origins of the area around Burney Falls, this terrain is actually the result of molten lava that came up from underground as the earth’s crust moved. Beneath the volcanic rock formations, a chalky white substance - diatomaceous earth – was formed when microscopic plants sank to the bottom of an ancient sea floor. It is believed that some of the oldest rocks in the area may date back as much as 26 million years. Year-round about 100 million gallons a day of clear, cold water flow over the ancient, craggy rock face of the falls.
Typical of the rugged, undeveloped northeastern part of California, wildlife here is abundant. Such spectacles as migratory black swifts darting in and out of the falls to feed their nestlings, or the once-endangered bald eagle soaring high overhead are guaranteed to thrill the eye. The park’s selection as a viewing site for the Watchable Wildlife program is a testament to its variety of habitats and wildlife. A vibrant mix of coniferous forest - including ponderosa pine and, along Burney Creek, Douglas fir - provides habitat for such wildlife as western fence lizards, Pacific tree frogs, various woodpeckers, bald eagles and a variety of small mammals.
A mixed hardwood forest - predominantly California black oak and Oregon white oak – and chaparral are home to a wealth of mammals, including California ground squirrels, porcupines, coyotes, gray foxes and the occasional mountain lion. Numerous bird species, such as pileated woodpeckers, chestnut-backed chickadees, peregrine falcons, ospreys and non-native European starlings thrive here.
Montane chaparral is primarily a shrubby habitat, vital to mountain lions on the hunt, since it also provides cover for mule deer, the lion’s favorite prey. Small mammals include the brush rabbits and black-tailed jackrabbits that feed on chaparral, and various insects and birds that eat its seeds. This dry habitat has few reptile species.
Wet meadow habitat occurs in any area where the soil becomes incapable of absorbing water. The plants that grow here consist mostly of grasses and herbs. Until the land dries enough to accommodate the small rodents that attract such raptors as red-tailed hawks and northern harriers, it is primarily occupied by insects. Burney Creek represents riparian habitat, a significant resource that attracts American dippers, western pond turtles, Pacific tree frogs, nonnative bullfrogs, river otters and beavers.
Park History
For thousands of years, several native groups lived here. The earliest known residents, the Ilmawi people, looked upon the falls as a sacred place. Though there is little evidence of their presence left in the park, it is known that they shared the abundance of this area with other native groups.
Two major subgroups of the people now known as the Pit River Nation - the Atsugewi and the Achumawi - shared a similar culture. The name “Pit” refers to a hunting method in which the hunters dug deep pits to trap such large game animals as antelope, deer and the occasional elk. Salmon and trout were a vital part of the native people’s diet. Small game included squirrels, rabbits, ducks, geese, sage hens and quail. The land also provided an abundance of acorns, bulbs, tubers, seeds and grasses, while medicinal needs were served by various trees, herbs and mosses.
Winter villages, which might be used for as much as six months, often consisted of bark houses or partly subterranean lodges. In warmer weather the people occupied houses built of brush and other light materials. Burney Falls and the sapphire pool at its base are still important to the Pit River people.
Non-Indian encroachment into this peaceful place began as early as the 1820s and ’30s, with the influx of fur trappers. In 1843 New Jersey native Pierson B. Reading, destined to become a leading citizen of Shasta County, described the falls in his diary. After the 1846 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the native people’s claims on the land were totally ignored. By the mid-1850s, European and American settlers were homesteading their lands.
Though the native groups tried to fight for their rights, their attempts brought about the vengeful destruction by European-Americans of a totally blameless village along Beaver Creek. In 1857 the U.S. Army established Fort Crook as a peacekeeping presence, attracting even more European-American settlers. By the time Fort Crook closed in 1867, those Indians who had not died from European-borne diseases, or been moved to the Round Valley Reservation in Mendocino County, were eking out a scarce living as day laborers.
Burney Falls was named after Samuel Burney, a drifter from South Carolina who arrived in the area in November 1858. The following spring Burney was acting as caretaker for Brook Farm, the property of Thomas Preadmore, whose treatment of Indian women had sparked anger among their people. In Preadmore’s absence a group of Indians came looking for revenge, and the unfortunate Burney paid for Preadmore’s actions with his life. Over time a number of local features came to be named after the luckless wanderer.
John and Catherine McArthur arrived in the 1860s, purchased thousands of acres, and opened a mercantile store in the area. In 1917 the newly formed Pacific Gas and Electric Company began buying up land and water rights in the area. Alarmed residents became concerned that PG&E, in the interests of providing more hydroelectric power, might dam the Pit River and destroy Burney Falls. Frank and Scott McArthur, sons of John and Catherine, purchased 160 acres surrounding the falls, and in 1920 they deeded the property to the State Board of Forestry, requesting only that it be named for their parents.
Over time several family farms and the small settlement of Peck’s Bridge sprang up along the Pit River near the falls. Early pioneer Isaac Ray established a short-lived lumber mill above the falls, but the area’s remoteness lasted well into the 1900s. A short hike to the Pioneer Cemetery will bear witness to the beginnings of some of the historic names associated with this part of California.
For thousands of years, several native groups lived here. The earliest known residents, the Ilmawi people, looked upon the falls as a sacred place. Though there is little evidence of their presence left in the park, it is known that they shared the abundance of this area with other native groups.
Two major subgroups of the people now known as the Pit River Nation - the Atsugewi and the Achumawi - shared a similar culture. The name “Pit” refers to a hunting method in which the hunters dug deep pits to trap such large game animals as antelope, deer and the occasional elk. Salmon and trout were a vital part of the native people’s diet. Small game included squirrels, rabbits, ducks, geese, sage hens and quail. The land also provided an abundance of acorns, bulbs, tubers, seeds and grasses, while medicinal needs were served by various trees, herbs and mosses.
Winter villages, which might be used for as much as six months, often consisted of bark houses or partly subterranean lodges. In warmer weather the people occupied houses built of brush and other light materials. Burney Falls and the sapphire pool at its base are still important to the Pit River people.
Non-Indian encroachment into this peaceful place began as early as the 1820s and ’30s, with the influx of fur trappers. In 1843 New Jersey native Pierson B. Reading, destined to become a leading citizen of Shasta County, described the falls in his diary. After the 1846 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the native people’s claims on the land were totally ignored. By the mid-1850s, European and American settlers were homesteading their lands.
Though the native groups tried to fight for their rights, their attempts brought about the vengeful destruction by European-Americans of a totally blameless village along Beaver Creek. In 1857 the U.S. Army established Fort Crook as a peacekeeping presence, attracting even more European-American settlers. By the time Fort Crook closed in 1867, those Indians who had not died from European-borne diseases, or been moved to the Round Valley Reservation in Mendocino County, were eking out a scarce living as day laborers.
Burney Falls was named after Samuel Burney, a drifter from South Carolina who arrived in the area in November 1858. The following spring Burney was acting as caretaker for Brook Farm, the property of Thomas Preadmore, whose treatment of Indian women had sparked anger among their people. In Preadmore’s absence a group of Indians came looking for revenge, and the unfortunate Burney paid for Preadmore’s actions with his life. Over time a number of local features came to be named after the luckless wanderer.
John and Catherine McArthur arrived in the 1860s, purchased thousands of acres, and opened a mercantile store in the area. In 1917 the newly formed Pacific Gas and Electric Company began buying up land and water rights in the area. Alarmed residents became concerned that PG&E, in the interests of providing more hydroelectric power, might dam the Pit River and destroy Burney Falls. Frank and Scott McArthur, sons of John and Catherine, purchased 160 acres surrounding the falls, and in 1920 they deeded the property to the State Board of Forestry, requesting only that it be named for their parents.
Over time several family farms and the small settlement of Peck’s Bridge sprang up along the Pit River near the falls. Early pioneer Isaac Ray established a short-lived lumber mill above the falls, but the area’s remoteness lasted well into the 1900s. A short hike to the Pioneer Cemetery will bear witness to the beginnings of some of the historic names associated with this part of California.
Accessible Features
Camping
Main Campground: Seven accessible campsites are available. Two of the seven have electric hook-ups for 10 amp hookup and are only suitable for operating medical equipment. All have accessible activity areas. Restrooms with showers are accessible including nearby accessible parking. Accessible campsite #‘s are 1, 3, 23, 27, 30, 47, 51.
Cabins: Two accessible cabins are provided in the Main Campground. They have heat but not electricity. Two single beds have foam mats. Fire circles, picnic tables and a tent site are included.
Headwaters "Environmental" Camp Area: For those who can travel the 50 feet from the parking to the two accessible campsites, this primitive walk-in campground is accessible. The accessible campsites offer accessible tables and fire rings, with accessible shared water spigots. An accessible no-flush restroom is also provided.
Picnic Area
Falls area: Accessible picnic sites are available, including accessible parking and van parking.
Lake area: Accessible picnic sites, restroom, and parking are available.
Trails
The accessible portion of the Headwaters Trail is a ¾ mile out and back trail upstream of Burney Falls along Burney Creek. There is an accessible fishing pier along the trail offering good fishing. Trailhead and parking are at the Falls Overlook parking area. A restroom is located near the General Store.
Two other trails are mostly obstacle-free, but probably not accessible for most wheelchair users.
Burney Creek Trail leads to a waterfall and is about 1.0 mile long. It has loose gravel at the start and somewhat steep slopes around .2 miles in. Very strong wheelchair users may find about the first .4 miles usable but challenging. Trailhead, parking, restroom and potable water are at Lake Day-Use parking area.
The Pioneer Cemetery Trail is a hike and bike trail on firm but rocky, sometimes rutted soil that follows a historic wagon trail leading to an old cemetery. Its 1.6 mile round trip length may be usable in fair weather for strong wheelchair users and others seeking a relatively easy trail. Trailhead and limited parking are near campsite #75 in Pioneer Campground.
Beach/Shore Access
Lake Britton Area: Beach wheelchairs are available for loan. Accessible parking and restrooms are nearby.
Exhibits/Programs
The Falls Overlook. An accessible path leads to the viewing area. There is an accessible restroom and parking available nearby.
Visitor Center. A visitor center providing exhibits and park information is accessible, including parking.
Fishing
Lake Britton Marina. A boat slip, fishing pier (photo) and paths of travel throughout are accessibly designed. An accessible restroom and parking are available.
Camping
Main Campground: Seven accessible campsites are available. Two of the seven have electric hook-ups for 10 amp hookup and are only suitable for operating medical equipment. All have accessible activity areas. Restrooms with showers are accessible including nearby accessible parking. Accessible campsite #‘s are 1, 3, 23, 27, 30, 47, 51.
Cabins: Two accessible cabins are provided in the Main Campground. They have heat but not electricity. Two single beds have foam mats. Fire circles, picnic tables and a tent site are included.
Headwaters "Environmental" Camp Area: For those who can travel the 50 feet from the parking to the two accessible campsites, this primitive walk-in campground is accessible. The accessible campsites offer accessible tables and fire rings, with accessible shared water spigots. An accessible no-flush restroom is also provided.
Picnic Area
Falls area: Accessible picnic sites are available, including accessible parking and van parking.
Lake area: Accessible picnic sites, restroom, and parking are available.
Trails
The accessible portion of the Headwaters Trail is a ¾ mile out and back trail upstream of Burney Falls along Burney Creek. There is an accessible fishing pier along the trail offering good fishing. Trailhead and parking are at the Falls Overlook parking area. A restroom is located near the General Store.
Two other trails are mostly obstacle-free, but probably not accessible for most wheelchair users.
Burney Creek Trail leads to a waterfall and is about 1.0 mile long. It has loose gravel at the start and somewhat steep slopes around .2 miles in. Very strong wheelchair users may find about the first .4 miles usable but challenging. Trailhead, parking, restroom and potable water are at Lake Day-Use parking area.
The Pioneer Cemetery Trail is a hike and bike trail on firm but rocky, sometimes rutted soil that follows a historic wagon trail leading to an old cemetery. Its 1.6 mile round trip length may be usable in fair weather for strong wheelchair users and others seeking a relatively easy trail. Trailhead and limited parking are near campsite #75 in Pioneer Campground.
Beach/Shore Access
Lake Britton Area: Beach wheelchairs are available for loan. Accessible parking and restrooms are nearby.
Exhibits/Programs
The Falls Overlook. An accessible path leads to the viewing area. There is an accessible restroom and parking available nearby.
Visitor Center. A visitor center providing exhibits and park information is accessible, including parking.
Fishing
Lake Britton Marina. A boat slip, fishing pier (photo) and paths of travel throughout are accessibly designed. An accessible restroom and parking are available.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Burney Falls and the Burney Creek Headwaters Trail
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial SP
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial SP
Moderate
3.2 mi
5.2 km
5.2 km
Guides
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial SP
Nearby Community Trips
We hiked this segment of the PCT near Castle. Very nice trail. Next year we plan to do more of it in this area.
