McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
🏆 Official Guide: McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park — Home to the 129-foot Burney Falls, famously called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” by Teddy Roosevelt — a California park in Shasta County featuring 100 million gallons/day of spring-fed water flow, the Pacific Crest Trail, 128 campsites + 24 cabins, and stunning volcanic geology.
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park in Shasta County, California, is defined by its centerpiece — the magnificent Burney Falls. At 129 feet, the waterfall is fed not by snowmelt but by underground springs that push through porous basalt rock, creating a feathery, curtain-like cascade flowing at approximately 100 million gallons per day — even during California’s driest summers.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Shasta County, CA — near Burney, off Hwy 89 |
| Waterfall Height | 129 feet |
| Flow Rate | ~100 million gallons/day — year-round |
| Campsites | 128 developed sites |
| Cabins | 24 rustic cabins |
| Pacific Crest Trail | PCT passes through the park |
Trails
| Trail | Details |
|---|---|
| Falls Loop Trail | ~0.7 mi — overlook + base of falls — paved start |
| Headwaters Trail | Forest walk to Burney Creek headwaters |
| Pacific Crest Trail | Passes through park — connect to larger PCT sections |
| Lake Britton Shoreline | Lakeside trail — fishing, wildlife viewing |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Waterfall Viewing | 129-ft Burney Falls — viewable from overlook and base |
| Hiking | 5+ miles — Falls Loop, PCT, forest trails |
| Camping | 128 sites + 24 cabins — reservations recommended |
| Fishing | Burney Creek + Lake Britton — trout |
| Swimming | Lake Britton beach area |
| Kayaking | Lake Britton access |
| Wildlife | Black swifts nesting behind falls, deer, diverse birds |
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Teddy Roosevelt really call it the Eighth Wonder?
President Theodore Roosevelt reportedly called Burney Falls the “eighth wonder of the world” during a visit. While the exact attribution is debated, the sentiment captures the falls’ extraordinary beauty. The year-round, spring-fed flow of 100 million gallons per day through volcanic basalt creates a uniquely dramatic and photogenic waterfall.
Can I swim at the base of the falls?
Swimming is not permitted at the base of Burney Falls. However, Lake Britton has a designated swimming beach within the park. The lake also offers kayaking and fishing opportunities. The water at the falls is cold year-round.
Park Location
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