A 129-foot, spring-fed waterfall at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, called the 'eighth wonder of the world' by Theodore Roosevelt.
Burney Falls drops 129 feet into a pool on Burney Creek at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, fed not only by the creek but by springs emerging from the volcanic cliff face, together totaling roughly 100 million gallons a day. That spring contribution keeps the falls running at a strong, steady volume year-round rather than rising and falling with rainfall the way most waterfalls do. Theodore Roosevelt is widely credited with calling the falls the 'eighth wonder of the world' after an early-1900s visit.
The Falls Loop Trail circles the gorge near the main overlooks, though California State Parks' current trail-closure notice reports the Burney Creek Trail and PSEA Trail closed from their junction with the Falls Loop Trail at Rainbow Bridge, due to significant storm erosion; hikers headed toward the Lake Britton picnic area are directed to use the Rim Trail instead. Day use costs $10 per vehicle, and the park requires parking reservations on Fridays through Sundays and holidays from May 15 through September 27, 2026. Check current park notices before a visit.
On 2026-10-11 California State Parks reported the Burney Creek Trail and PSEA Trail closed (from their Falls Loop Trail junction at Rainbow Bridge) due to storm erosion, with the Rim Trail as the alternate route to Lake Britton; parking reservations are also required Fridays-Sundays and holidays, May 15-Sept 27, 2026. Check the official page for updates. Check the current notice ↗
Know before you go
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Highway 89 near Burney, Shasta County, about 6 miles north of Highway 299.
Open year-round; flow stays strong and steady thanks to the spring source. Check current notices before traveling.
Falls Loop Trail circles the gorge; connecting Burney Creek and PSEA Trail segments are currently closed for storm damage.
Day-use $10 per vehicle; parking reservations required Fridays-Sundays and holidays, May 15-Sept 27, 2026.
Check the park's accessible-features page for current accessible viewing options.
2026-10-12. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
- California State Parks — McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial SP ↗
- California State Parks — Trail Closure Notice ↗
- USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) ↗
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.
