💧 Burney Falls
California
🚗 Check available routes: 🌋 Crater Lake → San Francisco Scenic Road Trip
💧 McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
📍 Location: Northern California, approximately 6 miles north of Burney
🗓️ Best time to visit: April through October
⏳ Recommended stay: 1 day; 1–2 days if camping or exploring Lake Britton
🌐 Official website: California State Parks — McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
🏞️ About the Park
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is a forested state park in Northern California, located within the Cascade Range and Modoc Plateau region.
Its centerpiece is Burney Falls, a 129-foot waterfall fed by Burney Creek and underground springs. Water flows over the main drop and also emerges through the porous volcanic rock face, creating many smaller cascades across the cliff.
The park also includes evergreen forest, volcanic terrain, Burney Creek, approximately five miles of streamside and lake shoreline, and access to Lake Britton.
✨ Why Visit
The park is especially known for:
- 💧 The spring-fed Burney Falls
- 🌿 A cool, mist-filled waterfall basin
- 🌲 Evergreen forest and volcanic landscapes
- 📸 Scenic waterfall photography
- 🥾 Forest trails and access to the Pacific Crest Trail
- 🎣 Fishing in Burney Creek and Lake Britton
- 🚣 Boating and seasonal lake recreation
- 🏕️ Campgrounds and cabins
- 🐦 Wildlife and birdwatching
📅 Best Months to Visit
🌸 April–May — Green and Cooler
Spring usually offers cooler temperatures, fresh vegetation, and comfortable conditions for walking and photography.
Rain, late snow, muddy trails, and temporary restrictions are still possible.
☀️ June–September — Best Overall Access
Summer generally provides the most reliable conditions for sightseeing, camping, hiking, and visiting Lake Britton.
- June: Pleasant temperatures and greener scenery
- July: Warm weather and peak visitation
- August: Hotter and drier, with possible wildfire smoke
- September: Cooler conditions and somewhat smaller crowds
Summer weekends and holidays can be extremely busy. Parking is limited, and the park may stop admitting vehicles when it reaches capacity.
🍂 October — Quiet Shoulder Season
October can offer cooler weather, fewer visitors, and early fall color.
Some seasonal services may operate on reduced schedules or close for the season.
🌧️ November–March — Winter Conditions
Burney Falls flows year-round, but winter visitors should expect:
- Cold temperatures
- Rain or snow
- Ice or mud on trails
- Limited seasonal services
- Possible road or trail restrictions
Check the official park page before traveling.
🌦️ Weather and Conditions
The park has warm, dry summers and cold, wetter winters.
The waterfall canyon is often cooler than the parking area because of shade, mist, and flowing water. Bringing a light layer is useful even during summer mornings.
During summer and early fall, wildfire smoke may reduce visibility and affect air quality.
Winter storms can produce snow, ice, fallen branches, and temporary closures.
🚗 Access
The park is located along California Highway 89, approximately 6 miles north of the community of Burney.
Visitors should know:
- 📵 Cell service may be limited
- ⛽ Food and fuel are available in Burney but limited near the park
- 🅿️ Parking capacity is limited
- 🚫 Vehicles may be turned away when the park is full
- 🚶 Parking along Highway 89 outside the park is unsafe and prohibited
- 🗺️ Maps and reservation details should be downloaded before arrival
Arrive early during summer, especially on weekends and holidays.
🎟️ 2026 Day-Use Reservations
California State Parks is operating a pilot day-use reservation system during the 2026 peak season.
According to the official 2026 reservation notice, an advance reservation is required from May 15 through September 27, 2026 on:
- Fridays
- Saturdays
- Sundays
- Memorial Day
- July 4
- Labor Day
Available reservation windows include:
- 🕗 Morning: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
- 🕐 Afternoon: 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
- ☀️ All day: Limited availability
Visitors with a campground or cabin reservation do not need a separate day-use reservation.
Annual-pass holders must still reserve an entry time when the reservation requirement applies.
Advance reservations are not currently required Monday through Thursday during that period or outside the listed peak-season dates.
💵 Fees
Current fees can change, but California State Parks has historically listed:
- 🚗 Day use: $10 per vehicle
- 🏕️ Standard camping: Starting around $35 per night
- 🚙 Additional camping vehicle: Additional fee
- 🛥️ Boat launch: Additional fee
- 🎟️ Reservation processing fees: May apply
Check current prices through the park’s reservation availability page before booking.
🏕️ Camping and Cabins
The park has developed campsites and rustic cabins.
Cabins are simple and may not include:
- Electricity
- Running water
- Bedding
- Lanterns
Visitors should bring their own sleeping supplies and lighting.
Campsites and cabins can fill far in advance. California State Parks generally allows reservations up to six months before arrival, subject to availability.
Use the official campground availability page to check dates and pricing.
🚧 Current Trail Closures
Trail access can change because of erosion, storm damage, maintenance, and construction.
The January 2026 trail-closure notice states that:
- The Burney Creek Trail is closed from Rainbow Bridge north to its intersection with the Rim Trail because of significant erosion
- The PSEA Trail is closed from Rainbow Bridge north to PSEA Camp because of significant erosion
- Visitors traveling toward the Lake Britton picnic area should use the Rim Trail where directed
Do not enter signed closure areas.
Check the park’s current posts and notices shortly before visiting because trail conditions may change.
🌊 Water Safety
Water near Burney Falls is extremely cold, and currents can be hazardous.
Visitors should:
- Remain behind barriers
- Avoid climbing on wet rocks
- Keep children close
- Follow all swimming restrictions
- Never enter closed areas
- Wear life jackets during boating activities
Entering the water is not permitted in restricted waterfall areas.
🔥 Wildfire and Smoke
Wildfire smoke can affect Northern California during summer and fall.
Before traveling, check:
- Park alerts and closures
- Local wildfire activity
- Air-quality forecasts
- Highway conditions
- Fire restrictions
Open flames and campfires may be prohibited during high fire danger.
🐻 Wildlife and Food Storage
Black bears and other wildlife live in the region.
Visitors should:
- Store food and scented items securely
- Use campground food lockers when provided
- Never feed wildlife
- Keep campsites clean
- Pack out all trash
🐾 Pets
Pets are allowed only in limited developed areas.
Dogs must generally remain:
- On a leash no longer than 6 feet
- Under physical control
- Away from wildlife
- Outside areas where pets are prohibited
Pets are generally not permitted on most trails or near the waterfall.
Review the California State Parks pet rules before bringing an animal.
♿ Accessibility
The park provides accessible campsites, cabins, parking areas, restrooms, picnic facilities, and selected trails or overlooks.
The official accessibility page includes current details about:
- Accessible campsites and cabins
- Parking and restrooms
- Visitor facilities
- Fishing access
- Lake overlooks
- Accessible trail segments
Accessibility may vary because of construction, weather, or seasonal operations.
✅ Before You Go
Check the relevant official page shortly before your visit: