Burney Falls - California Waterfalls; McArthur Burney Falls State Park, Burney-hike/trail/map/directions

Burney Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in northern California and is very gorgeous. The best part about this waterfall, however, is that it flows year-round, one of the very few waterfalls in California that has good flow throughout the year. So if you are in California and are anxious to see a waterfall and it is the middle of the winter, then Burney Falls is the one to see when all the others have long since stopped flowing.

It flows year round because the source of Burney Creek is from underground springs, located about a half mile or so above the falls. Indeed, if you look closely, you will see that much of the falls comes right out of the middle of the face of the cliff. These springs start from snow melt on Burney Mountain, and flow underground until they reach Burney Creek above the falls. If you travel up Burney Creek 3/4 of a mile, you will see it is dry in late summer. It is boggling, but fascinating.

You have a few options at Burney Falls. You can drive up and park at the falls overlook after paying your $8 fee. You must at least, however, take a walk down to the base of the falls for a close-up view of this tremendous waterfall. The recommended trail is a 2.4 mile (loop) hike along the Headwaters Trail following Burney Creek away from the waterfall. This joins up with the Pacific Crest Trail going back downstream towards the falls. This trail then joins up with the Falls Loop Trail which leads to an overlook of the waterfall. The Falls Loop Trail continues along near the base of the waterfall, with many great viewpoints, then goes back up to the parking lot.

The official height of Burney Falls is listed at 129 ft. high. However, I question that height. My measurement of the waterfall was only 99 ft. high, and I do not think I was too far off in my readings. Once again, I wonder who measured the waterfalls height and how?

9 Miles N Burney CA (Elev. 3054 ft)

Today
Rain and snow showers likely before noon, then rain showers. Some thunder is also possible. High near 43. West southwest wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Tonight
A chance of rain and snow showers before 11pm, then snow showers likely between 11pm and 2am, then rain and snow showers after 2am. Low around 31. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Tuesday
Rain and snow showers, becoming all rain after 11am. High near 44. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Tuesday Night
A chance of rain showers, mixing with snow after 8pm, then gradually ending. Widespread frost after 11pm. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 25. West wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Wednesday
Widespread frost, mainly before 10am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Calm wind.
Wednesday Night
Widespread frost, mainly after 11pm. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 25.
Thursday
Widespread frost, mainly before 10am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 53.
Thursday Night
Widespread frost, mainly after 1am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 27.
Friday
Widespread frost, mainly before 9am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 58.
Friday Night
Widespread frost, mainly after 2am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 29.
Saturday
Widespread frost. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 64.
Saturday Night
Widespread frost. Otherwise, clear, with a low around 31.
Sunday
Widespread frost. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 66.