Burney Falls, known as the "most beautiful waterfall in California" [Who can die without walking? A Journey to the American National Parks (34) The Jewel of Mt. Shasta]
Written by Sayaka Kato
Burney Falls is known as the most beautiful waterfall in California
It is a large waterfall with a cobalt blue basin and a height difference of 39 meters
California is a state with a wide variety of beautiful natural scenery
There are too many waterfalls to count, but this is a must-see
It's 80 kilometers from the city of Shasta, about an hour's drive
It's a little far away, but it's a power spot that's well worth a drive
(On the way here from Shasta city, you should also visit McCloud Falls. We'll write about McCloud Falls next time.)
I'm fascinated
Wherever you go, there is a different beauty and background, and every time you go, you are healed, moved, and filled with the mysterious energy of nature that exists there, both physically and mentally
It may be difficult to put into words, but I personally feel that Shasta is a place where you can feel a renewed sense of gratitude for being alive on this living organism called Earth, and where your heart and cells can truly feel joy
Seeing the meltwater flowing directly from the mountains, I am left speechless by its pure beauty, strength, and abundance
The Barney Flat Loop Trail, a quick walking trail, also continues from here, so be sure to take a walk
Trail Information
Burney Flat Loop Trail (Burney Falls)
Address: 4131 Dunsmuir Ave, Dunsmuir, CA 96025 (McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park)
*There is a $10 entrance fee to pay at the entrance
- Distance: 1.6km
- Elevation difference: approx. 50m
- Beginners welcome
- Hiking season: April to October (the waterfall itself can be seen all year round)
① Trailhead Viewpoint (Parking Lot)
There is a trailhead right from the parking lot that leads to the basin of the falls, from which you can see Burney Falls from above looking down on the falls
First, go down the stairs to the bottom of the waterfall
Head down and enjoy the negative ions emitted by Burney Falls
The water is cold, but if you want to swim, please do so. Feel the minerals of nature with your whole body
In the summer, you can see people swimming
From there, the mini trail finally begins again
Start by walking along the river at Burney Creek, which flows from Burney Falls
② Rainbow Bridge
Cross the bridge to the other side of the river and continue along the trail to the left
③④You can also see the beautiful Burney Falls from here. It is a secret view that can only be seen by hiking
⑤ Bridge 2
A little more hiking
This is what Burney Falls looks like from the back
⑥ Junction
On the road leading to the parking lot
The trail continues straight back to the parking lot
The parking area has a souvenir shop, restrooms, and a campsite
Please come here someday and enjoy the negative ions
Sayaka Kato
Leave your hiking and travel plans for Mt. Shasta, California to us. Influenced by my father, I've always loved outdoor activities. While living in Japan, I started hiking and touring national parks, and became fascinated by the natural beauty of the United States and Canada. This ultimately led me to my dream of visiting the United States. Currently, I run ANAMI TOURS, which offers local optional tours created together with clients, such as completely private hiking tours with Japanese guides. I'm happy to introduce special options that I can only find out about because I live in the area. If you're interested, please visit the website below
Related reading
McCloud Falls: Three Waterfalls of Rustic Beauty [Who Wants to Die Without Walking? A Journey to the American National Parks (35) The Jewel of Mt. Shasta]
Hedge Creek Falls: A Sacred Waterfall Hidden at the Foot of Mt. Shasta, the City of Water [Would You Die Without Walking? A Journey to America's National Parks (33) The Jewels of Mt. Shasta]
Recommended spots around Mount Shasta [Would you rather die without walking? A trip to America's National Parks (36) The Jewels of Mt. Shasta (Bonus Edition)]
A Journey to Mossbrae Falls, Walking the Railroad Tracks from "Stand by Me" [Who Would Die Without Walking? A Journey to the American National Parks (30) The Jewel of Mt. Shasta]