California – Burney Falls Loop Trail near Shasta & Redding
Burney Falls is one of those places in California that I’ve heard about for years and finally made a point to see it myself. During my Northern California & Southern Oregon road trip, Burney Falls was one of our first stops (after the Sundial Bridge), and it made for a spectacular start to our vacation. The falls themselves drop 129 ft into a deep turquoise pool, but what’s delightful about this location are the various viewpoints and loop trail. Keep reading why you should make the extended detour to make the Burney Falls Loop Trail if you’re ever in the area.
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Burney Falls from the Top: Parking Lot Viewpoint
Head over to the viewpoint after paying your state park entrance fee either at the entrance building or digital kiosk (it takes credit cards!). There are uneven rock steps down to the viewpoint or an accessible slope. The outlook is a fantastic first way to experience Burney Falls. The view is higher than the falls with trees that perfectly frame the waterfall for a lovely photo opportunity. If you have any mobility issues, you can still enjoy the falls from this vantage point.
We visited on the last day of February (a Sunday) of a relatively dry winter season. There was no snow on the ground, but plenty of visitors were still in the parking area. There was a line for the digital kiosk, so we visited this viewpoint before paying (don’t tell anyone!), then went back to pay. Honestly, not a bad plan because we got the outlook to ourselves while everyone was in line! After paying, we started the trail down to the bottom of the falls.
Walking Down to the Falls
The trail down to the falls starts at the same place as the parking lot viewpoint. Continue downhill on the sloping switchbacks. I do not recall any steps on the trail, but there is some uneven footing and steeper sections. There is a railing along the areas that have a decline, which is good for all ages. Be conscientious if you are the faster hiker by being patient or the slower hiker by pulling over and letting the eager beavers pass. It’s not very long, with a glorious view of Burney Falls at eye-level.
On one end of a switchback, there is an excellent view of the falls with a short rock wall. I HIGHLY recommend taking photos with the falls as it is the closest you will get to the falls. There is just one more small section of the trail until you are at the base of the falls. The loop trail does not come back by this spot, but you can backtrack if it’s busy.
At a Glance:
- Rating: 4 (out of 4) stars, loved it and would go back to catch it in full sun
- Intensity: Tennis shoes or hiking shoes (it’s a little muddy/possibly icy in winter, so opt for more grip), comfortable clothes to walk in
- Location: The McArthur-Burney State Park is about an hour outside of Redding and Shasta area, closer to Lassen National Park
- Cost: $10/per vehicle State Park Fee
- Restrooms: I believe there are a few near the parking area
- Timing: .5 – 3 hours
- Distance: 1.0 mile
- Elevation Gain: 134 ft
Highlights:
- Stunning waterfall that flows into a deep turquoise pool
- Multiple views of Burney Falls – from above, mid-level, and at the base
- The loop trail allows you to explore more of the area
Lowlights:
- Busy even in winter! Don’t expect to be alone, especially on weekends
- The visitor center and gift shop were closed during our visit.
Burney Falls from the Bottom
At the last little viewpoint and the bottom of the falls, I would get wisps of the mist. There is ample open space to view the falls at the bottom… but it’s not exactly at the water’s edge. If you can find sure footing, you can make your way down to the water for an even more epic view of Burney Falls.
At the water, you get a much more immersive experience with the mist and the thunderous water as it hits the pool. Be prepared to wipe off the camera on your phone several times and not be able to hear what your travel partners are saying! Haha, and yet, this is the glory of being at the base of a waterfall.
Continuing Downstream to Make the Loop
Once you are satisfied with the view of the falls, you get to decide whether you want to head back up the switchbacks you just came down or continue downstream to make a loop. If you choose to make the loop, there will still be climbing, and there will not be another good view of the falls. However, you will have a delightful change of scenery and get away from the crowds.
To make the loop, continue downstream away from the falls. You will follow the stream for a couple of minutes until you come upon an adorable half-circle bridge crossing the river. After the half-circle bridge, you will begin to climb on the opposite side of the parking area. It is a dirt trail with no handrails, so it feels much more like a hiking trail. After a few minutes of incline, there is one little overlook of Burney Falls. With a few trees in the way, it is not a clear sight of the falls. This was the last time we saw the falls until we were back at the parking area.
I believe there is just one more switchback to a higher trail and viewpoint. Unfortunately, you cannot see the falls from this top viewpoint due to the angle. From there, you will follow the river upstream for a few minutes. The trail intersects with the Pacific Coast Trail, which is super cool. After another bridge, you’ll be back at the parking area. We enjoyed reading the informational signs and tried (somewhat successfully) to remember the difference between Ponderosa Pine Trees and Incense Cedar, both prevalent in the area.
Burney Falls Loop – What to Bring with You
The Burney Falls Loop Trail is only a mile long. You could probably make it without much or you can bring a picnic to enjoy with the view – it’s up to you! I didn’t bother switching out my purse for this little hike, but it totally felt weird to hike with a purse. Would bring a small backpack or hip pack next time!
- Download the Alltrails Map
- Water bottle – You cannot go wrong with a handy dandy Nalgene
- Sunscreen – I use this sunscreen for my face, and this one for my body
- Snack to keep you going!
Get to the Trailhead
Burney Falls is a good hour from both Shasta and Redding – it’s out there in the foothills! But it’s also a beautiful drive. If you are coming from Shasta, you can pair Burney Falls with McCloud Falls (the road may be closed down to the McCloud Falls viewpoints in winter). Pop Burney Falls into Google Maps or Apple Maps for specific directions. Since it is a state park, there are signs to turn into Burney Falls when you get to the area. The trailhead starts from the parking area across from the digital payment kiosk.
Overall Thoughts: Burney Falls
Before going, I was a bit worried that Burney Falls would not be accessible or snow-covered at the end of February. Luckily that was not the case! It turns out that the area is not as high elevation as I had thought and California also hadn’t got significant snow in months. However, I also think it would be stunning in winter. Although out of the way, Burney Falls was a phenomenal stop on our northern California road trip. The deep blue pool is mesmerizing, and I would love to come back in slightly warmer temps to see the falls in full sun and the foliage even brighter.
Other Activities in the Shasta/Redding Area
- Winter: Cross-Country Skiing at the Shasta Nordic Center
- Another thing to do in the area are the McCloud Falls (I didn’t visit during my road trip because the road was closed, but I hope to do so in the future)
- And if you’re passing through Redding, make a quick stop by the Sundial Bridge!
Although I grew up in central California, I haven’t explored the super northern-California area all that much. What else should I do in the area?? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Travels,
Hanna
