Burney Falls

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is a site unlike any I have seen before, and I've seen many beautiful places throughout my hiking journey. This one had been on my list for years, but I was never able to take the time being that it is about four and a half hours each way from the San Francisco Bay Area. I am a firm believer in everything happening for a reason, and I truly believe I was meant to wait to experience this when I did. It was a weekend I will never forget, and this area will always hold a special place in my heart. Burney Falls is the second oldest state park in California. It is located about 6 miles north of Burney, California. To see the waterfall it actually doesn't take much of a hike at all. Shortly after you start the trail you can view it from the top. The trail winds down and takes you to another viewing area. After that there is a steep rocky area that you aren't really supposed to climb down, but most people do. Some were even brave enough to take the plunge into the freezing cold water. This waterfall is 129 feet tall and flows at 100 million gallons a day. The enormity of it is truly amazing. It has such force that you can feel the mist of the water against your face even from higher levels. The colors of the water and greenery surrounding it are truly picturesque. The park has a relatively small parking lot that fills up quick. It also has a $10 cash only kiosk for a day permit, so make sure to bring cash. By the time we got there it was already full so we had to park about a mile away. Make sure you are aware of where you park along the road, because there are many areas where you will be cited. Of all the waterfalls I've seen, I would definitely put this at the top of my list. It is also located not far from Lake Shasta, the town of McCloud and McCloud falls. We stayed at the cutest bed & breakfast in McCloud while there. It was the most adorable quaint town I've ever stayed in. There are plenty of options for food and drinks all within walking distance. My favorite part of McCloud was how incredibly clear the skies were. Ive never seen anything like it. We sat there for hours at night looking at all the stars, satellites and even the Milky Way. McCloud Falls is also stunning. It is actually three waterfalls named under one, upper, mid and lower falls. These are not as easy to get down to as Burney, but if you are looking for a longer hike this is a great one. It is also worth stopping to see from the top if that's all you have time for! I hope if you make it here, you enjoy it as much as I did!