Northern Cal – Burney falls
This beautiful state park is near at the south end of the Northern California Cascade Range. To get there drive about 1 hour on Highway 299 east toward Burney and turn on Highway 89. The Burney Falls, are among the most attractive in the World and at the very heart of the park.. US President Theodore Roosevelt described them as ‘the eighth wonder of the World’. They have a double cascade of water thundering down a 129-foot drop into the Burney Creek Gorge. About a mile below the falls is Lake Britton which is fed from the water of Burney Falls. While the falls is it’s most spectacular in the spring, the water supply is year round. At the bottom of the falls, the spray creates a mist-filled basin of rainbows that is refreshingly similar to air-conditioning on the hot summer days. Like much of this area, the falls were formed by during Mount Lassens volcanic activity. Looking closely at the falls reveals much of the water pouring from inside the porous cliff behind. Looking closely at the falls reveals much of the water pouring from inside the cliff behind.
Falls Parking cost $6.00 per day. The Overlook has disabled access and give a great look of the falls. From below it can seem that people are stepping off the edge of the falls. In front of the falls there is a viewing area and there is a trail which loops around the falls from the Overlook to the viewing area which is only 2.4 miles long.
Burney Creek itself is where fishing opportunities are available, although there are streams and creeks all around to explore. a licence is require before you fish. Varieties of bass, catfish, crappie, rainbow and brown trout are in abundance here and the fishing can be challenging. Keep your eyes open for the rarely seen shy river otters that live on the trout. Fishing is available at the base of the falls in the cooling mist. fishing is often best in the Summer and Spring months however you can also find some good fishing in the fall.
There is also fishing at the Lake Britton Marina with excellent accessibility along a newly-built fishing pier. Boat rental is available, but it is often recomended to pre-book before arrival. Nearby Lake Britton offers outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, canoeing and a beach and of course fishing. It is possible to walk around the edge of the Lake for a distance of about two miles.
Several choices of campsite are available inside or near Burney Falls State Park. Most of these have been designed with accessibility for RV’s in mind. Within the park there are twenty four basic wooden cabins for rent which, with the park’s attention to environmentally friendly detail, do not have electricity or furniture, apart from bunk beds. It is suggested that campers bring their own camp table and chairs, although a picnic area is available outside the cabin. Restroom facilities are closeby. There are one hundred and twenty four campgrounds within the Burney Falls State Park too.
The park has a recently opened visitor centre (open from twelve noon till three pm) where park volunteers and rangers can answer questions. The history and geology of the park is explained and many photographs are on display. A shop stocks groceries and souvenirs and serves snacks from April through to September.
Hiking and trail-walking is a major attraction here, with plenty of walks to follow, depending on time available and capability. The Pacific Crest Trail forms a part of the five miles of hiking offered. Walks are color-coded for ease of use. Accessibility for the disabled is very good on much of the walkway.
The Heritage day celebration is one of the highlights of the year at Burney Falls State Park. This takes place on the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend and includes demonstrations of activities, crafts and traditions dating back to the late nineteenth century. Family activities include candle making, quilting, spinning and weaving, black smithing, apple pressing, and more. This even usually occurs around October 11th.
For children, there are various interactive shows arranged by Park Rangers after dark including campfire safety, videos of the Burney Falls Forest Fire of 1986 and other educational talks.
Come by California RV Park in Quincy California for a great place to rest up while you are in the area.
