McArthur Burney Falls in northern California is absolutely spectacular! The park itself is at the southern edge of the Cascade mountain range, and is very near both Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta. Burney Creek feeds Burney Falls, however most of the water you see flowing over the falls doesn't come from Burney Creek—it comes from springs that emerge from the porous volcanic rock. These springs are fed by rain and snowmelt that seep underground into aquifers within the basalt and then resurface at the falls, providing a steady flow of water year-round (about 100 million gallons per day), even during dry seasons.
I visited in late June, and it was definitely the dry season!
The rivulets coming straight out of the mountainside fascinated me! Please click on the individual images to view them in full size. The colors and textures were just mesmerizing...
It is so picturesque here - no matter where you look, beauty is all around you.
I hiked around the whole Burney Falls Loop Trail (twice!); if you haven't had the chance to do it, I highly recommend it. Not only do you hike by the falls, but also near a huge basalt mountain and along the Burney Creek. I met an inchworm on the Rainbow Bridge, and hugged many a redwood tree that lined the trail. I love the textured bark that is actually quite soft to the touch.
The Rainbow Bridge is so photogenic - it is at the halfway point on the trail with spectacular views of Burney Creek
For whatever reason, the redwood trees just called to me - their texture and scent, their softness and their strength - the majestic trees here just spoke my language.
As the trail begins to climb back up toward the top of the falls, you get a few nice 'sneak peaks' of the falls from a different angle
This is Burney Creek right above the falls
Fisherman's Bridge - you can apparently catch trout from this bridge!
I was able to get a one-room cabin, and it was fabulous! It made camping there incredibly easy!
At night, I tried my hand at some Astrophotography, but wasn't able to get quite the pictures I had hoped for. Still, it was a fun adventure :)
I'm already looking forward to returning!
