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All the United States California Burney Falls
AO Edited

Burney Falls

The flow from this waterfall sometimes comes out of springs below its rim.

Burney, California

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slgwv
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Burney Falls.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
McArthur-Burney Falls 8/28/2019   Keri Kilgo / Atlas Obscura User
In particular, dogs are not allowed on the trails to the falls.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Burney Falls, with the twin streams from Burney Creek obvious. The width of the spring-fed zone is wider than the main falls.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Burney Falls overview from above.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
On the trail to the falls.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Through the trees.The plunge pool looks inviting but is said to be off-limits for swimming.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Oblique view.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Burney Falls, showing the main flow from Burney Creek as well as the springs below.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Burney Falls, sideways view.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Burney Falls, the centerpiece of McArthur-Burney Memorial State Park, is located in volcanic terrain related both to Cascade volcanism (to the west) and the Modoc Plateau (to the east). The area is therefore covered by many lava flows, and the rubble zones between these flows are highly permeable and make excellent aquifers. 

This is strikingly illustrated by the falls themselves. Burney Creek flows over the rim of the falls, which is defined by a hard lava ledge, but many springs in the cliff below the rim also contribute to the flow.

In fact, the springs come from a zone that is considerably wider than the watercourse above the falls. This happens because a rubble layer—an aquifer—between lava flows is exposed by the cliff face and carries the majority of the flow. Burney Creek often dries up completely in late summer, but flow still comes from the cliff springs.

Related Tags

Water Nature Waterfalls

Know Before You Go

Burney Falls is on California State Route 89 about six miles north of its intersection with CA SR 299. The park is very popular locally and there is limited parking, so during peak summertime hours, especially on weekends, it may be closed due to overflow. In addition, as per the sign photo, dogs are not permitted on most trails in the park.

 The Pacific Crest Trail also passes through the park.

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slgwv

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Keri Kilgo, lux umbra

  • Keri Kilgo
  • lux umbra

Published

May 10, 2022

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  •  https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29631
Burney Falls
24896 CA-89
Burney, California, 96013
United States
41.012054, -121.651772
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Photo of California

California

United States

Places 1,494
Stories 135

Nearby Places

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of California

California

United States

Places 1,494
Stories 135

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