This white cascading beauty in what looks like lush green forests, is Burney Falls in Northern California. McArthur – Burney Falls Memorial State Park — where the waterfall is — calls it the centerpiece of the park. And Theodore Roosevelt is quoted having called it the ‘eighth wonder of the world.’
Burney Falls is the Burney Creek falling down a 129 feet drop. The water here is not exactly water flowing down one of the mountains of the Cascade Range. The source is actually underground springs in this volcanically active area. The rocks are basaltic and porous and the best part of this waterfall, I thought, was the water seeping off the rocks a few feet below the top of the waterfall.
Look carefully and you will see what looks like a delicate curtain of water on the sides of the main waterfall. That is the underground water squeezing out the different layers of lava rocks of the Cascade mountains.
The Waterfalls
Burney Falls is situated in Shasta County and is roughly an hour’s drive northeast of Redding, California.
NOTE: We were at Burney on the second day of Summer and there was this much water, so — I’m sure you won’t be disappointed visiting here in the hot, dry months. Don’t forget to take note of the water that flows through the rocks of that rockface of the fall.
McArthur – Burney Falls Memorial State Park
The state park where Burney Falls is has another thing to be proud of. The history of State Parks has this one listed as the second park to be declared a state park in California. (Make a trip to the oldest SP at the end of this post. Will leave a link, there. 🙂 ).
This park has a general store and restrooms and campgrounds. If you are there just to see Burney Falls, you can buy a day pass at the entrance of the park. The Burney Falls overlooks is very close to the parking lot. There are a few trails around the waterfall and other parts of the park if you would like to take a walk around here.
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By the way, why do YOU think President Roosevelt seemed to think Burney Falls ought it be one of the (natural) wonders of the world?
Linking to
Magnificent photos. Love the way the water is coming out from the rocks.
Thank you, Fun60 🙂
The water seeping through those layers of rock was my favourite part, too. 🙂
It’s been a long time since I’ve been here. This is just a reminder that perhaps a return visit is needed.
Worth a Thousand Words
I was surprised to see so much water here in the summer. So unlike the rest of the waterfalls we have around here, right? I’m sure it’s even better after the rains. 🙂
I’d love to see the pictures from your visit, M. 🙂
[…] Could Burney Falls be a ‘natural wonder?’ […]
Indeed a very interesting place…. but waterfalls can be due to various reasons and one of them is the underground river/water source/ decides to come out which I think is happening here. Whatever the reason the falls sure are a view worth watching for.
That was what I thought too — that it is not a rare occurrence.
I’m just curious about the reason.
Oh yeah! there is no denying that Burney Falls is a great sight.
Thank you for coming this way, Prasad. 🙂
Hello, It is a beautiful place and waterfalls. I would love to visit this park! Gorgeous photos. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!
It is. 🙂
Thank you, Eileen. You have a great week, too.
And Happy Thanksgiving. 🙂
That is a really beautiful waterfall – definitely a wonder in my opinion.
Absolutely beautiful!
Thank you, Al. 🙂
Amazing nature, well captured too!
Isn’t it amazing?! I love the sight of those delicate layers of water falling.
Thank you, Magiceye. 🙂
Loving it, amazing photography.
🙂
Thank you Akaash.
Welcome here. 🙂
Oh yes it is awesome, if only we are nearer that will not be missed by this waterfall-chasing lady!
Oh yeah? You are a waterfall chaser? 🙂
You’d have loved this one. 🙂
Have a good week, Andrea.
Awesome place, nice shots.
Thank you, Jyotirmoy. 🙂
Such a beautiful spot. Good photo opportunity too!
It is a very beautiful waterfall. 🙂
The photographs were so amazing an captivating my attention.
Thank you Harry.
Hope to see you here, again.
wow stunning views.
It’s a lovely little corner. 🙂
What a beautiful place with awesome scenery. Wow! As far as I’m concerned, it can be called a natural wonder 🙂
Isn’t it?
It IS naturally wonderful. 🙂
Thank you for stopping by, Betty. 🙂
What gorgeous pics Deepali’ I especially loved the one of the water seeping out from underground rocks – that one is just stunning!
It’s Divya. 🙂
Oh yes, those delicate streams out the rocks were the most beautiful part.
Thank you for visiting, Shalini. 🙂
That looks great 🙂
Alle? 🙂
Thank you, JD.
[…] Could Burney Falls be a ‘natural wonder?’ […]
Wow! This is one amazing waterfall with the water seeping out of the rocks. Such a beautiful sight, loved all the pictures Divya. And yes, I am with the president – it is a natural wonder!