McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

Created over a million years ago by volcanic activity, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park has long been considered the hidden gem of the Shasta Cascade. The park is best known for the 129-foot Burney Falls' continuous flow of 100 million gallons of water daily. The waterfall plummets down the face of a cliff, creating a picturesque — and misty — walk down to the pool and along the creek. As you hike the 3.5 mile trail past the falls and along the rim, consider if you agree with Teddy Roosevelt, who called the falls the "eighth wonder of the world." Even if you are biased towards the Egyptian pyramids, the cascade is in the running for ...

Created over a million years ago by volcanic activity, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park has long been considered the hidden gem of the Shasta Cascade. The park is best known for the 129-foot Burney Falls' continuous flow of 100 million gallons of water daily. The waterfall plummets down the face of a cliff, creating a picturesque — and misty — walk down to the pool and along the creek. As you hike the 3.5 mile trail past the falls and along the rim, consider if you agree with Teddy Roosevelt, who called the falls the "eighth wonder of the world." Even if you are biased towards the Egyptian pyramids, the cascade is in the running for California's most lovely waterfall. Other highlights of the park include access to Lake Britton for swimming, fishing and boating; camping and cabins; five miles of hiking trails through an evergreen forest (including a section of the Pacific Crest Trail); and wildlife spotting.

About the Expert

Michele Bigley is the author of Northern California: An Explorer's Guide and Great Destinations Kauai from Countryman Press.