The park is northeast of Redding, six miles north of Highway
89
Burney Falls is not the
highest nor largest waterfall in the state, but many people
consider it the most beautiful. Unlike other waterfalls here or
elsewhere, it continues to flow at the same rate all year long:
about 100 million gallons every day. Additional water comes
from springs, joining to create a mist-filled basin. Burney Creek
originates from the park's underground springs and flows to Lake
Britton, getting larger along the way to the majestic
falls.
The water temperature, even on hot summer
days, is about 42 degrees Fahrenheit. The 129-foot-high waterfall
cascades into an almost iridescent pool underneath. Light
penetrates deep into the clear water, reflecting a cool blue color.
At the foot of the falls it is like a rain forest: cool and laced
with mist. A trail leads from the foot of the falls down to Lake
Britton. There are 3 different kinds of trout in the creek: Native
Rainbow Trout, and introduced Brook and German Brown Trout. Fishing
is allowed during normal trout season.
There are five miles of hiking trails
winding through the park's evergreen forests. The Pacific Crest
Trail passes through the park. The parks elevation is nearly 3100
feet. The park is within the Cascade Range and Modoc Plateau
natural region, with forest and five miles of streamside and lake
shoreline, including a portion of Lake
Britton.
Burney Falls was
named after pioneer settler Samuel Burney who lived in the area in
the 1850s. The Macarthur’s were pioneer settlers who arrived in the
late 1800s. Descendants were responsible for saving the waterfall
and nearby land from development. They bought the property and gave
it to the state as a gift in the 1920s.
The falls were
called "the Eighth Wonder of the World" by President Theodore
Roosevelt, and were declared a National Natural Landmark in
December 1984.
Any season is ideal for viewing the falls,
which are easily accessible from the parking areas. There is an
entrance fee of $6.00, but it is well worth it. While paying, be
sure to ask for the brochure that explains all the geological
features, as well as the history of the Falls and the Park. Camping
is also available year round, with 121 developed sites, as well as
as 24 cabins. Call the Park at (530)-335-2777 for rates and
reservations.
The park's landscape was created by volcanic
activity as well as erosion from weather and streams. This volcanic
region is surrounded by mountain peaks and is covered by black
volcanic rock, or basalt. Created over a million years ago, the
layered, porous basalt retains rainwater and snow melt, which forms
a large underground reservoir. Though
the proximity of two inactive volcanoes suggests the origins of the
area around Burney Falls, this
terrain is actually the result of molten lava that came up from
underground as the earth’s crust moved. Beneath the volcanic rock
formations, a chalky white substance—diatomaceous earth—was formed
when microscopic plants sank to the bottom of an ancient sea floor.
It is believed that some of the oldest rocks in the area may date
back as much as 26 million years.
Typical
of the rugged, undeveloped northeastern part of California,
wildlife here is abundant. Such spectacles as migratory black
swifts darting in and out of the falls to feed their nestlings, or
the once-endangered bald eagle soaring high overhead are guaranteed
to thrill the eye. The park’s selection as a viewing site for the
Watchable Wildlife program is a testament to its variety of
habitats and wildlife.
To log this Earthcache, please
answer and email the following questions to the owner. DO NOT post
your answers online, or your log will be deleted.
At the posted coordinates, there is
a sign. What are the 6 kinds of items listed here?
At N41*00.752 W121*39 052 there is
another sign. How far downstream did the Falls originally exist?
What is the process called that caused the Falls to move? Bonus
Question: On either side of the viewing platform, there are two
small signs. What do they read?
Please also post a picture of
yourself and your party with the Falls in view.
Hope you enjoy your visit to Burney
Falls, and Cache On!