Sunday, May 24, 2015

a day at the falls

It is hot. CRAZY hot here in the summer.  Why? Why must it be so blasted hot? I suppose there is some scientific answer about us living at the top of the valley with the mountains all around us keeping the hot air in.  Right now, there is some expert in geography reading this, starting his rebuttal comment, about how my explanation is rubbish.   Well type away friend, because the bottom line is that I couldn't care less what causes the heat.  All I want is a way out of the inferno.  

When the the thermometer goes over 110 degrees, I go looking for ways to get out of the heat.  One of my favorite places is Burney Falls.  While it's only about 10-15 degrees cooler in the town of Burney, when you get down by the falls, it's MUCH cooler.  And if you really want to cool off, just stick your feet in that frigid water.  



Get out of the Redding Heat at McArthur-Burney Falls Sate Park!

Just about an hour's drive on Hwy 299 E takes you to the incredible Burney Falls.  It's not the tallest waterfall in the state but it is arguably the most beautiful.




You can look at the falls from the top of the trail (like in the picture above and in the photo with those three adorable children in it), but the best way to experience it, is to take the approx half mile walk down the trail to the base of the falls.



Burney Falls, McArthur-Burney Fall State Park, Northern California

Just feel the mist as you get closer and closer.  The temperature is noticeably cooler each step of the way.  A welcome respite from the Redding heat.

Burney Falls, McArthur-Burney Fall State Park, Northern California


Every once in a while you can catch some kid (and by "kid", I mean a teenage boy with no sense of self preservation) swimming in the pool below the falls.  Let me just say, THAT IS CRAZY.  The water is straight off the mountain and SO cold. And I definitely would never let my children in, not only because the water is cold, but it is also rough and difficult to swim in. With 129 foot drop, the falls are very powerful. But there are plenty of rocks for the kids to climb on.  Keep a watchful eye, those rocks are slippery!   If you're not too tired from the walk down, there is a beautiful 1.3 mile hike around the falls. 




Burney Falls, McArthur-Burney Fall State Park, Northern California

Hey! Don't leave right after the falls! Make sure to bring your picnic lunch and bathing suit and head over to Lake Britton (in the park) for some picnic tables and sandy beach for the kids to play and swim.  You can fish, rent a small motor boat, paddle boat or canoe.


There is so much to do there! Camping, cabins, and more if you want to make a weekend trip out of it.


Check out www.burney-falls.com or www.parks.ca.gov for more info.

2 comments:

  1. I had so much fun at this park. I have done everything from hiking to camping to family reunions to boating trips it's great

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    1. I also have many wonderful memories of Burney Falls. Many of them with you! Thanks for your comment Kevin!

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