McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

One of California’s great natural attractions is Burney Falls at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, in the southern Cascades, east of Redding.

Unlike Yosemite Falls, Burney Falls runs year round, as it is fed by a river. Two, large waterfalls drop into an emerald green pool and thousands of smaller falls weep through a porous basalt cliff into the pool, creating a magical impression.

100  million gallons of water pour from the falls each day.

In autumn, black oak and bigleaf maple surround the falls which President Teddy Roosevelt described as “the eighth wonder of the world.”

Color spotter Clayton Peoples visited the park over the weekend and was “pleased to find that the black oak trees that populate the area were turning. Some of the oaks within the park were at full peak with burnt orange hues, while many others–especially those near Burney Falls–were near peak with leaves running the gamut from green to yellow to orange.”

He estimates that the foliage will continue to develop in coming weeks, though characterizes the scene as “near peak,” stating “Burney Falls is a spectacular sight in any season, but seeing it framed by fall colors is a special late-October treat.”

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park (2,907′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!