It had been more than 20 years since I visited McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. In the past, I usually just viewed the waterfall from a couple of places and then enjoyed other parts of the park. This time, I hiked a 3-mile loop along both sides of Burney Creek. So, while I again saw the falls, I also gained a broader perspective of the natural system in which it operates.
Burney Falls is 129 feet high, and its pool is 22 feet deep. One hundred million gallons of water per day reportedly flows over the waterfall and along Burney Creek.
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| On the Descent to the Base of the Falls |
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| Burney Falls |
Close to the falls, the creek flows swiftly and noisily. Further upstream, the current is much calmer and gentler.
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| Burney Creek |
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| Plants Grow in the Waters of Burney Creek |
About a mile above the waterfall lies Headwaters Pool, the point where an underground stream comes to the surface. This stream is the reason why Burney Falls flows year-round. It's hard to believe so much water and the impressive waterfall develops from this seemingly unassuming source.
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| Headwaters Pool (it expands significantly in the winter and spring) |
Beyond Headwaters Pool and its emerging stream, the creek apparently turns seasonal. At this time of the year, no water was visible.
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| Dry Creek Bed (only moisture appears to be underground) |
There was more than water to see during the hike. In several places I witnessed the volcanic nature of the area.
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| Hillside of Moss-Covered Rocks |
I also came across several interesting plants.
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| Sun Makes the Leaves of the Vine Maple Glow |
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| Mountain Misery (search online to see how this plant got its ominous name) |
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| Rough Cocklebur |
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