Burney Falls, one of CA’s most picturesque waterfalls, is about to get harder to visit
A popular and picturesque Northern California waterfall off the beaten path will soon become harder to visit during peak tourist season as state officials roll out a new weekend and holiday reservation system.
Located about 65 miles northeast of Redding in Shasta County, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park has attracted roughly double number of visitors over the past decade, which officials with the California State Parks agency said has caused damage to vegetation, traffic backups, public safety concerns and erosion.
To address those concerns, California State Parks announced earlier this month that a new day-use reservation program will take effect Friday, May 15. The new day-use pass will be required for visitors on Fridays through Sundays and holidays during the park’s peak visitation season, which runs from May 15 to Sept. 27. Visitors on other days and during the park’s slower season will not need a reservation.
“By allowing visitors to make a reservation in advance, we can help keep crowds manageable and not push the park’s resources past the breaking point,” State Parks Director Armando Quintero wrote in a statement. “I thank our guests for their understanding as we work together to create a better visitor experience while helping to preserve this iconic place for generations to come.”
The passes will be $10 per vehicle, according to a release. There will be 103 passes between 8 a.m. and noon and again from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, there will be 35 passes for the entire day. Same-day reservations are not allowed, and campground guests are exempt from the requirement. Passes can be booked on the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park website.
State Parks officials warn visitors that parking along Highway 89 is illegal for a mile outside the park in either direction, which could result in a citation and the vehicle being towed.
“Visitors should expect traffic delays on State Highway 89 for up to an hour prior to entering the park due to the increased visitation experienced at this park,” the park’s website states.
The reservation system comes two years after California State Parks closed the park’s main trails and access to the base of the falls because of an $835,000 repair project tied to years of heavy foot traffic and erosion.
The waterfall has long been considered one of California’s signature natural landmarks. President Theodore Roosevelt once described the falls as a “wonder,” helping cement its reputation as one of the state’s premier outdoor destinations.
Established in the early 1920s, the park has long been known for sightseeing, hiking, camping, fishing and boating. During summer months, its campgrounds routinely fill with visitors from across California.
Although Burney Falls is not the tallest or largest waterfall in California, the State Parks website says it may be the state’s most beautiful.
The falls are fed by underground springs flowing through porous volcanic basalt in the Cascade Range, creating the appearance that water is emerging directly from the cliff face itself. The surrounding landscape was shaped by lava flows and erosion over millions of years, according to interpretive information posted throughout the park.
Burney Falls is named after settler Samuel Burney. He lived near the site in the 1850s, according to State Parks.
Cabin rentals, boat docks and a general store also are available to visitors, according to the park’s website. Those amenities are operated by McArthur Burney Hospitality LLC.
This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 8:55 AM with the headline "Burney Falls, one of CA’s most picturesque waterfalls, is about to get harder to visit."
