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    McArthur Burney Falls State Park

    4.7 (362 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 8:30 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Cool rock
    Jennifer S.

    This review is specifically for Rim Campground, which is one of two campgrounds within McArthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park (the other is Pioneer). Rim Campground offers about 62 sites which can accommodate tents, vans, trailers, and RVs. The rules are exceptionally lax. Camping or sleeping in your vehicle is allowed as long as you pay your fees ($35/night, half off with qualifying passes). Since the Campground just reopened and it's still off season, sites were available on a first come first serve basis. Even though the day use area was extremely packed, I was easily able to find a camping space. (I came in early to mid April). Several handicap spots were available. I noticed that these were the only ones with metal bear boxes. All the other sites just had wooden cupboards. All of the sites had picnic tables and fire rings. They all seemed to be about the same size, which was decent and better spaced out than average. I chose site 50 practically at random, but ended up staying there 2 nights. My site had a few trees for shade. The hammock options weren't great. There were a lot of cool lava rocks, though. The bathrooms were clean enough. Showers were available for what worked out to 25 cents per minute. The ranger kiosk and visitor center were sadly both closed. The general store was open but was incredibly expensive-- even more so than Yosemite. My site was literally only about a half mile walk from Burney Falls, which was incredible. At night, when all the tourists were gone and everyone was quiet, I could hear the Falls. I could also hear a train horn, but it wasn't very loud-- I don't think most people would notice it. It sounds like maybe a mile away. I noticed some fresh broken glass on a nearby site that looked like car window glass. I wondered whether it had been broken by a human or a bear. There weren't any signs warning about breakins from either. I noticed that the cabins and other Campground were still closed. The town of Burney was only about a fifteen minute drive away, although there wasn't much there. Overall a pretty great experience and would definitely camp here again.

    Lower Falls
    Glen N.

    McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is the second-oldest in the California State Parks system. "Suck it!" says Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the OG. The park sits about six miles north of Burney, California--a town clinging to life with boarded-up businesses and a foundation of extinct volcanic rock. The town was named after settler Samuel Burney, who was found dead in the valley in 1857. This is true: instead of calling it "The Valley Where Burney Died," they just shortened it to "Burney." (Frankly, they missed an opportunity. They could've propped him up for tourists--Weekend at Burney's, anyone?) Let's be honest: the only real reason to visit Burney is the state park. It offers camping, five miles of hiking trails (including a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail), horseback riding, and plenty of water activities along five miles of Lake Britton shoreline and the creek. But the star attraction is Burney Falls. Fed by underground springs, Burney Falls sends 100 million gallons of water plunging 129 feet every single day--rain or shine, drought or deluge. Though it's not the tallest, wettest, or widest waterfall in California, its unique curtain-like flow has earned it the title of "the jewel of the California state park system." President Theodore Roosevelt even called it the Eighth Wonder of the World, and it was named one of "Northern California's most spectacular waterfalls" in 2021, by either National Geographic or Grindr, I forget. Sure, Yosemite has taller, more dramatic waterfalls--but Burney Falls (along with nearby McCloud Falls- separate review) might just be the prettiest. The paved path to the overlook is accessible to just about anyone. Adventurers can take the Falls Loop Trail, a ¾-mile route that drops down to the base of the falls. There's a solid wooden staircase on the steepest part, and the switchbacks offer a few steep, Candyland-style shortcuts if you're feeling bold. The only major downside? Parking. It's extremely limited. I visited the day before Memorial Day and got turned around at the entrance, even though we could see open spots inside. Like many others, we ended up parking along Highway 89--which can earn you a $71.50 fine or a tow.

    Carlita C.

    This spot has been on my list for a long time, so I was really excited to hear the falls had reopened, especially since I had already booked a camping trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park. We took a day out of our itinerary to visit Burney Falls, and it was absolutely worth the scenic drive from Lassen. We arrived in the afternoon and had about five cars ahead of us at the entrance. It costs $10 per vehicle to enter. The walk to the falls is short, about 0.3 miles downhill with handrails along the way. If you want to get down to the pool at the base of the falls, you'll need to walk across some rocks, so I definitely recommend wearing good water shoes with grip. The rocks can be pretty slippery. I was in awe the entire walk down. Standing at the base of the falls and looking up was unreal. The mist, the sound, the power of the water...it was mesmerizing. I ended up sitting there for a couple of hours, just taking it all in. California really does have everything, but this has to be one of its most beautiful waterfalls. The area is incredibly well maintained, and I'm grateful for the park staff and all the work they put in during the closure. The walk back up the hill is definitely steep, but with a few breaks, it's totally manageable. There's a small park store near the entrance where you can buy souvenirs, ice cream, snacks, and drinks. The bathrooms were impressively clean. I'm so thankful I got to experience this place and hope I can return someday. It's an accessible and unforgettable spot that I truly believe everyone should experience at least once.

    Sarah S.

    The falls are absolutely gorgeous and a must see!! We arrived around 1000 on a Friday where we had to park in overflow, so I suggest to go early. They have a gift shop that sells softserve icecream so we grabbed one of those and talked to the store clerk who also runs the marina where he explained the boating and kayaking options, fishing, etc. Afterwards we hiked the paved path down to the falls. The path has an incline and is wet in some areas so exercise caution as we saw someone fall and bust her knee open. The falls are so beautiful from every angle, and very worth the trip! After taking a ton of photos we walked on another path that took us to a cool bridge crossing the river. Then headed over to the marina area and rented a kayak for 4 hours for $85, which is great price honestly. The guy at the boat rental area was very nice and accomodating. The sun was out in full force so take your sunscreen! We fished and caught a few small mouth bass but nothing we could keep. After we turned in our kayaks we found a picnic area and grilled up some food. Overall we really enjoyed our day at this park and highly recommend!!

    follow da trail
    Darwin P.

    the whole trip and journey to Burney falls was amazing and one i recommend everyone take! the drive there for me was 4 hours and a half from walnut creek, but with the views, rivers and conversation on the way there, time flies! the entrance fee is $10 per vehicle, and there is plenty parking. i came on a monday, but i bet its way more packed on the weekends upon arrival and parking, you'll see the gift store, with food and beverages, and the directions towards Burney Waterfall. other routes take you to trails that branch to the waterfall, or away from it we came for the waterfall, and it was a beauty of God's creation. you truly feel the outside, its wildlife and the peace with it. i wasn't trailing though, not at 106 degrees, brothers its a MUST to visit Burney Falls PS: there is like, NO INTERNET here

    Our sandwich and soda(with no flavor or fizz)
    Sharon T.

    Easy to find, $10 entrance fee per car. We drove through their huge campground wish we'd had our camping gear maybe next time. Small parking lot by the park store with a large overflow parking lot across the road. Store is small and mostly a gift store. We were hungry so ordered the pastrami sandwich combo. Took about 10-15 min. Came with a drink asked for no ice told I needed ice soda is hot so said ok. We ate at the picnic bench outside sandwich had very little meat and soda tasted like water no fizz or flavor very disappointed in both, next time we'll plan ahead on food. There is a large clean bathroom next to the store. Short walk over to the fabulous falls. They are beautiful!! I'm so glad we stopped to see them.

    Nicho S.

    If you are on the way to Mount Shasta, look up this place. It is about an hour in off the path, but totally worth it. They charge $10 to go in. They have restrooms and an easy, moderate trail that will lead you to different angles of the fall. Truly a beautiful location.

    Jenny I.

    Rim campground gets an A+. Easy enough to navigate, spots are spacious, campground has very clean restrooms, with showers. Firewood-for-sale sheds abound ($18 will take care of 1 fire a night). Campsite was cheap, maybe $35 a night. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. There was a visitor center which we didn't see because it was closed during the week. General store has overpriced snacks, drinks, tshirts and trinkets. I heard there's a grill selling food in there, but that was closed when we were there as well. It's an insanely short walk to the Falls overlook. The hike down to the base on the falls and back up takes about 45 minutes and it's fairly steep. But oh so worth it. The falls are an incredible sight. When everyone is really quiet at night you can hear the sound of the falls in the campground. Truly the dreamiest sound. Oh and also, I wish I had known before we got there but when we were there I saw on the map that the edge of a lake is technically in the state park. We drove to it from Rim campground (about 6 minutes) and were pleasantly surprised. There's a warm, sandy beach, a roped area for people to swim or wade into the water, a snack bar, and paddle boat rentals. Great spot!

    Albert L.

    Awe-inspiring! There's is a slow line getting into the park when we arrived around 2PM on a weekday, but it didn't toooo long. The parking lot was almost full, so they might have turned people away at a certain point. The path leading to and from the falls is well paved and easy to follow. The Pacific Crest Trail runs right along here, so it's cool to chat and see the hikers pass by on their journey.

    A picture is worth 1000 words!!
    Nathan D.

    Great spot for a short hike and some incredible views of a beautiful waterfall. Bummer that the trails to lake britton along burney creek are closed making already short hikes even shorter, but Burney Falls is a must see if you are in the area. There is a great campground at the park with a lovely gift shop / store / cafe. Great place to visit for a couple hours.

    Wow..
    Krishna H.

    If California's waterfalls were royalty, Burney Falls would wear the crown--and it makes sure everyone gets an audience. Tucked inside McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, this 129-foot cascade is shockingly easy to reach: pay the $10 day-use fee at the gate, park, stroll a paved path for a couple of minutes, and boom--there's the viewpoint, misty spray in your face. Photographers, bring extra memory cards. Between the lacy side-streams fanning out like bridal veils and the turquoise plunge pool, every angle looks curated for Instagram. Early morning light sets the falls aglow, while late afternoon brings dramatic shadows and perfect back-lighting for silhouette shots. Even smartphone photos here look pro-level. Pro Tips 1. Mind the parking signs. Rangers strictly enforce "No Parking" zones outside the main lots, and tickets are no joke--stick to designated spaces. 2. Pack a light jacket; the canyon mist can feel surprisingly cool even on hot summer days. 3. Hit the trail clockwise to keep the best viewpoints in front of you on the descent. Accessible, family-friendly, and jaw-droppingly beautiful, Burney Falls turns a quick pit stop into a bucket-list experience. Whether you're a road-trip warrior chasing Northern California gems or just craving a nature fix without the mileage, this waterfall delivers pure magic--no strenuous trek required.

    At the overlook
    Renee N.

    After a long day beginning at the crack of dawn to hike and summit Lassen Peak, my wonderful husband decided to surprise me on our way to Oregon with a stop here at these magnificent falls. We were there in mid September at around 5-6pm. The park was pretty empty which made it easy and nice to walk down the short trail and loop to see the falls. This was a soul filling experience for me. I was so awed by the sound of the falls and the views. There is a small fee of $10 to park your vehicle and the park is open from 8:00am to sunset. No dogs are allowed on the trail down to the falls, but are allowed at the overlook. The falls are named after a settler by the name of Samuel Burney who lived in the area during the 1850's. Thankfully between him and the McArthur family they were able to save the falls and the land from development. They ended up gifting the property to the State of California. A 129 foot fall occurs in the middle and 100 million gallons of water flow over it every day. They are at their most intense during the spring from all the snow melt. Along with the falls, there is a campground and rental cabins to stay. There are boat rentals to take out on Lake Britton and plenty of fishing in the park as well. I love that the Pacific Crest Trail travels through this park on its way to Canada. Definitely worth the stop to get out and enjoy this "Eighth Wonder of the World" per President Theodore Roosevelt.

    05.25.24
    May A.

    National natural landmark [Burney CA] Parking fee is $10. Park hours are 8:00a to sunset. We arrived around 9:25a and we found there to be plenty more parking. Burney Falls from the parking lot was just a short walk at 150-ft. The park is best known for the spectacular 129 foot tall Burney Falls. It does get crowded. The viewing area at the top of the falls was pretty but our visit was limited. The hike down to the base is 0.3 miles. Unfortunately, this popular hike down to the falls was temporarily closed for critical repairs. Bummer. Yes, Falls Loop Trail and Burney Creek Trail are temporarily closed for improvements until the remaining of 2024. The General Store had a nice supply of merchandise and souvenirs. It also stocked some sundries and groceries for campers -- baked beans, pork & beans, SPAM, sausage, coffee and cream, cereal, canned soup are just a few. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is the second oldest park in the California State Park system. Review #3454

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    Page 1 of 10

    Ask the Community - McArthur Burney Falls State Park

    Anyone been on a weekday? Have crowds and being able to even get in be an issue?

    What forms of payment do they accept at the general store? Cards?

    Cash and credit cards can be used when the kiosk is,open at the front gate. If you plan to arrive very early or late, bring cash. Thanks!

    What's the outlook (2021, specifically) for the stream fishing above the falls? When I was a kid, my dad used flies, while we used salmon eggs and worms for Rainbow, Brown, and Brooke Trout, during the Summers. I'd love to do that as an adult!

    Fishing in the streams at Burney Falls is seasonal and subject to all CA Fish and Wildlife regulations. Open fishing season for Burney Creek is the last Saturday in April - November 15. Everyone over 16 must have a fishing license. Upstream of… Read more

    Is this dog friendly?

    Pets have to be on a leash at all times and are restricted on certain trails. Please check their website for further details. Enjoy and be safe.

    I have a cabin rented at Burney falls next weekend, will I be able to rent canoe or paddle board at the lake?

    Unfortunately, the lake is suffering from an algae bloom dangerous to people and pets. So, no canoes or paddle boats are to be rented. There is a pontoon boat and a couple of fishing boats for rent, but the weekend will be a busy one. The Park… Read more

    What trail can dogs access? Are service dogs allowed to go in the trails?

    Dogs are permitted on the Cemetery Trail on a leash but not on other trails. Registered service dogs are permitted on trails.

    Can you swim in the falls?

    The water in the falls pool is terrifically cold and the currents are dangerous. Swimming is not permitted at the falls. The Park has a lovely lake, Lake Britton, with a swimming beach, and a marina with lake access and boating rentals.

    Is it better to come in the late afternoon/early evenings on a weekday to avoid crowds (around 5 or 6pm)?

    It would be better to arrive late in the day for a brief visit. As you likely know, the Park is now closed to camping, so unless you have reserved a cabin, you would be able to stay for a couple of hours. You could also arrive early in the day.… Read more

    Is there picnic area or place to setup little canopy?

    Yes indeed. The Park is closed to camping, but open for day use. There are picnic areas with room for a little canopy.

    Can I bring my dogs?

    Dogs can be in the park. They must be on a leash. They are not permitted on most trails. Thank you for asking.

    Are you guys open?

    The Park is open for day use; camping is being cancelled from this week through Labor Day. The cabins, store and boat rental will remain open. The Park has been extremely busy, so it is temporarily closed for parts of the day when all the parking… Read more

    Is there plenty of parking or is it always packed? I live far so I want to make sure I could get a spot!

    The Park has become much busier since the opening for day use. As you know, camping is not currently permitted and the Visitor Center and Park Store remain closed. Weekdays should be fine, but come as early as possible on weekends. It has been a… Read more

    With the parking lot closed to vehicles where can people park? Thank you

    You will need to park on Highway 89 and walk in. Be careful to pull completely off the highway, as it is a highway where cars and trucks travel at some speed. McArthur Burney Falls Interpretive Association

    My mom is disabled and can't walk very far. How long is the path from the parking lot to the waterfall and is it wheelchair accessible?

    The Burney Creek Trail is accessible for 1.25 miles. The trail starts at accessible parking spaces located at the Lake Britton Beach parking lot. This trail provides an accessible trail route from the beach parking lot to an overlook of Burney Falls.

    How is the weather in mid November?

    It is likely to be cool and clear, though snow has rarely occurred that early. The Park is especially nice in the off season!

    Hi just double checking because its a holiday weekend: is the park open September 1st?

    Yes we are - all holiday weekend. McArthur Burney Falls Interpretive Association

    Is it wheelchair accessible?

    The viewing area for the falls is wheelchair accessible and, of course, restrooms and the Visitor Center as well. The trail around the falls is not. There are accessible campground sites. If you would like to stay longer and camp, contact the… Read more

    Can I bring my dog here?

    Dogs are permitted in the Park, but must be on a leash. One trail is available for dogs on a leash; others do not permit dogs. Thank you for asking! McArthur Burney Falls Interpretive Association

    How long is the hike from parking lot to the waterfalls? We are planning to go there on August! Is it easy for 5 years old kids to hike? Thank you!

    The viewing area for the falls is just across the street from the parking area. There is a loop trail from the viewing area to the base of the falls and back up that is just over a mile. It is do-able for children. We hope you enjoy your visit!… Read more

    Are dogs allowed at the park?

    Dogs are allowed in the park, but they must be on a leash. They are not allowed on most trails, in deference to the wild animals who live here. There is one trail where dogs on leash are allowed. Thank you for asking. McArthur Burney Falls… Read more

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    Review Highlights - McArthur Burney Falls State Park

    There are plenty of places to picnic, a store to buy supplies or souvenirs, or rent boats for Lake Britton.

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    Castle Crags State Park

    Castle Crags State Park

    4.3(70 reviews)
    36.0 mi

    From the guest services to the camp host this place has excellent amenities and staff. Very clean…read moreand well maintained facilities. The hike to the Crags is a once in a lifetime experience that if you are able to do you should not miss. Beautiful great views of Shasta and Lassen from the top of the Dome at the Crags. Be well rested, hydrated and prepared as it is a hefty hike. Also get to the trail head parking lot early as it fill up quickly! Thank you Christina and Woody!

    I spent the past four nights here, and it was very quiet, dark, and peaceful…read more Quiet with the caveat that there was a TON of train noise. But if you like white noise, that might be a plus. This was the darkest campground I've ever camped at so far. The view of the stars was great. The cold was on another level. I wouldn't recommend tent camping unless you really know what you're doing. Theoretically, this campground has free showers, but they are closed for the season. I couldn't help but notice that the windows have been broken into and boarded back up. There was theoretically potable water, but it tasted a little funky. Most of the pumps were broken, which made it seem like maybe the rest are about to be determined to be broken soon. There was an electric outlet in the bathroom with a sign warning not to leave personal items. In site 25, which is reserved for PCT hikers, I found another sign warning that items are frequently stolen from the bathrooms, and to use the outlets hidden in the amphitheater instead. (There is also a Starbucks about fifteen minutes away in Shasta.) A trail behind site 25 leads to the PCT, but the trail was currently full of fallen trees and hazards. Another trail near Vista Point turned out to be a safer route to the PCT. A 2 mile trail leads from the campground to Vista Point, where you can either keep hiking, or take in the panoramic views of Mt. Shasta, Castle Crags, and the Gray Rocks. I chose site 38 to camp in, which was at the end of the line of sites that are currently open. The first two nights, I paid with the self serve envelope. The rest I purchased from the Ranger Station. Camping was only $25/night, half off with qualifying passes. So it only cost me $50 to stay here 4 nights. The spaces on the main road were huge, and very well spaced. There was a camp host on duty on site 20, and maintenance came through every day to clean the restrooms and empty the trash. I didn't see much wildlife except for a lot of birds. Wildflowers were just beginning to bloom on the trails. There isn't much to do near the campground, but I found this to be a great place to have some relative peace and quiet for a few days.

    Photos
    Castle Crags State Park
    Castle Crags State Park
    Castle Crags State Park - Small rainbow trout

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    Small rainbow trout

    Lassen Volcanic National Park - Lassen Peak

    Lassen Volcanic National Park

    4.7(241 reviews)
    37.5 mi

    For how relatively close we live to Lassen, it's a shame we didn't make it up here sooner! This…read morepark is absolutely beautiful and didn't have nearly the amount of people as we expected. Made for a peaceful trip. There are so many wonderful things to see and do here that I wish we had more time to really explore it all. The Paradise Meadow Trail was a surprisingly wonderful, peaceful trail that had very few people on it and ended with a gorgeous view overlooking a grassy field and the mountains beyond. Very small parking area (5ish spots), so if you wanna do it, take a parking spot when you can! We also hiked the Lassen Peak Trail up to the true summit. Definitely a strenuous hike, but it's worth it at the end when you're looking out over Lassen National Park. But, the gem of Lassen National Park, is Bumpass Hell Trail. Only open for about 4 months of the year, this hike brings you to the park's main hydrothermal area. Both beautiful and awe-inspiring, it's definitely worth the walk. Parking can be tough, so plan ahead. And if you've been to Yellowstone, definitely temper your expectations - it's beautiful but doesn't reach the grandeur of their hydrothermal areas. The only thing on our list we did not get to visit was Manzanita Lake. Wish we could've made it there, but we traded our time for the lake to summit Lassen Peak. So it'll definitely be a must-stop on our return trip. Overall, Lassen was such an incredible time. You can do it in one day if that's all you have, but if you can manage at least 2 days, you'll get to experience more of what the park has to offer. Highly recommend!

    Only visited Lassen for a short afternoon hike at Manzanita Lake, but what a beautiful park it is…read more Since it's a National Park there was a $30 entrance fee, no one was at the booth when we arrived, but they had signage on how to pay online, and told you where you could find wifi to do so. We did the Manzanita Lake loop, which was about two miles. The trail was easy but took a long time because we kept stopping to take pictures of the beautiful views. We did the trail clockwise and it took a little while to get to the ultimate view, but I was glad it wasn't immediate so that we had something to really look forward to while on the trail. We parked at the Loomis Museum lot where there was a bathroom and small visitor center/gift shop. Parking was pretty full when we arrived, but emptied out quite a bit when we were leaving. They had kayak rentals on the lake, we had originally planned to do it, but time didn't permit on this trip. Rangers at the visitor center/shop were very knowledgeable, I heard one giving information about the plethora of trials and areas of the park, and wow are there a lot of trials!

    Photos
    Lassen Volcanic National Park
    Lassen Volcanic National Park
    Lassen Volcanic National Park

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    Helen Lake

    Helen Lake

    4.8(4 reviews)
    38.4 mi

    really lovely, clear blue-green lake to look at, walk around and/or have a picnic. on the day we…read morevisited, the weather was perfect....mid-upper 70s, sunny, breezy, and we saw visitors doing all 3 and just enjoying this little gem in lassen nat'l park. hubby and i took the time to admire this lake, snap a few pics, then walk around the lake, mainly b/c i was curious how long it would take to walk around and how many miles it was....answer? 24 minutes and 0.79 miles! normally, i'd be able to walk this distance in under 20 minutes, but given how bumpy the walking path was, it took a bit longer and i had to slowly step over a few of the rocky passages. there's plenty of spots for people to sit and sunbathe or have a snack. there are also a few picnic benches higher up from the lake, and we saw a family bring their camping stove and cook lunch there. lots of free parking all along the rim of the lake as well as separate men's & women's restrooms and trash/recycling receptacles. i'll definitely plan on a longer visit the next time i'm here and perhaps bring my portable stove to make myself a feast and enjoy this lovely lake!

    Lake Helen is a simple quick-stop feature as you venture along the 30 mile Lassen Volcanic Parkway…read more The reason why I'd like to mention Lake Helen is because of how beautiful and COLORFUL I found this place to be! Wow....I was pretty stunned by the mixture of the still melting snow with what seemed like turquoise blue waters....and this was the status when I visited back in the middle of July! There's really not much to Lake Helen other than stopping, getting out of your car and taking scenic photographs of the area with this stunning lake as the focal point. During my visit to Lassen National Park, it was one of the first few attractions I came upon as I navigated the parkway from the main, southwest entrance all the way up towards the Manzanita Lake Camping Area. In estimation....I'd say it was located about 5 - 10 miles going along Lassen Parkway. It can't be missed from the road. I saw plenty of cars parked with visitors playing by the snow and capturing photos of this picturesque surrounding. I certainly took a few moments to appreciate the landscape. Although Lassen NP has a rugged and brownish exterior from the high elevations and chilly winter setting,....this Lake Helen was a wonderful reprieve from the mostly out of bloom and dull terrain I found the park to be. Although there's not much to Lake Helen other than observing the wonderful blue coloring of the waters mixed with the snowy ice melting....it was still quite a fascinating revelation to witness such an unheralded and strikingly colorful roadside attraction.

    Photos
    Helen Lake
    Helen Lake - Appreciating the scenery....

    Appreciating the scenery....

    Helen Lake - Gazing out onto the lake. This roadside stop is worthwhile!

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    Gazing out onto the lake. This roadside stop is worthwhile!

    Lake Siskiyou - Shasta views

    Lake Siskiyou

    3.5(27 reviews)
    40.0 mi

    What a gorgeous place to spend time relaxing with an incredible view of Shasta. We were able to…read morefind parking at one of the public access lots, which is free, and then took a short wander down to the lakeshore to take in the majestic beauty. Highly recommend pulling off the interstate for a rest stop here to stretch your legs and breathe in the crisp air!

    I stopped by Lake Siskiyou twice during my recent trip to the Mt Shasta area. Once was to sit by…read morethe water and relax, following a long hike earlier in the day and have lunch at the nearby resorts bar & grill (separate review for that.) The second visit was to hike the trail along the lake. For the beach time, it was a week day and it too crowded. I was able to snag a bench near the resort's public beach and enjoy the iconic views of Mt Shasta. As for the lakeside trail, it goes all the way around and is approximately 7 miles. I was short on time, so did a 3 mile out and back. Along the way, there are forested paths, Mt Shasta views and meadows to enjoy. The trail wasn't well signed and I lost it at some points. Since I was only doing a small section of it, I just followed the lakeshore best I could on my out and back. Early morning, it was a peaceful place. I'd love to come back and see about kayaking the lake or doing the entire trail. Lovely spot and a nice way to unwind near Shasta

    Photos
    Lake Siskiyou
    Lake Siskiyou - Great swimming spot, drops off fairly quickly and is deep and cold!

    Great swimming spot, drops off fairly quickly and is deep and cold!

    Lake Siskiyou - View on the way out

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    View on the way out

    Mount Shasta

    Mount Shasta

    4.8(36 reviews)
    39.4 mi

    Mount Shasta is an incredibly beautiful mountain and volcano. If your driving between Seattle and…read moreLos Angeles you can't miss it from the highway. There are probably a couple different cities that you can enjoy Mount Shasta from but my favorite city is Weed. They have hotels and gift shops and is a cute little town with everything you need. There are two exits for Weed off the highway. One exit is the 'old town' part that is more cute and the other exit is the newer part. I think staying a night here is a perfect thing to do as the scenery is so pleasant. It really is a destination. So often to see natural beauty like this you have to sacrifice comforts of city living. Not with Mount Shasta - its a town that has it all and is just steps away from a little nature walk with an incredible backdrop. It is a real sight to see when you have this regular old Shell Gas station or even Grocery Outlet where the backdrop is the volcano. I don't think you can ever get tired of the harmony here of man made combined with nature.

    Incredible volcano and mountain…read more Really recommend spending some time around the nature in this area, even if you won't be committing a summit climb. I went up this past weekend with the attempt to summit Shasta and had a really nice time. The town of Mt. Shasta has a few restaurants and some decent accomodations for sleeping (slept in Loge with our group which was great)... As for the hike, we went up and started at Bunny Flats and camped at Helen Lake for the night and then going for the summit via the Avalanche Gulch route. It was a beautiful and trying hike...definitely be familiar with the risks and have the proper skills to manage them if attempting. All in all; Mount Shasta is majestic and magical. Spend some time here!

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    Mount Shasta
    Mount Shasta
    Mount Shasta

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    McArthur Burney Falls State Park - hiking - Updated July 2026

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