Burney Falls (Shasta County, California)

I have often heard about this magnificent waterfall from friends, but decided it was finally time to go see it for myself. I picked a nice May morning to head over the pass. The drive up through Susanville was pleasant as always, especially after passing the city itself and entering the Sierra Nevada range. Arriving at the park, I was amazed to see the crowd. There must have been 400 cars either parked or looking for parking. I knew this was going to be a popular destination, but I didn't think it would be this popular. After meandering around the lot, I finally found a parking spot in the overflow area.

Making my way to the nearby overlook at the falls, I captured my first view of this wonder. The fall is 129 feet tall and is divided into many small falls over the rock face. Two primary flows carry the bulk of the racing water, but they are joined by countless smaller flows streaming down the entire rock face to the blue pool below. This really is a beautiful waterfall.

Following the loop trail down, I make my way to the pool below and begin to become soaked by the fine spray created by the colliding water. As it is a pretty warm day, the mist is most welcomed. From any angle available to my camera, this fall offers wonderful views and majesty. I continue on around the loop and eventually make my way back to a small bridge crossing over the river above the falls. It has always amazed me to witness the power of water racing towards a cliff such as this. The raw power of nature at its finest.
 

In total the hike was just over a mile, but I was so busy taking pictures of this spectacular place that I hardly noticed the incline as I made my way up the switchbacks and returned to the jeep. A great day trip.