Friday, March 02, 2012

Burney Falls

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Burney Falls, Mc-Arthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park, CA
Burney Falls is the main attraction of Mc-Arthur Burney Falls Memorial State Park, in Burney, CA. This park is about 30 minutes drive North from Manzanita Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
From Lassen Volcanic National Park, we moved North to Mt Shasta area, and between Lassen and Mt Shasta are  the Subway Cave and Burney Falls. 
Burney Falls from the top viewing point
Burney Falls can be viewed from the top look-out just like in the above picture, with no hiking at all. However, there is a short and easy trail that goes down to the base of the fall and around the falls, a total of 3.5 miles round trip with approximately 200 ft change in elevation. 
Burney Falls as Seen from the trail, near the base
Burney Falls is not the tallest nor the largest waterfall in California, but it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I saw and definitely the most unique waterfall my eyes had set on. Unlike most waterfalls I saw which result from stream drop-off (where river flows over a large step in the rocks or rocky cliffs), Burney Falls is unique for me in such a way that it is a combination of stream drop-off and spring water emerging from the rocks.
Burney Falls
If you take a close look in the above picture, aside from the stream that drops off from the top of the cliff, there are many more water that comes out from the face of the rocky cliff. In fact, even though the Burney Creek at the top runs dry most of the year, Burney Falls continuously flows at 100 million gallons per day, really a wonder! Most of the waterfalls I saw, if the river or creek runs dry or will have little water flowing, the waterfall also runs dry. But not this waterfall. Why? Because the major source of water here is spring water from underground. 
Spring Water Coming Out from Burney Falls
Burney Falls was established as a National Parks Natural Landmark in 1984 for its examples of river drainage regulated by stratigrapically-controlled in a waterfall formed by undercutting of horizontal rock layers. The late President Theodore Roosevelt described Burney Falls as the "8th Natural Wonder of the World".

Burney creek comes from underground springs, flows to Lake Britton, getting larger as it flows to the majestic falls. Volcanic action was the dominant force that shaped this landscape. Volcanism is evident not only in the nearby Lassen and Shasta peak, but also in this park. This region is surrounded by mountain peaks and is covered by black volcanic rock, or basalt. The layered and porous basalt retains snow melt and rain water, forming a large underground reservoir.
Water Coming Out from Porous Rocks
Water coming out from porous rocks can be seen not only from Burney Fall but also from the other side rocks, there are just a lot of them around the area.

Spring Water Emerging from Rock
The maximum height for the falling spring water here is 129 ft, its unique character and beauty worth visiting if you are in the Lassen and Shasta area. 
Me at the side of Burney Falls

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29 comments:

  1. whhht, who's the sexy lady right there? =)

    breathtaking view! reminds me of the falls we have in our homeland. You really had a good roadtrip seeing all these great views.

    happy monday!!

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  2. HI Ayie, thanks. No, did not take a dip there, the water there is very cold :( since it comes from underground. Our best chance to take dip was at Manzanita lake, the water was warmer, but sadly, we did not bring any swim wear, well, next time :)

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  3. Hi betchai!! How was your 4th of july?

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  4. HI Ayie, it was good, thanks. How about your holiday weekend? Did you enjoy some fireworks show and some festivities?

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  5. Beautiful and fascinating post. I love the color of the water in the pool below the falls. Wonderful header photo. :)

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  6. we went to san francisco marina beach...saw some fireworks but too bad they didn't do it in golden gate so we're a bit off site. It was good too =) tnx

    i'll go for now....need to pick up hubs from work later on =)

    enjoy the rest of Monday!! TC

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  7. I love to see waterfalls, but there are not many big one over here. Burney Falls is fantastic with continuous flow of spring water.

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  8. Whoah!Betchai, this is amazing! And this is spring water? So beautiful! It's really a natural wonder and yes, one of the best in the world. You're so blessed to experience all this, Betchai.I can only sigh.=)

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  9. Wow...incredible waterfall pictures..It gives me such soothing feel..Love them, betchai!

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  10. Wow that is simply breathtaking. I never knew there was something so beautiful in the state of california! Awesome photos! Thanks so much for sharing...now I have to go visit

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  11. Wow! I am speechless with these photos, simply amazing.

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  12. This is amazing to me how small you are next to that mammoth waterfall!! How beautiful!

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  13. breathtaking water falls! just the sound of such could bring me to dreamland.., how much more seeing it in person and capuring it's great splendor? amazing!

    btw, love the photos with you in it. ;-)

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  14. What an amazing waterfall! Interesting to note that the water comes from underground spring water!Truly the 8th wonder of the world : )

    I always like to be near waterfalls - they produce negative ions which are great for health!

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  15. Wow...beautiful place! The waterfalls would make me go gaga...with my camera! :)

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  16. this is majestic. loved the first pic very much, glad you decided it to use it as your header.

    it really suits your blog. refreshing.

    by the way, ms beth, if you have time, you can check my filipino blog too. haha. i decided to make one :-)

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  17. I LOVE your new header! How awesome to have waterfalls so like that so near.

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  18. Beautiful waterfall pictures. It looks like you had a relaxing vacation without too many people around.

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  19. Hi Betchai, I just tagged you in a game :-) See the details at http://myqualityday.blogspot.com/

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  20. such compelling scenery, beth. as always, khai and you are master photographers...

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  21. I could easily meditate in a place that beautiful. I love the new header btw.

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  22. Hi Betchai,

    Spectacular view! Superb place.. I love to visit this place one day.

    Thanks a lot for sharing this..

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  23. Gorgeous photos, betchai. Your shots of the water have that nice, soft quality. And those are cute pics of you in front of the falls!

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  24. What great photos. The waterfall is beautiful. It definitely merits being in the header.

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  25. I'll say it's worth visiting.. that's one one of the most attractive falls I've ever seen. Great.

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  26. These falls take my breath away. I love waterfalls, even though I've only ever seen any in pictures, and these are maybe the best I've seen.

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  27. Looking at the photos, and reading this post again, I'm truly astounded by the amazing skills of our creator! It's just marvelous!

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  28. I love that picture of you with the waterfalls behind you !!!

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THANK YOU SO MUCH!!