There's More to Burney Than Burney Falls

Nestled in the heart of Northern California's intermountain region, the town of Burney offers visitors a gateway to some of the state's most stunning natural landscapes. While McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park and its iconic 129-foot waterfall often steal the spotlight, there's far more to discover in this rugged corner of Shasta County. To uncover the full story, head to the Burney Chamber of Commerce at BurneyChamber.com, a vital hub of information for the entire intermountain area. The chamber serves as a central resource, promoting the region's year-round recreation, community events, and hidden gems that draw adventurers from across the state.

McArthur-Burney Falls: A Mesmerizing Waterfall in Northern California - California Through My Lens

The intermountain area, encompassing peaks, valleys, and expansive farm and ranch lands, is home to evergreen forests, crystal-clear lakes, and towering mountains. Highlights include Burney Mountain at 7,863 feet, majestic views of Mount Shasta and Mount Lassen, and waterways like Hat Creek, Fall River, and Lake Britton. These natural wonders provide endless opportunities for fishing, hiking, camping, watersports, and winter activities such as snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The area also features unique sites like the Ash Creek Wildlife Area with its vernal pools and wetlands, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts seeking solace in California's untamed beauty. As a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, the region boasts premier hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting opportunities, with the famed Pacific Crest Trail passing directly through McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, offering thru-hikers and day visitors alike a chance to traverse this iconic long-distance path.

A Concise History of Burney and the Intermountain Area

Burney's history dates to the indigenous Ilmawi, Ajumawi, and Atsugewi tribes, who revered sites like Burney Falls as sacred grounds for visions and meditation. European fur trappers arrived in the early 1800s, but significant settlement began in the 1850s with pioneers like Samuel Burney, after whom the town and valley were named. Burney met a tragic end in 1859, killed in the area that would bear his name. The town was officially founded in 1874.

Notable figures include the McArthur family, who arrived in the 1860s and established extensive ranching operations, acquiring thousands of acres in the Fall River Valley for cattle and farming. John McArthur founded the town of McArthur in 1902 as a center for his ranching empire. In 1920, descendants Frank and Scott McArthur purchased and donated the land around Burney Falls to the state to prevent industrial development, leading to the creation of McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park in 1926.

Navigating the Well-Organized BurneyChamber.com

One of the chamber's standout features is its well-organized website, BurneyChamber.com, which acts as a user-friendly portal to the region. With a clean, simple structure featuring a top navigation bar, sectional descriptions of local communities, and easy-to-access subpages (like those for Burney, Old Station, and Fall River Valley), the site makes it effortless to explore. Visitors can download a comprehensive brochure, find links to external resources like state parks, and dive into detailed overviews of attractions—all without overwhelming clutter. This thoughtful layout ensures that whether you're planning a hike, looking for a bite to eat or seeking event info, the information is just a click away.

Spotlight on Community Events: The Endurance Run and More

The chamber's website and community outreach shine a light on the area's vibrant events calendar, fostering a sense of local pride and drawing visitors year-round. A particular highlight is the annual Burney Basin Days celebration, which includes the popular Endurance Run on July 3. This trail-running event, set against the stunning backdrop of the Historic Great Shasta Rail Trail and scenic forest roads, offers options for all levels: a 5K, 10K, and even a unique Burro Race where participants team up with pack animals for a quirky twist on endurance. All distances kick off at 7:30 a.m. from Black Ranch Road in Burney, with water stations along the course to keep runners hydrated amid the basin's breathtaking views.

Burney Endurance Run, Pack Burro Race - Images - Courtesy of BurneyChamber.com

Part of the larger Burney Basin Days festivities—celebrating its 70th year in recent iterations—the Endurance Run embodies the small-town charm and community spirit of the area. It's more than just a race; it's an invitation to stay for the fun, with parades, kid-friendly activities, and summer nights under the stars. Registration is available through platforms like UltraSignup.com, and the event encourages participants to "come for the run—stay for the fun!" Other events promoted through the chamber include explorations of nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park and local museum visits, ensuring there's always something happening in this dynamic region.

Another popular event in the area is the Inter Mountain Fair that takes place annually in McArthur. The fair features events like livestock exhibits, the Patriots Walk Veteran’s Memorial, rodeos, car shows, carnival games and rides and seasonal gatherings, making it a cherished community tradition. The fair is usually held at the end of August. We will update our Local Events page once it is officially scheduled.

Inter-Mountain Fair, McArthur, CA - Images courtesy of inter-mountainfair.com

Whether you're chasing waterfalls, tracing historical trails, or lacing up for an endurance challenge, Burney and its chamber of commerce prove there's indeed more to this Northern California gem than meets the eye. Plan your visit via BurneyChamber.com and breathe in the beauty—it's all good.