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Waterfalls always manage to make us stop and take note even if small and seasonal.
The mammoth, year-round waterfalls have the power not only to make us stop but they literally take our breathe away.
Awesome, gloriously simple works of nature. It is these attributes that make these really cool waterfalls.
Burney Falls is a 129 ft. waterfall and the pride of McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. This waterfall produces 100 million gallons of water per day, every day.
Theodore Roosevelt deemed it the "eighth wonder of the world." This is possibly the most beautiful waterfall in the state.
Great views are appreciated from the parking lot, or you can take a short walk to the base. All total the park provides five miles of hiking trails winding through evergreen forests. Making a day of it? After your hike enjoy a picnic lunch, and after lunch, Lake Britton offers boat rentals for your enjoyment.
This park is approximately 55 miles from Shasta Ranch Lodge. For more information contact the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park at: (530.335.2777)
If this doesn't fill your day, 30 miles down the road is Subway Cave. This is a self guided trail. Bring flashlight(s) this is a dark cave.
On your way to McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, you will be passing the "Mc Cloud Three".
Lower McCloud Falls, being the first of the three, all being within a 3.5 mile beautiful waterfall hike.
Only 15 feet high, packing a powerful force that launches the water off the spillway. With a swimming hole and a picnic area, this is the most popular of the three.
Middle McCloud Falls, the second of the three. Starting from Lower Falls it is an easy 20 minute hike. The waterfall scenery is amazing, there will be many photo opportunities. If your not up for the hike, this falls is accessible by car.
The largest waterfall of the three being about 50 ft. tall and 100 ft. wide, also providing a swimming hole. Not as popular as Lower Falls, but very scenic.
Upper McCloud Falls, the last in the series. Starting from Middle Falls it is an easy 5 minute hike. Tired from hiking the other falls? This one is also accessible by car.
Furthest, and least popular Upper McCloud Falls is approximately 30 ft. in height and possibly your own private swimming hole during your visit.
For directions and more information contact the McCloud Ranger Station. (530.964.2184) These falls are approximately 20 miles from Shasta Ranch Lodge.
For photographing waterfalls, these three will provide some spectacular pictures. Along with the waterfall scenery, from different points on the trail you will have views of the Mc Cloud River, Mount Shasta, and the Castle Crags. 
Burstarse Falls is a little known, 40 ft. waterfalls with solitude and amazing views of the Castle Crags's spires. The hike is a moderate, 6.4 mile round trip hike.
Located near the Castle Crags State Park in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. You can acquire directions and more information from the Mount Shasta Ranger Station. (530.926.4511). This park is approximately 20 miles from Shasta Ranch Lodge.
Hedge Creek Falls is located in the Dunsmuir City limits. Walking down the trail, the waterfall sounds increase with every step. In 5 short minutes, you are there.
While exploring the area you will notice the falls are accessible from behind. It is said this cave was used by Black Bart, an 1870's outlaw, he used it to hide from the law.
Another cool waterfall in Dunsmuir is Mossbrae Falls. A very popular hiking area. This 50 ft. waterfall bursting out of the canyon wall will be a total jaw dropping experience.
Mossbrae Falls is a mile walk from the Shasta Retreat parking area. The walk requires walking on the railroad right of way, to be safe, it is very advisable to contact the Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce for detailed instructions. (530.235.2177)
After your visit at Mossbrae Falls, continue on the railroad tracks for about a quarter mile. This is the location of the old Shasta Springs Resort. There will be several smaller cascades, then a larger one.
These waterfalls are very close, at just 8 miles, a quick 10 minutes from Shasta Ranch Lodge, your base camp to family fun, while visiting the Mt. Shasta area.
Faery Falls, the closest of them all. This one is less then 5 miles down the road from Shasta Ranch Lodge. If you have the energy, you can bike to this one.
From the Lodge, turn right on W.A.Barr road, for 1.7 miles, go over the dam, turn left to Castle Lake, turn immediately left again on Ney Springs Road, follow for 1.4 miles always staying to your right. You will see a sign " Cantara/Ney Springs "DON'T TURN THERE". Continue on about .4 of a mile to a dirt road on your right. Either park here or continue up the hill .4 of a mile, then park.
From this secondary parking area, 3 minutes up the trail, and 40ft. to your right is a stone wall with a fountain. Engraved in the fountain is " Ney Springs 1889. "
A branching trail to the left leads to the creek. Here, is what is left of a mineral springs bathing area, some concrete, and a stone wall. This is all that remains of the Ney Springs Resort.
Continuing up the trail approximately 3 more minutes, another trail to the left will lead down to the creek and on to a small waterfall. This picture is taken in early fall, low water flow.
Back at the main trail, travel up another 3 minutes. This trail to your left will take you to Faery Falls. At the base of the falls we were joined by numerous butterfly's.
The falls are about 50 ft. in height. For the full effect, Faery Falls is best to visit in late spring. Through the summer and fall, the water slows to a trickle. This picture also is taken in early fall.
A beautiful short hike, worth the effort to experience.
Hiking in our area offers an endless variety of hikes, for every skill level of hiker. This is just a small sampling of the most popular, and most accessible waterfall hikes. For the more adventurous hiker, contact the previous mention agencies for more information.
Be sure to obtain current maps and hiking guides. These will be great assets to your hike planning and enjoyment.
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