The strikingly clear, pure water comes from openings in the volcanic rock at and above the falls. A trail leads from the foot of the falls down to Lake Britton, where there is a boat ramp and a swimming beach. Burney Falls is not the highest nor largest waterfall in the state, but many people consider it the most beautiful. The strikingly clear, pure water flows from openings in the volcanic rock at and above the falls. The water temperature, even on hot summer days, is about 42 degrees fahrenheit.
Light penetrates deep into the clear water, reflecting a cool blue color.
A ny season is ideal for viewing the falls, which are easily accessible from the parking areas. In autumn, the water reflects splashes of red and yellow from the leaves of surrounding oak trees. Subfreezing mid-winter mornings often revel festoons of icicles on the cliff face. T hough the surrounding landscape is mostly dry in the summer, the falls still flow. Beneath most of the park and surrounding countryside lies dark volcanic rock, called basalt.